Sen. Derek Stanford

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5284 aims to improve Washington's solid waste management and increase recycling rates, which have remained static. It establishes an extended producer responsibility program for consumer packaging and paper products. Under this program, producers are required to fund and manage the lifecycle of these materials, from design to end-of-life. The goal is to make convenient and affordable curbside recycling more widely available to residents, particularly those in rural and multifamily areas, by building upon existing waste and recycling infrastructure.

Maddy summarySB 5786 increases the fees for various licenses, permits, and endorsements in Washington state. This directly affects individuals and businesses that require these permits, particularly those related to the liquor and alcohol industry. The bill amends numerous sections of the Revised Code of Washington, allowing the relevant board to prescribe the new, higher fees for these permits.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5390 updates the cost of the Discover Pass, which is required for vehicle access to Washington state-owned recreation sites like state parks and lands managed by the departments of Fish and Wildlife and Natural Resources. The bill increases the annual Discover Pass fee from $30 to $45. It also directs the Office of Financial Management to review the pass cost every four years and recommend adjustments to account for inflation. Additionally, the bill modifies the distribution of funds collected from Discover Pass sales, increasing the initial revenue threshold for allocation to state agencies from $71 million to $85 million per fiscal biennium.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the formula for allocating state funding to support basic education in Washington state school districts. It outlines how funds are distributed based on the resources needed for "prototypical" elementary, middle, and high schools. The formula specifies minimum staffing levels for classroom teachers, including average class sizes for various grades and subjects, and allocations for other essential school staff like principals and support personnel. Additionally, it mandates the Superintendent of Public Instruction to report per-pupil allocations for different programs to enhance transparency, while generally allowing districts flexibility in how they use these funds.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5628 regulates the lead content in aluminum and brass cookware, utensils, and their components sold in Washington state. Beginning January 1, 2026, manufacturers, retailers, and wholesalers are prohibited from selling these products if they contain more than 90 parts per million of lead. This limit will further decrease to 10 parts per million starting January 1, 2028. The bill aims to reduce potential lead exposure for consumers from these kitchen items, and the Department of Ecology may further lower the limit after 2030 if necessary for public health.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5148 creates a new process for Washington state counties and cities to ensure their housing plans comply with state growth management laws. It allows local governments to submit their housing elements and development regulations to the Department of Commerce for review. These plans will not take effect until the Department determines they meet various state housing requirements. The Department can also mandate review for jurisdictions not adequately planning for or producing sufficient housing, especially for diverse income levels. This aims to improve local government compliance with housing goals under the Growth Management Act.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5632 aims to protect the confidentiality of records and information related to protected health care services that are lawful in Washington state, specifically defining these as gender-affirming treatment and reproductive health care services. The bill prevents Washington state courts, law enforcement, and agencies from cooperating with other states' investigations or legal actions that seek to impose civil or criminal penalties for these services. It also prohibits Washington-based electronic communication service providers from knowingly sharing information or complying with out-of-state legal processes concerning these services, unless an attestation confirms the request is not for enforcing another state's law against lawful care. This legislation directly affects individuals seeking or providing such care, as well as state government entities and certain businesses operating in Washington.

Maddy summarySubstitute Senate Bill 5104 aims to protect employees in Washington state from workplace coercion based on their immigration status. The bill defines "coercion" as threatening to make an employee act against their legal rights, and "threat" as using an employee's or their family's immigration status to deter them from exercising their rights under state labor laws. It specifically addresses employers who use such threats to coerce employees regarding wage payment or labor condition requirements. This legislation amends existing law to include these protections and prescribes penalties for violations.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5294 consolidates the financial management of several professional licenses by transferring their dedicated accounts into a single "Business and Professions Account." It directly affects professionals such as architects, real estate appraisers, and geologists, whose licensing fees will now be deposited into this centralized account. The bill repeals the separate statutory accounts for these specific professions and mandates that any remaining funds from those accounts be transferred into the consolidated Business and Professions Account by February 28, 2026. The Department of Licensing will manage this unified account and is required to provide annual reports detailing the revenues and expenditures for each profession. This legislation aims to streamline the financial operations related to various professional licensing activities, taking effect on January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5528 requires electricians installing electric vehicle charging equipment on public works projects in Washington State to be certified by the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) or a similar nationally recognized program. This ensures consistent safety and effectiveness standards for the electrical components of these installations and maintenance. The requirement applies only if the certification program is open to all general journeyman level electricians. Apprentices are exempt when supervised by a certified journeyman, and installations contracted before January 1, 2026, are also excluded.