Maddy summarySB 6231 removes a tax exemption that previously allowed data centers to avoid sales tax on equipment replacements. This directly affects data center operators and tenants who currently benefit from the exemption, ending new applications after July 1, 2026, and requiring existing exemption holders to meet new job creation rules. Specifically, data centers must demonstrate a net increase of 35 family-wage jobs (or 3 per 20,000 sq ft) to maintain their exemption, with the requirement applying to both owners and tenants. All existing exemptions for equipment replacement will expire by July 1, 2048, and no new exemptions can be issued after 2026. The bill aims to generate state revenue by ending this tax preference while tying existing benefits to job growth requirements.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 6228 removes a tax exemption for businesses that warehouse and resell prescription drugs, making this activity subject to a 0.5% tax on gross income under Washington's business tax code (RCW 82.04.280). It directly affects drug wholesalers and retailers registered with the federal DEA and licensed by Washington's Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission. The bill repeals the existing exemption (RCW 82.04.272) and adds "warehousing and reselling drugs for human use pursuant to a prescription" to the list of taxable activities. The tax change takes effect January 1, 2027, aiming to increase state general fund revenue.
Maddy summarySB 6346 would impose a new tax on Washington households with annual income of $1 million or more, affecting approximately the top 0.5% of earners. Revenue generated would fund K-12 education, health care, higher education, and human services programs. The tax excludes income from selling family-owned businesses and real estate, while also including reductions to sales taxes on essentials like personal care products and business taxes through credits. This policy aims to shift tax burden toward high earners to support public services, as the bill states Washington’s current system is the second most regressive in the nation.
Maddy summarySB 6034 creates a new cabinet-level office within the governor's administration called the Office of Indian Affairs. This office directly affects federally recognized tribes in Washington, state agencies, and tribal organizations by establishing formal processes for government-to-government collaboration. Key provisions require the office to advise state agencies on tribal relations, mandate training for state leaders on tribal engagement, coordinate annual meetings with tribal nations, and develop accessible training for all state employees. The office must submit annual reports detailing its activities, funding, and progress toward strengthening state-tribal partnerships. It operates independently from state funds, allowing it to accept private gifts for tribal engagement events.
Maddy summarySB 6002 limits how Washington state and local agencies can use automated license plate reader (ALPR) systems, which track vehicle movements. It requires agencies to register ALPR systems with the attorney general and maintain detailed records of all system access (like who used it and why), while prohibiting use for immigration enforcement, in healthcare facilities, schools, or places of worship. Agencies may only use ALPRs for specific purposes, such as checking against stolen vehicle lists, missing persons databases, or parking enforcement. The law aims to balance public safety with privacy by restricting data collection and ensuring transparency in how license plate data is accessed and stored.
Maddy summarySB 5862 would provide annual cost-of-living adjustments for retirees in Washington's Plan 1 teachers' and public employees' retirement systems. It specifies 1.5% or 3% increases to monthly benefits, with maximum monthly increases of $62.50 or $110 depending on the year. These adjustments apply to retirees receiving benefits as of July 1 in specific years (2017-2025), effective July 1, 2026. The bill does not affect retirees under other benefit categories.
Maddy summarySB 5925 expands the Washington Attorney General's authority to issue written civil investigative demands during investigations into possible violations of specific state and federal laws. It allows the Attorney General to require entities or individuals to produce documents, provide written answers, or give oral testimony, with clear requirements for how these demands must be structured and served. The bill specifies that demands must detail the laws under investigation, describe requested materials precisely, set reasonable deadlines, and protect privileged information. It also includes confidentiality rules prohibiting disclosure of the demand without court approval, with misdemeanor penalties for violations. The law applies only to civil investigations, not criminal prosecutions.
Maddy summarySB 6237 requires landlords in Washington to disclose flood risk information to tenants for new rental agreements signed after December 31, 2026. Specifically, landlords must inform tenants if a property is in a flood hazard area, clarify that landlord insurance typically doesn’t cover tenant belongings, and recommend renters’ and flood insurance. They must also provide details on where to access local flood hazard maps from county governments. This law directly affects renters in flood-prone areas and landlords who must include these disclosures in lease agreements. The bill aims to increase transparency about flood risks without changing insurance requirements or costs.
Maddy summarySB 5981 prevents drug manufacturers from restricting how Washington's safety net providers (like community health centers, hospitals serving low-income patients, and HIV clinics) use contract pharmacies to dispense discounted 340B medications. It prohibits manufacturers from denying access to these drugs, blocking contract pharmacy arrangements, or demanding extra data as a condition for supply. The bill allows covered entities to sue for violations, with penalties up to $5,000 per drug package, and requires annual reporting of 340B program activity. This directly protects vulnerable patients' access to affordable medications while safeguarding funding that safety net providers rely on for community services like screenings and financial assistance.
Maddy summarySB 5892 strengthens privacy protections for Washington's voter registration database by exempting specific sensitive information from public disclosure. It prohibits sharing voter contact details (phone/email on ballot envelopes), voter signatures, and technical election infrastructure details, while also protecting voted ballots and related records. The bill makes it a class C felony for election officials to knowingly misuse or disclose confidential voter data like driver's license numbers or social security numbers. Requests for database records must now be directed to the Secretary of State, not local counties, to centralize access and enhance security.