Sen. Bob Hasegawa

Maddy summarySB 5387 requires that healthcare providers, not corporations or non-clinicians, own and control medical practices in Washington. It mandates that licensed providers hold majority ownership, majority of board seats, and all officer roles in professional medical corporations. The bill prohibits contracts between medical practices and management companies that would allow non-clinical entities to influence clinical decisions, such as patient care timing, diagnoses, or treatment options. Hospitals, nursing homes, and certain other facilities (like telemedicine groups) are excluded from these requirements.

Maddy summarySB 5386 requires Washington schools to improve support for students who experience sexual assault by creating a youth advisory council to review and recommend changes to reporting policies and training. The bill mandates schools to provide trauma-informed training for staff every three years on responding to abuse disclosures, including bystander intervention. It also requires the state education office to develop a culturally informed, translated student and family guide explaining school policies on sexual misconduct by November 2026. These changes directly affect school staff, students, and families in public K-12 schools, focusing on practical resources rather than new legal obligations. The bill expires August 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySB 5609 requires local governments (cities and counties) to follow specific cultural resource protections when approving certain land use projects that normally skip full environmental reviews under Washington’s SEPA law. To qualify for this exemption, local governments must have a data-sharing agreement with the state archaeology department, a local ordinance protecting historic sites (or a tribe-approved cultural plan), and written consultation agreements with affected tribes. The bill applies to projects exempt under existing laws or future rules, ensuring cultural resources are considered even for smaller developments. This changes how local governments handle approvals for activities like minor construction or renovations without requiring full environmental impact studies. The law aims to balance development with preserving cultural heritage through standardized local and tribal collaboration.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic Senate Resolution (SR 8696), not a bill with legal effect. It formally recognizes Washington State's deep economic, cultural, and environmental ties with Canada, particularly highlighting shared border communities like Point Roberts and mutual interests in trade, clean energy, and marine conservation. The resolution does not create new laws or change policies but affirms the value of Washington-Canada partnerships, including cross-border supply chains, cultural contributions (e.g., music), and collaborative efforts on issues like wildfire response and carbon markets. It was adopted by the Washington State Senate on February 25, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 8685) honors Steve Nelsen for his 22 years of service as Executive Director of Washington's Law Enforcement Officers' and Firefighters' Plan 2 Retirement Board. It recognizes his role in establishing the agency, advancing 42 pieces of legislation to strengthen retirement benefits, and supporting line-of-duty death benefits for public safety members. The resolution formally commends his leadership and service, with no policy changes or funding impacts. It was adopted by the Senate on February 24, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 8695) formally recognizes the Daffodil Festival, its organizers, and its royal court for 93 years of contributions to Washington state, specifically highlighting Pierce County. It acknowledges the festival's role in uniting communities, its growth from a 1920s garden party, and the volunteer work of its 24-member royal court representing high schools across the region. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 24, 2026, and directs copies to be sent to the festival's 2026 officers and royal court members. This is a ceremonial resolution with no policy changes or legal effect.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution celebrates the importance of civil discourse in strengthening democracy and community relationships. It specifically recognizes students at Marysville Getchell High School and their "Building Bridges" program for practicing respectful dialogue and media literacy in an Advanced Placement Government class. The resolution does not create new laws or policies, nor does it directly affect any individuals or groups beyond offering symbolic recognition. It serves solely as a formal acknowledgment of existing educational efforts to foster civic engagement.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) honoring three young women selected for the 2026 Apple Blossom Festival Royal Court in Wenatchee. It specifically recognizes Brielle Precht (queen), Kaylee Pearsons, and Parker Averi for their academic achievements, community service, and future goals. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses the Senate's symbolic appreciation for their contributions. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 23, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 8693) formally honors scholars participating in the Washington State Leadership Board's Boundless Washington, Compassion Scholars, and Washington World Fellows programs. It recognizes their achievements, including over $1.5 million in grants earned since 2022 for education and community service. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or obligations; it is a ceremonial expression of appreciation by the Washington State Senate. It directly affects the program participants by publicly celebrating their contributions to leadership and civic engagement.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new assessment on employers with 100 or more employees that have at least one worker enrolled in Apple Health (Washington's Medicaid program) for 80+ hours per month. The assessment amount is calculated by multiplying the total "member months" (each month an employee works and is enrolled in Apple Health) by a set Medicaid expansion rate. Employers must pay the assessment quarterly to the Employment Security Department, with funds deposited into the state health care affordability account. This account can only be used for premium and cost-sharing assistance for low-income individuals, as specified by law.