Sen. Bob Hasegawa

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 8653 is a commemorative resolution passed by the Washington State Senate. It honors and reaffirms the strong bilateral relationship between Washington state and Taiwan, encompassing trade, education, and cultural exchanges. The resolution expresses the Senate's commitment to strengthening this relationship, recognizing Taiwan's participation in international organizations, and supporting a closer economic and trade partnership.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 8651 is a procedural bill that honors the contributions of science, scientific research, and evidence-based decision making to society. It also recognizes the importance of continued investment in scientific research, higher education, and innovation to maintain Washington's leadership in discovery and technological advancement.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Memorial 8008 officially withdraws all prior applications made by the Washington State Legislature to the United States Congress for a constitutional convention. The memorial explicitly rescinds, repeals, and cancels any and all such past requests, regardless of their original scope (limited or general) or the completeness of their historical records. This action ensures that Washington's previous calls for a convention are nullified. The state communicates this decision to federal officials, requesting that Washington no longer be counted among the states seeking a constitutional convention until a future legislature passes a new application. It primarily affects the State of Washington's official position regarding the process for amending the U.S. Constitution under Article V.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 8640 is a commemorative resolution that honors Senator Karen Lynn Keiser for her nearly 30 years of service in the Washington State Legislature. It commends her for her work on health care reform, establishing the Washington Health Benefit Exchange and Paid Family and Medical Leave program, and championing policies for working families.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic Senate Resolution (not a law) honoring the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people in Washington state. It recognizes the disproportionate violence they face, acknowledges Washington's high rate of such cases, and expresses the Senate's solidarity with affected families, tribal nations, and advocates. The resolution does not create new legal requirements or funding but aims to raise awareness and support ongoing efforts to address this crisis. It was adopted by the Senate on April 14, 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 8646 (adopted April 10, 2025) is a ceremonial resolution honoring Phyllis Gutiérrez Kenney, a former Washington state legislator and longtime advocate for migrant communities, education, and economic equity. It recognizes her foundational work co-founding organizations like The Latino Association (later Inspire) and the Yakima Valley Farmworkers Health Centers, her 16-year service in the House of Representatives (1997-2013), and her advocacy for policies including in-state tuition for undocumented students and the REAL Hope Act (Dream Act). The resolution formally celebrates her legacy of public service and commitment to underserved communities across Washington State.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (SR 8649) adopted by the Washington State Senate to honor Paul Leroy Robeson's life and legacy. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies; instead, it symbolically celebrates Robeson as a scholar, athlete, artist, and civil rights activist who advocated for global justice and human dignity. The resolution highlights his achievements at Rutgers University, his career in performing arts, his multilingual advocacy, and his activism against discrimination and McCarthyism. It urges reflection on his vision for "global collective humanity" and justice.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 8633 is a ceremonial resolution adopted by the Washington State Senate on April 9, 2025, to formally recognize and honor the workforce of Washington's forest products industry. It acknowledges the industry's role in supporting over 100,000 jobs (including 42,000 direct jobs), sustaining rural economies, and contributing to environmental benefits like carbon storage and habitat restoration. The resolution highlights the sector's importance as a renewable resource provider and essential employer in rural communities, particularly through union-backed mills. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation for workers and the industry's economic and environmental contributions.

Maddy summarySB 5316 modifies Washington's unclaimed property laws specifically for prearrangement funeral service contracts. It establishes a new 3-year abandonment period for these funds, starting from the beneficiary's death (or their 107th birthday, or 50 years after contract signing), after which the funds must be reported as unclaimed property to the state. Funeral businesses (holders) must now follow these updated timelines and reporting procedures for funds held in trust, with the state's Department of Revenue handling the transferred property. The bill also clarifies key terms like "contract beneficiary" and "apparent owner" to streamline the process. It became law on April 8, 2025, and takes effect July 27, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 5106 amends Washington state law to formally recognize Eid al-Fitr (first day of the tenth Islamic month) and Eid al-Adha (tenth day of the twelfth Islamic month) as designated days of cultural observance. The bill adds these dates to the list of recognized days in RCW 1.16.050, which are not automatically paid holidays but may be requested as unpaid religious holidays under existing provisions. State employees who observe these days can request them as unpaid days off for religious reasons, following the same process as other faith-based requests under RCW 1.16.050(3). The law does not change the paid holiday structure but ensures these dates are formally acknowledged in state statutes. It became effective July 27, 2025, after Governor approval.