Sen. Keith Goehner

Maddy summarySB 6203 clarifies how Washington courts must count out-of-state convictions when calculating an offender's sentencing score under state law. It requires that out-of-state convictions (including foreign convictions meeting due process standards) be classified using Washington's offense definitions, rather than their original jurisdiction's classifications. The bill specifically excludes out-of-state convictions that would have been handled in juvenile court under Washington law, unless they match murder or Class A felony sex offenses. This directly affects defendants with prior convictions from other states or countries who are being sentenced in Washington courts.

Maddy summarySB 6242 allows Washington counties to enter shared stewardship agreements with federal agencies like the U.S. Forest Service to manage forestlands near roads for wildfire prevention. Specifically, counties can create "fuel breaks" (clear areas to stop wildfires) on federal land up to one mile on either side of roads, including highways. The bill requires these agreements to include revenue sharing, ensuring counties retain proceeds from timber sales conducted under the agreement. This policy change amends existing law (RCW 36.75.040) to explicitly grant counties this authority and revenue rights.

Maddy summarySB 5930 clarifies conflict-of-interest rules for irrigation district directors to prevent unintended barriers in rural communities. It amends Washington’s municipal conflict law (RCW 42.23.030) to allow directors to have beneficial interests in contracts up to $24,000 annually with annual cost-of-living adjustments tied to the Consumer Price Index. The bill specifically targets irrigation districts (not all municipalities), ensuring rural communities can retain qualified directors without violating conflict rules. It maintains public transparency by requiring districts to publicly list such contracts.

Maddy summarySB 6167 prohibits homebuyers from receiving more than one state-funded down payment assistance loan or grant from any state program. It directly affects first-time homebuyers applying for state housing assistance programs, requiring them to accept only one award even if they apply to multiple programs. The key provision amends existing laws to state that applicants cannot stack overlapping assistance, limiting eligibility to a single loan or grant per buyer. This change aims to ensure limited state resources reach more qualified applicants rather than concentrating benefits on individual buyers.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the Washington State Senate's formal appreciation for the National Guard's service. It recognizes their emergency response work (like 2025 flood support in Skagit and Snohomish counties), election security efforts, and youth programs such as the Washington Youth Challenge Academy. The Senate thanks the Guard's families and employers for their support and acknowledges the Guard's contributions to state safety, community well-being, and economic vitality. Adopted in January 2026, this symbolic resolution was sent to state and federal officials but does not create new laws or policies.

Maddy summarySB 6266 clarifies that Washington's state auditor may access prescription monitoring program data to conduct authorized audits, while maintaining all existing confidentiality protections. It explicitly adds the "office of the Washington state auditor" to the list of authorized recipients under existing privacy rules (RCW 70.225.040(3)(o)). This affects the Department of Health (which manages the prescription monitoring program) and the auditor's office (which gains explicit access for audit purposes). The bill does not change confidentiality requirements but ensures the auditor can fulfill statutory duties without compromising patient privacy.

Maddy summarySB 6236 modifies Washington state child dependency laws to strengthen emergency removal procedures and ensure timely court oversight. It requires specific evidence of imminent harm (including abuse, neglect, or high-potency opioid exposure) for immediate child removal and mandates a shelter care hearing within 72 hours to determine if a child can safely return home. The bill also clarifies parent notification requirements, ensures access to legal counsel for indigent parents, and prioritizes child safety as the court's paramount consideration. These changes directly affect child protective services, courts, parents, and children in dependency cases.

Maddy summarySB 5750 allows Washington state to charge fees for privately owned electric vehicles (EVs) using charging stations at state office locations. These fees must be deposited into the state's motor vehicle fund. The bill also requires the Department of Enterprise Services to report annually on state electricity costs and EV usage at these locations. It clarifies that state-owned EVs used for state business can access charging without fees, while private EV users must pay the established rate.

Maddy summarySB 6127 requires Washington's state auditor to conduct a performance audit of fraud protections, eligibility verification, and claim recovery processes in the state's paid family and medical leave program. The audit will evaluate how effectively the program prevents fraud, verifies claim eligibility, recovers improper payments, and communicates claim details to employers and employees. It mandates specific recommendations for improving these processes and requires progress reports by December 2026 and a final report by December 2027, with the requirement expiring December 31, 2027. This bill directly affects workers using the program and employers receiving claim information.

Maddy summarySB 5850 protects citizens participating in Washington's initiative and referendum process by making it illegal to pay for signatures, intimidate voters, or destroy petitions. It creates new penalties, including gross misdemeanors for offering money based on signature counts and class C felonies for altering or destroying signed petitions. The bill directly affects individuals gathering signatures for ballot measures and organizers seeking to manipulate the process. These changes aim to prevent corruption and ensure free participation in direct democracy, without altering existing campaign finance reporting rules.