Maddy summarySB 6186 directs Washington’s Department of Social and Health Services to seek a federal waiver from the USDA, which currently restricts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from purchasing candy and sweetened beverages. If approved, the waiver would allow SNAP recipients in Washington to use their benefits for these items, though the bill explicitly excludes milk, 50%+ juice drinks, sports drinks, and medical beverages from the restriction. The department must annually request the waiver until granted, but the bill does not change current federal rules - SNAP benefits would still be restricted until the waiver is approved. This bill affects Washington SNAP participants who currently cannot buy candy or sugary drinks with their benefits, pending federal approval. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Human Services Committee after a public hearing.
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Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 8676), not a legislative bill with policy provisions. It formally congratulates the Seattle Mariners baseball team for winning the 2025 American League West Division title and reaching the American League Championship Series, with specific recognition for catcher Cal Raleigh's record-breaking season (60 home runs, 125 RBI). The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it serves solely as a symbolic honor from the Washington State Senate. It directly affects the Mariners organization and Cal Raleigh by publicly acknowledging their achievements.
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 6235 prohibits Washington state public universities from entering agreements with private equity firms or foreign government investment funds that transfer revenue rights, ownership stakes, or control over athletic programs. The law bans deals where these entities gain profit shares, influence scheduling/hiring, or control media/sponsorship revenue streams - such as ticket sales, broadcasting, or licensing. Allowed exceptions include standard sponsorships without revenue sharing, charitable gifts, and tax-exempt bond financing. Universities must annually report compliance to the legislature and disclose any permitted agreements.
Maddy summarySB 6251 requires the University of Washington and Washington State University medical schools to use letter grades (A-F) or a four-tier system for all coursework in medical degree and certificate programs. The bill mandates that these schools assess student performance through standardized grading, replacing any non-letter grading systems currently used. This policy change directly affects medical students and faculty at these two institutions by standardizing how academic progress is evaluated. The legislation aims to create consistent, objective feedback for students throughout their medical education.
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 6300 allows Washington school districts to develop their own alternative learning standards instead of using the state’s mandated standards, provided they align with statewide student learning goals and are published online. Districts must still meet core requirements like minimum instructional hours (1,000-1,080 annually for grades 1-12), 24 graduation credits, and existing programs for special education and bilingual students. The bill does not alter state-mandated curriculum content but gives districts flexibility in how they structure their academic standards. School districts must submit their alternative standards to the state superintendent for review before implementation.
Maddy summarySB 6072 defines when a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) exists, requiring a physical exam within the past year (or specific telehealth exceptions for transport/emergencies) before telemedicine can be used for ongoing care. It mandates that telehealth prescriptions for animals are limited to three months unless a physical exam is needed, and extends the VCPR to all veterinarians at the same practice location. For farm animals, the bill requires a written agreement naming a "vet of record" accountable for drug oversight and treatment protocols. The law also restricts telehealth services to specific scenarios like emergency triage or poison control when no VCPR exists.
Maddy summaryThe bill title claims to address cancer research funding, but the provided text actually amends tobacco product tax definitions (RCW 82.26.010), not funding for public health services. The text defines terms like "tobacco products," "retailer," "taxable sales price," and "distributor" for tax purposes. It contains no provisions about restoring funding for cancer research, public health services, or any policy changes related to health funding. The bill appears to be a procedural tax code amendment, not the health funding measure described in its title. The context provided does not support the title's claim.
Maddy summarySB 6276 protects dedicated funding for workforce education by requiring all revenues from the workforce investment surcharge (under RCW 82.04.299) and specified sources (RCW 82.04.290(2)(c)) to be deposited directly into a state treasury account. Funds in this account may only be spent on higher education programs, operations, student aid, and workforce development activities like career-connected learning. The bill explicitly prohibits using these funds to replace or reduce existing state, federal, or local education funding - requiring them to "supplement, not supplant" other resources. This amendment to RCW 43.79.195 ensures dedicated support for education and workforce programs without shifting existing budget responsibilities.