Sen. Nikki Torres

Maddy summaryWashington's SB 5302 prohibits state and local government agencies (including law enforcement) from purchasing, acquiring, or operating small drones (under 55 pounds) made by specific foreign entities. It bans the use of public funds for such drones and defines "covered foreign entities" as those on U.S. sanctions lists, based in China or Russia, or controlled by those governments. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, requiring agencies to stop using covered drones by that date. This directly affects government drone programs and procurement practices across Washington state.

Maddy summarySB 5624 requires the Washington State Patrol, in collaboration with the Department of Ecology, fire districts, and the towing industry, to create best practices for responding to electric vehicle (EV) fires. The guidelines must cover first responder protocols during EV collisions or fires and procedures for safely transporting, towing, and storing damaged EVs. The State Patrol must also develop checklists to improve coordination between agencies during EV fire responses, which will be shared with all fire departments across Washington. These practical tools aim to standardize safety measures as EV adoption increases.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Washington law enforcement to provide juveniles (under age 18) with immediate access to an attorney before questioning or when they might waive constitutional rights during police contact. For jurisdictions over 1 million people, the attorney must consult in person; smaller areas may use phone or video. Statements made without this consultation are inadmissible in court unless the juvenile properly waived rights after meeting with a lawyer, or if exceptions apply (like imminent life threats or trafficking victim situations). The law aims to prevent coerced statements and ensure juveniles understand their rights before interacting with police.

Maddy summarySB 5004 mandates that Washington public school districts update their emergency response systems in collaboration with local law enforcement and public safety agencies. These systems must utilize evolving technology to expedite emergency responses, offering options like panic or alert buttons, live video or audio feeds, remote door access, or live interactive two-way communication. School districts are required to submit progress reports on their systems to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction by October 1, 2025, which will then compile and report this information to the legislature by December 1, 2025. This act, also known as Alyssa's law, applies to charter and state-tribal education compact schools.

Maddy summarySB 5303 extends a key water supply milestone for the Yakima River Basin Integrated Plan from 2025 to 2035. This bill changes the deadline for securing permits and funding to begin construction on water supply facilities designed to provide at least 214,000 acre-feet of water. It also prolongs the State of Washington Water Research Center's role in reviewing cost-benefit analyses for large water supply projects within the plan until July 1, 2035. The legislation maintains the requirement that at least half of the plan's total costs must be funded by federal, private, and other non-state sources.

Maddy summarySB 5323 increases the penalties for stealing or possessing stolen property that belongs to firefighters and emergency medical service (EMS) providers. It expands the definitions of first-degree theft and first-degree possession of stolen property to include essential equipment taken from fire stations, EMS buildings, or their vehicles. These actions become a Class B felony if the equipment is critical to emergency work and its loss significantly delayed a response, or if the equipment is valued over $1,000. This bill aims to protect the vital tools first responders use by applying stricter penalties to those who steal or possess their equipment under these specific circumstances.

Maddy summarySubstitute Senate Bill 5714 defines new types of unprofessional conduct for licensed bail bond agents and bail bond recovery agents in Washington state. The bill prohibits these agents from using their position to enforce civil immigration warrants. Additionally, it makes it unprofessional conduct for agents to share a defendant's immigration status outside of their bail bond agency's business. These provisions aim to regulate the specific activities and information handling practices of bail bond professionals.

Maddy summarySB 5669 updates the process for elections within irrigation districts, affecting district electors and the districts themselves. The bill allows irrigation districts to conduct elections entirely by mail-in ballots, offering an alternative to traditional polling places and absentee voting. It streamlines absentee and mail-in voting by removing the requirement for electors to state they cannot conveniently be present and replaces the need for a witness signature with certification under penalty of perjury. Additionally, the bill extends the window for receiving mailed ballots and modernizes language regarding voter qualifications for spouses and land-owning entities.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 8659 is a commemorative resolution adopted by the Washington State Senate to honor the life and legacy of Senator Bill Ramos following his unexpected passing. It expresses gratitude for his service and acknowledges his contributions to the state, particularly in transportation equity, tribal sovereignty, and environmental stewardship.

Maddy summarySB 5558 updates the requirements and timelines for local governments in Washington State to review and revise their comprehensive land use plans and development regulations. It primarily affects counties and cities that plan under the Growth Management Act, ensuring their plans comply with state requirements. The bill allows certain small cities and towns (under 500 population with specific criteria) to opt for a partial review of their plans, focusing on critical areas, capital facilities, and transportation elements. Additionally, it requires counties to regularly review their designated urban growth areas to accommodate projected population growth over a 20-year period. The bill also sets rules for public participation programs and generally limits comprehensive plan amendments to once a year, with specific exceptions.