Sen. Perry Dozier

Maddy summarySB 5645 redirects excess estate tax revenue to support community services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Starting in fiscal year 2026, 50% of estate tax collections above $600 million annually must be transferred to the developmental disabilities community services account. This creates a permanent funding source to expand independent living supports, as the bill aims to address past shortfalls in reliable revenue for these services. The transfer must occur within 60 days of the state confirming revenue exceeds the $600 million threshold.

Maddy summarySB 5629 mandates that large group health plans in Washington, issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, must include coverage for medically necessary prosthetic limbs and custom orthotic braces. This coverage applies when devices are needed for daily living, essential job activities, or to maximize physical function. The bill also requires coverage for materials, instruction, and reasonable repair or replacement of these devices. It prohibits denying coverage for individuals with disabilities if similar services would be covered for non-disabled persons and requires health plans to report claims data.

Maddy summarySB 5011 requires all ballot drop boxes in Washington State to prominently display two specific labels on each visible side: "Property of [county/agency name]" and a warning that tampering violates state election laws. This applies to county auditors managing drop boxes, ensuring voters see clear ownership and legal consequences for interference. The bill mandates these labels as part of standard operational requirements for drop box security. It does not change drop box placement rules or handling procedures, focusing solely on visible labeling for voter awareness.

Maddy summarySB 5333 (Washington State) increases penalties for drivers who repeatedly attempt to elude police vehicles. It allows police to seize and forfeit a vehicle used in a second conviction for eluding police or resisting arrest, following a prior impoundment (even without a conviction). The bill requires a court conviction before forfeiture, provides procedures for owners to claim their vehicles back within 60 days, and permits seized vehicles to be sold or kept by police to fund traffic safety programs. This directly affects drivers with prior offenses who are convicted of repeat eluding or resisting arrest.

Maddy summarySB 5522 establishes a formal process for reviewing and approving capital projects on Washington's state capitol campus. It requires the State Capitol Committee to annually review proposed projects (defined as new buildings or major renovations exceeding 50% of replacement cost) and make recommendations, while expanding the committee's membership to include legislative leaders and agency representatives. The bill also creates a design subcommittee with architects and landscape experts to advise on campus aesthetics, preservation, and maintenance, ensuring campus improvements align with historic and architectural standards. This procedural bill focuses on structured management of the capitol campus, not direct policy changes affecting residents.

Maddy summarySB 5278 addresses overcrowding in state juvenile correctional institutions, aiming to ensure the safe management of juvenile populations and protect both youth and employees. The bill amends existing state laws related to the management of individuals placed in juvenile rehabilitation institutions. Specifically, it updates definitions for key terms within juvenile justice, such as "assessment," "community-based rehabilitation," "community supervision," and "confinement." While the bill's title references "emergency measures," the provided text primarily focuses on these foundational definitions and legislative intent.

Maddy summarySB 5434 requires governors to formally file emergency declarations with the secretary of state and provide public notice. It sets clear rules for ending emergencies: governors must terminate them when order is restored, the legislature can end them via concurrent resolution during sessions, or legislative leadership can terminate them after 90 days if the legislature is adjourned. The bill limits emergency orders (like curfews or business restrictions) to 30 days unless extended by the legislature, and mandates governors to notify legislative leaders before issuing such orders. This directly affects governors' emergency authority and the legislature's ability to oversee emergency powers. The law aims to prevent prolonged emergency declarations without legislative input.

Maddy summarySB 5399 amends Washington state law to streamline liquor license processing while adding new requirements for applicants. It mandates criminal background checks (including fingerprinting for FBI checks), requires sole proprietors to reside in Washington for at least one month before licensing, and automatically suspends licenses for unpaid spirits taxes (over 30 days delinquent) or non-compliance with child support orders. The bill also allows conditional license approval for applicants who haven’t yet secured premises, with final approval triggered upon lease execution. These changes directly affect businesses seeking new liquor licenses or renewals, particularly those with unresolved tax debts, criminal histories, or residency issues.

Maddy summarySB 5660 allows counties and cities to extend public water, storm drain, and sewage systems beyond urban growth boundaries when specific conditions are met: environmental or health harms exist from lacking utilities, the extension won't encourage urban growth, and the community determines it's economically feasible. It requires local comprehensive plans to address utility access needs, including reviewing drainage and stormwater runoff impacts. The bill directly affects properties outside urban areas without existing utility connections, particularly in rural or underserved communities. Key provisions create new criteria for utility extensions while amending planning requirements to integrate environmental and housing considerations. The bill does not mandate extensions but provides flexibility for local governments to act under defined safeguards.

Maddy summarySB 5673 creates a sales and use tax exemption for manufacturing facilities and "green manufacturing facilities" (defined as facilities certified by a state or nationally recognized sustainability organization). It exempts purchases of construction materials, equipment, labor, and services used to build or maintain these facilities. To qualify, facilities must apply for an exemption certificate (no new certificates issued after July 2035), submit annual tax performance reports, and comply with specific reporting requirements. The exemption expires January 1, 2036, with the full law ending January 1, 2037.