Maddy summarySB 5932 provides certainty for low-to-zero carbon alternative jet fuel (sustainable aviation fuel) production in Washington by clarifying tax incentives and carbon accounting rules. It establishes a 0.275% tax on manufacturing and sales of alternative jet fuel, effective when facilities reach 20 million gallons annual capacity (or July 1, 2031 at the latest), and expires after nine years. The bill requires the Department of Ecology to allow specific carbon intensity calculations for electricity used in production, using the utility’s reported fuel mix rather than separate tracking. This directly affects fuel producers, processors, and utilities supplying energy to these facilities, reducing investment risks by creating a clear timeline for tax benefits.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryWashington State's legislature has introduced a memorial (SJM 8016) requesting Congress treat the permanent closure of the Fairfax Bridge (on State Route 165) as an emergency. The memorial asks Congress to: (1) allow environmental and historic review processes to occur during or after replacement construction (instead of before), and (2) remove the bridge from the National Historic Register to expedite rebuilding. This directly affects residents south of the bridge who rely on it for access to Mount Rainier National Park and essential services, currently forced to use dangerous logging roads for basic needs after recent storm closures cut off all access. The bill seeks federal action to accelerate replacement due to the bridge's structural failure and critical community impact.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Washington state law to improve responses for children at risk from high-potency synthetic opioids (like fentanyl) and caregiver substance abuse. It requires the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to develop new guidelines for using "in-home dependencies" - court-ordered services and supervision without removing children - in specific situations, such as when a child faces long-term harm but not immediate danger, or when substance abuse issues delay standard investigations. The bill mandates collaboration with courts, child welfare professionals, and affected parents to create these guidelines, with special emphasis on cases involving opioids. It also directs the department to prioritize in-home supervision over removal where appropriate, aiming to provide ongoing support while addressing risks to children's well-being.
Maddy summarySB 6249 requires Washington's Department of Corrections to supervise individuals convicted of stalking (RCW 9A.46.110) who are sentenced to community custody. This expands existing supervision requirements to include stalking offenders, who were previously not automatically covered under these specific provisions. The bill explicitly adds stalking to the list of offenses mandating department supervision, alongside existing categories like sex offenses and certain domestic violence convictions. This change applies to all stalking convictions regardless of risk assessment, ensuring these individuals receive structured post-sentence supervision. The legislation does not alter supervision standards for other offense types but clarifies that stalking offenders must be supervised under the same framework as other high-risk cases.
Maddy summarySB 6082 requires Washington's joint legislative audit committee to conduct a systemic performance audit of fraud in state financial aid programs for higher education institutions. The audit will examine fictitious student enrollments, trends in fraudulent activity (including potential AI use), aid amounts disbursed to fake students, and systemic weaknesses in fraud prevention. It mandates a report to the legislature by December 1, 2027, with recommendations for policy changes, and expires July 1, 2028. This bill directly affects institutions receiving state financial aid and aims to identify gaps in fraud prevention without making immediate policy changes.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Washington State law to update how county ferry districts operate and fund services. It removes the "passenger-only" restriction on ferries and wharves, allowing districts to manage broader ferry services. Ferry districts can now levy property taxes up to 75 cents per $1,000 assessed value (or 7.5 cents for counties over 1.5 million people) to cover ferry operations, vessel maintenance, and related infrastructure. The bill also clarifies that districts may issue bonds for ferry construction, using revenues from these tax levies to repay debt. These changes directly affect county ferry districts and the communities they serve.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a joint memorial requesting the Washington State Transportation Commission to designate a section of Interstate 82. Specifically, it asks for the overpass at milepost 54, at the junction of Yakima Valley highway, to be named the "Washington State Patrol Trooper Charles Frank Noble, Jr. memorial overpass" in honor of the fallen trooper.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 5170 establishes new procedures for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) when conducting land surveys or adjusting boundary lines on public lands it owns or manages, directly affecting adjoining private landowners. The bill requires the DNR to provide written notification to affected landowners within 30 days regarding proposed boundary markers or before undertaking specific surveys. It also mandates that DNR offer landowners an opportunity to review, comment, present historical evidence, and be involved in decisions about proposed boundary locations or adjustments. Additionally, the DNR must comply with these notification and involvement requirements before it can initiate a lawsuit to resolve a property boundary dispute.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 5328 establishes a new licensing and regulation framework for businesses providing "employer-integrated wage access services" in Washington state. These services allow consumers to access their earned but unpaid income, with the amount determined from employment data obtained from their employer. Starting July 1, 2026, companies offering these services must obtain a license from the Department of Financial Institutions. The bill outlines application requirements, including background checks for officers and directors, and specifies that fees from unlicensed transactions must be refunded and any outstanding proceeds become uncollectible. Banks, credit unions, and similar financial institutions are exempt from this specific chapter.
Maddy summarySB 5046 designates November 22nd as "Kimchi Day" in Washington State, adding it to a list of recognized observances in state law. The bill acknowledges kimchi’s cultural significance (including its UN-recognized preparation process, "kimjang") and health benefits, noting similar observances in California, Virginia, Hawaii, and South Korea. It does not create a paid holiday or alter work schedules; "Kimchi Day" is purely symbolic recognition, listed alongside other non-holiday observances like Korean-American Day and Cesar Chavez Day. This bill has no direct policy impact on residents or employees, as it only formalizes a cultural observance.