Sen. Paul Harris

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5641 encourages public school districts, charter schools, and state-tribal education compact schools in Washington state to offer instruction on blood donation awareness. Beginning with the 2025-26 school year, this instruction may be included in health classes required for graduation for students in grades 9-12. The bill specifies that the awareness programs should be provided by nationally recognized organizations, such as the American Red Cross or Bloodworks Northwest. The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction will post links to these approved instructional programs on its website. This initiative aims to educate students about the importance of blood donation and opportunities to participate.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 8651 is a procedural bill that honors the contributions of science, scientific research, and evidence-based decision making to society. It also recognizes the importance of continued investment in scientific research, higher education, and innovation to maintain Washington's leadership in discovery and technological advancement.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 8640 is a commemorative resolution that honors Senator Karen Lynn Keiser for her nearly 30 years of service in the Washington State Legislature. It commends her for her work on health care reform, establishing the Washington Health Benefit Exchange and Paid Family and Medical Leave program, and championing policies for working families.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 8633 is a ceremonial resolution adopted by the Washington State Senate on April 9, 2025, to formally recognize and honor the workforce of Washington's forest products industry. It acknowledges the industry's role in supporting over 100,000 jobs (including 42,000 direct jobs), sustaining rural economies, and contributing to environmental benefits like carbon storage and habitat restoration. The resolution highlights the sector's importance as a renewable resource provider and essential employer in rural communities, particularly through union-backed mills. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation for workers and the industry's economic and environmental contributions.

Maddy summarySB 5316 modifies Washington's unclaimed property laws specifically for prearrangement funeral service contracts. It establishes a new 3-year abandonment period for these funds, starting from the beneficiary's death (or their 107th birthday, or 50 years after contract signing), after which the funds must be reported as unclaimed property to the state. Funeral businesses (holders) must now follow these updated timelines and reporting procedures for funds held in trust, with the state's Department of Revenue handling the transferred property. The bill also clarifies key terms like "contract beneficiary" and "apparent owner" to streamline the process. It became law on April 8, 2025, and takes effect July 27, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 5577 requires Washington State's Medicaid program (Apple Health) to cover all FDA-approved HIV antiviral drugs without prior authorization or step therapy for both fee-for-service and managed care plans. This policy change directly affects Medicaid patients with HIV and the managed care organizations administering their coverage. The law eliminates extra approval steps needed to access these medications, ensuring faster treatment access. It takes effect on July 27, 2025, after being signed into law following legislative passage.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 8645) formally honors the Northwest Center for its 60-year history of serving people with disabilities in Washington State. It recognizes the center's founding in 1965 by four mothers and its pivotal role in creating Washington's pioneering special education law (HB90, 1971) and contributing to the national Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 1975). The resolution acknowledges the center's legacy in advocacy, inclusion, and advancing educational opportunities for people with disabilities. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no binding policy effect but serves to publicly celebrate the organization's historical contributions.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 8611), not a policy bill. It honors Keri Rawlings Rooney for her 50 years of public service across Washington state government roles, including the State Senate, Pierce County offices, and the State Auditor's office. The resolution specifically recognizes her contributions to policy development, her "Voting is Cool" program promoting youth civic engagement, and her mentorship of public servants. The Senate formally expresses appreciation for her service and extends best wishes as she retires.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes cardiovascular disease as the world's leading cause of death and disability, highlighting statistics on cardiac arrest survival rates. It designates February 2025 as "American Heart Month" to promote public awareness about cardiac emergencies and CPR education. The resolution emphasizes the importance of bystander CPR and AED use in improving survival rates, aligning with the American Heart Association's goal to double cardiac arrest survival by 2030. It serves as a symbolic gesture to encourage community preparedness, not as a policy change.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) adopted by the Washington State Senate on January 29, 2025. It formally expresses appreciation to the families and employers of Washington National Guard members for their support, enabling Guard service. The resolution acknowledges the Guard's roles in disaster response, election security, community programs, and training - without creating new policies or obligations. It directs copies to state and federal officials but does not alter any laws or funding.