Maddy summarySB 5976 amends Washington's Commercial Electronic Mail Act to strengthen protections against deceptive email practices. It prohibits commercial email senders from misrepresenting email origins or using misleading subject lines that could deceive recipients about material transaction details. The bill increases statutory damages to $500 per violation for individuals and $1,000 for businesses, while clarifying that violations also constitute unfair business practices under Washington's Consumer Protection Act. These changes directly affect businesses sending commercial emails to Washington residents, requiring greater transparency in email content and subject lines. The law applies retroactively to ongoing cases but takes effect prospectively for new claims.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 6118 requires Washington school districts to create cardiac emergency response plans for all schools and athletic facilities, focusing on rapid response to cardiac arrests. The plans must include designated response teams (staff, coaches, nurses), strategic placement of AEDs (aiming for 3-minute access), annual team training per American Heart Association guidelines, and coordination with local emergency services. Implementation depends on state funding for AEDs, staff training, and plan maintenance, with schools updating plans annually. The bill directly affects school districts, staff, and students by mandating concrete emergency protocols to improve cardiac arrest outcomes on school property.
Maddy summarySB 6206 establishes a two-year pilot program to help child care providers serve children of first responders by offering state grants. Licensed child care providers who care for first responders' children - such as firefighters, police officers, emergency medical personnel, and behavioral health professionals - may receive incentive payments, with priority given to those offering nonstandard hours, short-notice care, or care during illness. The program selects four Washington jurisdictions (north/south, east/west of the Cascades) to match state grants with local funds, requiring a plan for funding. By November 2029, the state must report on the program’s impact on first responder recruitment, retention, and job satisfaction.
Maddy summaryWashington State's SB 6105 increases the exemption from wage garnishment for medical debt judgments. It raises the threshold to 60 times the state's minimum hourly wage or 80% of a person's take-home pay (whichever is greater), compared to 35 times the wage for other consumer debts. This change directly affects individuals facing wage garnishment specifically for unpaid medical bills. The bill amends Washington's garnishment laws (RCW 6.27.150, 6.27.105, and 6.27.140) to provide stronger protection for medical debt cases.
Maddy summarySB 6192 creates a "Star Teacher Award" for math and English language arts teachers in Washington who demonstrate improved student scores in specific grade bands (K-6 or 7-12). Awarded teachers receive a $10,000 annual bonus, with an additional $10,000 for teaching in high-poverty schools (defined by USDA eligibility or 70%+ free/reduced lunch participation). The bill also mandates school districts to implement structured literacy programs for K-4 reading (fully by 2028) and structured numeracy programs for K-4 math (fully by 2028), using evidence-based methods and diagnostic assessments. These programs must include targeted interventions for struggling students and family engagement strategies.
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 summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 8669) formally recognizes and honors voluntary blood donors in Washington state during National Blood Donor Month (January). It specifically acknowledges donors for their lifesaving contributions and credits nonprofit organizations, schools, faith groups, and community partners that collaborate with the Northwest Blood Coalition to host blood drives and increase donation opportunities. The resolution does not create new laws or alter policies - it is a ceremonial gesture to raise awareness about the critical need for blood donations. It aligns with the national observance established by President Nixon in 1969, emphasizing the ongoing importance of blood donation for patient care.
Maddy summarySB 6213 updates Washington State's regulations for naturally occurring fibrous silicate materials (minerals similar to asbestos that occur naturally in building materials) by lowering the threshold for labeling and restrictions. Starting January 1, 2025, building materials containing more than 0.25% of these materials must be labeled, down from the previous 1% limit. The bill exempts residential construction and materials already in use under existing contracts from new restrictions. It also requires facility owners to inspect for these materials and maintain management plans, with inspections mandated every five years.
Maddy summaryThis bill removes the expiration date (sunset) for employers to correct wage and salary disclosure errors in job postings, making the correction period permanent. It requires employers to fix noncompliant postings within five business days of written notice from a job applicant or third party, preventing penalties for good-faith corrections. The law applies to employers with 15+ employees and defines "applicant" as someone with genuine employment intent. It maintains enforcement options (like $100-$5,000 penalties per violation) but ensures employers can correct mistakes before legal action.
Maddy summarySB 6202 requires Washington State Medicaid to cover standard fertility preservation services starting January 1, 2027, for enrollees diagnosed with cancer or other conditions requiring treatments (like chemotherapy or radiation) that risk infertility. It prohibits Medicaid or managed care organizations from imposing special restrictions, limits, or waiting periods on these services that don’t apply to other medical treatments. The law defines "standard fertility preservation" as medically necessary procedures aligned with guidelines from major medical societies for patients facing treatment-related infertility risks. This policy change ensures coverage without discriminatory barriers, allowing patients to preserve fertility options alongside life-saving care.