Sen. Adrian Cortes

Maddy summarySB 5213 changes the penalty for possessing fentanyl from a gross misdemeanor to a class C felony in Washington State. It applies to anyone knowingly holding fentanyl without a valid prescription, excluding medical cannabis users under existing laws. The bill includes provisions for law enforcement to refer some cases to treatment programs instead of jail, while maintaining criminal penalties for fentanyl possession.

Maddy summarySB 5727 requires large utilities (with over 100,000 customers) in Washington to create incentive programs for homeowners to install grid-connected residential battery storage systems. It mandates that at least 40% of incentives target low- and moderate-income households, with programs including either time-of-use electricity rates or integration into utility-run virtual power plants. The bill specifies that incentives must lower customers' annual energy costs and prohibits data sales beyond program operations. It aims to increase grid resilience during outages while supporting clean energy goals through utility-administered programs.

Maddy summarySB 5345 requires Washington employers to provide current and former employees with access to their personnel files within 21 days of a request, including records like performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and payroll information. Employees can request corrections to inaccurate information in their files, and employers must remove verified errors or include the employee's rebuttal. The bill creates a private right to sue employers for violations, with statutory damages ranging from $250 to $1,000 per violation depending on delays (e.g., $250 for missing the 21-day deadline), and mandates a 5-day notice period before filing a lawsuit. It applies to all employers covered by Washington's personnel record laws and does not override existing privacy statutes.

Maddy summarySB 5309 establishes a flat $15 weight fee for motorcycle registrations in Washington State, replacing the previous weight-based system for motorcycles. This fee applies to all motorcycles regardless of their scale weight and is paid in addition to standard vehicle registration fees. The revenue typically funds transportation projects (under RCW 46.68.415), but would redirect to a "Connecting Washington" account if state agencies implement carbon-intensity fuel standards without new legislative approval. The bill affects motorcycle owners during registration, simplifying fees compared to the tiered system for other vehicles.

Maddy summarySB 5504 would allow Washington Medicaid to pay family caregivers (parents, guardians, or close relatives) for providing complex medical care to children under 18 with high medical needs, as part of existing private duty nursing coverage. To qualify, caregivers must complete 75+ hours of training from an accredited home health agency, receive RN supervision, and work through a licensed home health agency. The bill requires the state health authority to seek federal approval for this payment change by December 2025 and report on feasibility by January 2026. It expires December 31, 2026, and directly affects families caring for medically fragile children covered by Medicaid.

Maddy summarySB 5526 raises the minimum age for purchasing tobacco, e-cigarettes, and related products to 21 in Washington State, directly affecting retailers and underage buyers. It requires retailers to verify age using valid ID (like driver’s licenses or tribal cards) and clarifies definitions for "vapor products" and "alternative nicotine products." The bill increases penalties for violations, including fines up to $15,000 and license suspension/revocation for repeated offenses. These changes amend existing laws to strengthen enforcement of age restrictions and product safety regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires taverns, nightclubs, hotels, and sports entertainment venues to offer drug testing devices for sale to customers in designated areas (excluding drink preparation zones). Businesses must ensure devices are within their expiration date, display clear signage about availability, and may charge only the wholesale cost (or offer them free). The law explicitly states venues are not liable for inaccurate test results, such as false positives or negatives. It applies to all licensees under Washington’s Liquor and Cannabis Board, effective January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 5007 creates a statewide program to support students missing 10% or more of school days (chronically absent) and at risk of not graduating high school. It requires educational service districts to train staff on early warning systems to identify at-risk students and connect them with supports like family engagement, health services, academic help, and transportation. The bill establishes a "Building Bridges" grant program for local school-family-community partnerships to implement dropout prevention systems, including data-driven interventions, mentorship, and alternative education options. These partnerships must collect and report data on student demographics, attendance, graduation rates, and outcomes to track effectiveness. The law aims to improve reengagement and graduation rates through coordinated, evidence-based support for vulnerable students.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5677 updates the requirements for associate development organizations (ADOs) that contract with the state of Washington. It mandates that these organizations provide detailed annual performance reports, including their impact on employment and economic development, which must be submitted to a common web-based system. The bill establishes a process for the state department to agree on performance targets with ADOs and requires remediation plans for those that fail to meet these targets. Organizations that do not show progress on remediation plans may face a one-year termination of state contracts and funding. Additionally, it clarifies the funding allocation schedules for ADOs in both urban and rural counties.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a temporary moratorium on most new special license plates until January 1, 2029, though it allows for special plates specifically created within this act. It creates a Special License Work Group within the Department of Licensing to review the current special license plate program. This work group will develop recommendations by 2028 to improve the application process, cost management, transparency of funds