Sen. Adrian Cortes

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5651 increases the amount of personal property that individuals can keep when their assets are subject to garnishment in non-bankruptcy cases. It raises the general exemption for "other personal property" from $3,000 to $6,000. The bill also specifically increases the protected amount for financial assets like bank accounts and stocks to $5,000 for various debt types. Additionally, starting in 2027, these exemption amounts will be adjusted every three years based on changes in the consumer price index.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates and modernizes the Washington state health plan by revising the duties of the Office of Financial Management (OFM) regarding health planning. It designates OFM as the coordinating body for strategic health planning and expands its access to various health care data sources, such as the all-payer claims database, to inform its efforts. OFM is now required to develop a statewide health resources strategy, in coordination with stakeholders, to establish policies and goals for health care facility and service availability, quality, and cost by geographic region. The bill also updates definitions for various health facilities, including changing "psychiatric hospitals" to "behavioral health hospitals."

Maddy summarySB 5009 modifies the student transportation allocation system for school districts in Washington state. It encourages districts to use various vehicle types, including school buses and other vehicles like district-owned passenger cars, for student transportation if deemed safe and cost-effective. The bill updates reporting requirements for districts to include miles driven per vehicle type and directs the superintendent of public instruction (SPI) to calculate transportation allocations based on all vehicle types used. Additionally, the SPI will establish minimum categories and competitive specifications for all student transportation vehicles to guide reimbursement.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the formula for allocating state funding to support basic education in Washington state school districts. It outlines how funds are distributed based on the resources needed for "prototypical" elementary, middle, and high schools. The formula specifies minimum staffing levels for classroom teachers, including average class sizes for various grades and subjects, and allocations for other essential school staff like principals and support personnel. Additionally, it mandates the Superintendent of Public Instruction to report per-pupil allocations for different programs to enhance transparency, while generally allowing districts flexibility in how they use these funds.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5253 extends the eligibility for special education services for students with disabilities in Washington state. Under this bill, services will now continue until the end of the school year in which a student turns 22, rather than 21. This change addresses a federal court ruling that found the state's previous age-out policy violated federal law. Additionally, the bill requires state agencies to update an implementation plan by October 2026 to improve transition planning for students with disabilities moving to post-school life.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5716 expands the definition of "unlawful transit conduct" to include actions occurring on Washington State Ferries. This bill amends existing law (RCW 9.91.025) to explicitly include the Washington State Ferries under the definition of a "transit authority." As a result, behaviors such as smoking, littering, playing loud music without headphones, or consuming alcohol without authorization are now considered unlawful conduct when on or at ferry facilities. Individuals who violate these provisions on Washington State Ferries can be found guilty of a misdemeanor.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5557 codifies emergency rules to ensure pregnant individuals receive timely treatment for emergency medical conditions in hospital emergency departments. The bill requires hospitals to provide care consistent with the applicable standard of care, including pregnancy termination if it is the medically appropriate treatment. It specifies that the continuation of a pregnancy or the health of an embryo or fetus cannot be prioritized over the pregnant person's health or safety, unless the patient provides informed consent. This legislation aims to protect access to emergency reproductive health care for pregnant patients in Washington state.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 8659 is a commemorative resolution adopted by the Washington State Senate to honor the life and legacy of Senator Bill Ramos following his unexpected passing. It expresses gratitude for his service and acknowledges his contributions to the state, particularly in transportation equity, tribal sovereignty, and environmental stewardship.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 8657 expresses the Senate's support for improving assistance and health outcomes for people experiencing menopause. It specifically calls for efforts to provide tools and treatment to enhance the quality of life for those affected, and directs copies of the resolution to the Washington State Department of Health and the Governor.

Maddy summarySubstitute Senate Bill 5149 expands Washington State's early childhood court program, which supports infants, toddlers, and their families within the dependency system. The bill increases the age eligibility for children to enter the program from under three years old to under six years old. It aims to utilize available federal funding and address systemic racism in child welfare by promoting family integrity and culturally sensitive practices. The legislation outlines core components for these courts, including dedicated community coordinators, community teams, frequent status hearings, and family team meetings to connect families with resources and support.