Sen. Adrian Cortes

Maddy summarySB 5030 aims to improve access to early learning programs and public schools for children in Washington state. The bill waives the fee for birth certificates for parents or guardians receiving certain public assistance, such as food benefits, when enrolling their child in these educational programs. Additionally, it requires early childhood education programs and public schools to accept alternative documents, including religious certificates, hospital records, or parent affidavits, to verify a child's age for enrollment. These provisions help reduce financial and administrative barriers for families seeking educational services for their children.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5358 addresses career and technical education (CTE) for sixth-grade students. The bill modifies existing state law concerning the allocation of funding for basic education, specifically related to CTE programs. It aims to integrate sixth grade into the scope of CTE provisions, allowing school districts to offer these programs to younger students. This change could expand early exposure to career-focused learning for sixth-grade students.

Maddy summarySB 5202 aims to improve the effectiveness of judicial protection orders for survivors of abuse and support law enforcement. It requires courts, including limited jurisdiction courts by January 2026, to implement electronic submission and tracking systems for protection order petitions, allowing remote filing and providing electronic notifications to parties. The bill also mandates the use of a confidential information form to aid identification and service, and prohibits courts from charging petitioners fees or requiring bonds for these orders. Furthermore, it ensures that relief for protection orders cannot be denied or delayed due to other pending legal matters.

Maddy summarySubstitute Senate Bill 5076 modifies commercial fishing licenses for nonspot shrimp in Puget Sound. It primarily facilitates the conversion of existing nonspot shrimp trawl fishery licenses into nonspot shrimp pot fishery licenses upon the death of a licensee or when the license is transferred, effective August 1, 2025. This affects commercial fishers who harvest nonspot shrimp in Puget Sound. Additionally, the bill updates provisions for both pot and trawl licenses, allowing non-immediate family members to be designated as alternate operators under specific conditions, such as a documented medical emergency or with the recommendation of an advisory board.

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 summaryThis is a symbolic Senate Resolution (not a law) honoring the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people in Washington state. It recognizes the disproportionate violence they face, acknowledges Washington's high rate of such cases, and expresses the Senate's solidarity with affected families, tribal nations, and advocates. The resolution does not create new legal requirements or funding but aims to raise awareness and support ongoing efforts to address this crisis. It was adopted by the Senate on April 14, 2025.

Maddy summarySR 8641 is a non-binding Senate resolution recognizing Washington State's longstanding relationship with Canada. It acknowledges shared economic ties (including $8 billion in annual exports), cultural connections, and practical border cooperation - such as for Point Roberts residents and cross-border emergency aid - without creating new laws or policies. The resolution formally expresses the Senate's view of Canada as a vital partner but has no legal effect on governance or funding. It was adopted by the Washington State Senate on April 11, 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 8646 (adopted April 10, 2025) is a ceremonial resolution honoring Phyllis Gutiérrez Kenney, a former Washington state legislator and longtime advocate for migrant communities, education, and economic equity. It recognizes her foundational work co-founding organizations like The Latino Association (later Inspire) and the Yakima Valley Farmworkers Health Centers, her 16-year service in the House of Representatives (1997-2013), and her advocacy for policies including in-state tuition for undocumented students and the REAL Hope Act (Dream Act). The resolution formally celebrates her legacy of public service and commitment to underserved communities across Washington State.

Maddy summarySB 5141 requires Washington's experience-rated group disability insurers to include all applicable rating factors and credibility formulas in their rate filings with the insurance commissioner. This directly affects insurers selling group disability plans where premiums are based on a specific group's historical claims data. The law mandates detailed filings so the commissioner can verify if a group's claims experience is credible and replicate premium calculations using that group's data. It aims to increase transparency in how these rates are determined. The bill became law on April 8, 2025, and takes effect July 27, 2025.