Sen. Jeff Wilson

Maddy summarySB 5843 strengthens protections for people who collect signatures for voter initiatives and referendums by making harassment against them a more serious crime. The bill amends Washington’s harassment law to explicitly include signature gatherers under the definition of "election official," meaning threats or intimidation directed at them can now trigger felony charges if the threats involve violence, prior harassment, or targeting during official duties. Penalties increase from a gross misdemeanor to a class C felony for certain threats, such as those involving violence or targeting election workers. The law also ensures targeted individuals and their household members qualify for address confidentiality programs.

Maddy summarySB 5896 amends Washington State's water pollution law (RCW 90.48.080) by removing the phrase "or tend to cause" from the definition of unlawful discharges. This change requires that pollution be actual, not merely potential, to violate the law. The bill directly affects businesses, industries, and anyone discharging organic or inorganic matter into state waters. The bill was prefaced in December 2025 and referred to the Environment, Energy & Technology committee for review.

Maddy summarySB 5913 clarifies requirements for local jurisdictions (counties and cities) that provide public defense services. It amends Washington law to explicitly require local standards covering caseload limits, attorney qualifications, compensation, case types, and handling of costs like expert witnesses. The bill mandates that these standards must address specific operational elements, such as monitoring attorney performance and client complaint procedures. This directly affects public defense systems across Washington, ensuring consistent minimum requirements for how legal representation is structured and managed.

Maddy summarySB 5908 would change the court filing location for lawsuits challenging wildlife management decisions by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Instead of filing in counties like Thurston or the petitioner's residence, appeals must now be filed in the county where the affected wildlife is located. This applies specifically to cases involving the Fish and Wildlife Commission or the Department of Fish and Wildlife's wildlife management actions. The bill does not alter public participation rules (as suggested by its title), but only modifies court jurisdiction for related appeals.

Maddy summarySB 5010 creates a state grant program to help counties buy and install security cameras around ballot drop boxes. Only county auditors and elections directors can apply for these grants, which cover camera purchase, installation, or connection costs but cannot fund ongoing maintenance. The program aims to enhance physical security at ballot drop locations by providing dedicated funding for hardware, with no restrictions on camera placement or use beyond the specified purpose.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5818 aims to clarify and restrict how state and local law enforcement agencies, including school resource officers, interact with federal immigration authorities regarding individuals in their custody. The bill prohibits these agencies from inquiring into an individual's immigration status unless directly connected to a criminal investigation. It also prevents them from providing information based on federal civil immigration "notification requests" or sharing nonpublic personal information in noncriminal matters. These restrictions apply unless otherwise required by state or federal law.

Maddy summarySB 5250 creates a new process for Washington property owners to request immediate law enforcement removal of unauthorized occupants using a sworn declaration. The bill specifically expands coverage to include former tenants who no longer have valid rental agreements, requiring declarations that verify ownership, unlawful presence, prior eviction demands, and lack of tenancy within the past 12 months. Law enforcement must allow occupants to present evidence before removal, and false declarations expose property owners to civil liability for damages. This streamlines removal of squatters while adding safeguards against wrongful actions under existing trespass laws.

Maddy summarySB 5384 requires Washington's joint legislative audit committee to review the state's riparian programs - including their funding, eligible entities, and effectiveness - and submit a preliminary report by December 2025 and a final report by June 2027. The review must detail all funded programs, recommend changes to improve access or reduce administrative burdens, and assess whether programs should be continued, enhanced, or eliminated. This procedural bill directly affects the legislature and audit committee, with the requirement expiring July 1, 2028.

Maddy summarySB 5117, the "FEAST Act" (Food Economics, Availability, and Security Over Time), creates a new state policy framework to support Washington's agricultural sector. It requires the state to analyze the fiscal impact of proposed legislation on agricultural businesses, including regulatory cost changes, and produce written fiscal notes for lawmakers upon request. These notes must detail annual impacts for the first two years and a six-year forecast, focusing on how policy decisions affect farmers' ability to produce food. The bill directly affects agricultural entities (like farms and processors) and state agencies responsible for drafting and reviewing legislation. It does not change existing agricultural regulations but establishes a process for evaluating future policy impacts.

Maddy summarySB 5560 designates the Pacific razor clam (*Siliqua patula*) as Washington's official state clam, a symbolic gesture with no regulatory or economic impact. The bill cites the clam's cultural significance to coastal Indigenous communities and Washingtonians, its role in recreation and sustainable harvesting (up to 8 million clams annually), and its status as a "living tradition" attracting tourists. It adds a new section to state code stating the Pacific razor clam is the official state clam, emphasizing its "golden hued" shell and cultural icon status. This is purely a ceremonial designation with no changes to fishing laws, management, or state spending.