Sen. Marko Liias

Maddy summarySB 6276 protects dedicated funding for workforce education by requiring all revenues from the workforce investment surcharge (under RCW 82.04.299) and specified sources (RCW 82.04.290(2)(c)) to be deposited directly into a state treasury account. Funds in this account may only be spent on higher education programs, operations, student aid, and workforce development activities like career-connected learning. The bill explicitly prohibits using these funds to replace or reduce existing state, federal, or local education funding - requiring them to "supplement, not supplant" other resources. This amendment to RCW 43.79.195 ensures dedicated support for education and workforce programs without shifting existing budget responsibilities.

Maddy summarySB 6272 requires Washington buildings to turn off nonessential lighting during April, May, September, and October - peak bird migration months - to reduce collisions caused by light pollution. It also establishes incentives within the state's LEED building certification program to promote bird-safe features like specialized glass that prevents collisions. The law aims to protect Washington's over 500 bird species, which support ecosystems through pollination and habitat engineering, while simultaneously reducing energy consumption. These provisions apply to both new and existing buildings and are designed to balance wildlife conservation with energy efficiency.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Washington state's requirements for motor vehicle dealers' licenses. It mandates that dealers maintain a permanent, enclosed commercial building (not in residential buildings) as their primary location, display an exterior sign, and keep records there. Key changes include limiting shared business locations to two dealers until July 1, 2026 (after which only one renewal is allowed), requiring auction companies to post licenses at events, and clarifying rules for mobile home dealers and subagencies. These provisions directly affect all retail, wholesale, and auction vehicle dealers operating in Washington.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 8667 is a formal tribute honoring Monica Alexander upon her retirement as Executive Director of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission. The resolution recognizes her 20+ years of service with the Washington State Patrol - including being the first Black woman promoted to sergeant, lieutenant, and captain - and her leadership in expanding training facilities, reducing officer training wait times, and advancing policy initiatives like sexual assault kit funding. It does not create new laws or policies but celebrates her legacy in transforming law enforcement culture and increasing community representation. The Senate adopted this resolution on January 21, 2026, to acknowledge her contributions to Washington state.

Maddy summaryWashington's SB 6119 bans the use of 6PPD (a chemical in tires that breaks down into toxic 6PPD-quinone) and "regrettable substitutes" in tires sold or distributed in the state by January 1, 2035. It requires tire distributors to pay a temporary fee for tires containing 6PPD while the industry develops safer alternatives, and prohibits any "regrettable substitute" not verified as safer by the Department of Ecology. The bill directly affects tire manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, aiming to protect salmon and other aquatic species by reducing toxic tire wear particles in waterways. This policy change aligns with Washington's goals for salmon recovery and reducing stormwater pollution from tire chemicals.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Washington state law to clarify eligibility for school employees' health benefits programs. It specifically ends the "Smart Health" wellness incentive program for new enrollments starting January 1, 2028, while allowing employees who qualified by December 31, 2027, to receive the incentive in 2028. The bill also ensures that school districts cannot set eligibility requirements stricter than 630 hours worked per school year for benefits coverage. These changes directly affect school employees seeking health benefits and school districts administering those programs.

Maddy summarySB 6218 (the RECOURSE Act) requires Washington state to withhold its own payments to the federal government if the federal government withholds state funds due to a valid Washington law (not yet overturned by a court). It mandates the state treasurer to report federal funds withheld from Washington because of state laws, then directs state agencies to withhold equivalent payments to the federal government. These withheld funds must be placed in a special escrow account (the RECOURSE Act account), with release rules tied to court rulings on the state law's validity. The bill directly affects state agencies making federal payments (like tax withholdings) and aims to create a financial countermeasure against federal funding denials.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 8661) is a ceremonial recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by the Washington State Senate. It affirms Dr. King's legacy and calls on all Washingtonians to continue working toward justice, emphasizing persistence and collective action. The resolution does not create new laws, policies, or funding; it is purely symbolic and non-binding. It was adopted by the Senate on January 19, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 6157 creates a Washington wildfire prevention and protection fund and a state council to oversee it. The fund, financed by one-time and annual contributions from participating electric utilities, will compensate victims of utility-caused wildfires (including tribal governments, homeowners, businesses, and local governments) and finance wildfire prevention projects like forest health work and home hardening. The Washington wildfire prevention and protection council - composed of 15 members from state agencies, tribes, utilities, and local governments - will set contribution amounts, manage fund operations, and prioritize mitigation efforts. This bill directly affects electric utilities (through required payments), wildfire victims, and communities seeking reduced fire risk through state-funded prevention.

Maddy summarySB 6133 expands Washington State's Address Confidentiality Program to include administrative law judges and staff employed by the Office of Administrative Hearings. This bill amends state law to allow these workers to apply for the program if they face threats or harassment, joining existing categories like domestic violence survivors and election officials. Eligible applicants must provide sworn statements about safety concerns and designate the Secretary of State as their agent for mail and legal service. The program protects their actual address by using a confidential mailing address for official purposes, with the Secretary of State forwarding mail and updating vehicle registration records.