Sen. Marko Liias

Maddy summarySB 5878 requires Washington school districts to offer plant-based meal options at no extra cost when requested by a student, parent, or guardian, beginning in the 2026-27 school year. It defines "plant-based" as USDA-recognized meat alternatives and mandates clear labeling of these options in all meal materials. The law applies to all K-12 public schools, charter schools, and tribal education compact schools, but excludes summer food programs. School districts must honor requests for every meal the student participates in, though they may offer plant-based options to all students regardless of request. This policy change directly affects school meal programs and students seeking alternatives to animal-product-containing meals.

Maddy summaryThis bill restores a 1985 tax exemption that previously excluded sales of precious metal bullion (like refined gold, silver, and platinum) and monetized bullion (coins used as currency) from state sales tax. It directly affects businesses that sell these items, such as bullion dealers and financial institutions, by removing the tax burden on the full sale price and limiting tax to only dealer commissions. The key provision defines "precious metal bullion" and "monetized bullion" to exclude these transactions from the state’s sales tax code, with tax applying only to commissions earned on customer transactions. The exemption applies retroactively from January 1, 2026, and is intended to revive the original 1985 policy.

Maddy summarySB 5369 addresses Washington's critical shortage of school social workers, which currently stands at one worker for every 3,798 students - far below the recommended national standard of one per 250 students. The bill requires educational service districts to partner with universities, mental health agencies, and school districts to expand the workforce through in-school training placements for social work students and conditional certification pathways. It revises statutes to clarify school social workers' roles in providing mental health counseling, crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, and support for students with individualized education plans. The law directly affects K-12 schools and students, particularly those facing emotional distress, behavioral challenges, or high absenteeism rates, by increasing access to mental health support within educational settings.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5613 aims to establish clear and objective standards for residential development across Washington state. It requires cities and counties to adopt these standards for residential projects by January 1, 2028, ensuring regulations do not create unreasonable costs or delays. The bill directs the Department of Commerce to form a stakeholder work group to analyze development barriers and suggest model codes. While promoting objective standards, it allows for an alternative approval process based on aesthetics, provided developers retain the option of using the clear and objective standards. These provisions apply to residential development within urban growth areas.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5123 expands protections against discrimination for students in Washington public schools. The bill amends existing state law to prohibit discrimination based on additional categories, including ethnicity, gender expression, gender identity, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status, and neurodivergence. It also provides specific definitions for these new protected characteristics within the relevant chapter of state education code. This aims to promote inclusivity and ensure equity for all students in public schools.

Maddy summarySB 5366 amends Washington state sentencing guidelines to explicitly include a victim's pregnancy during a rape as an aggravating factor that allows courts to impose harsher sentences. It specifically adds "the defendant knew the victim was pregnant" to the list of circumstances justifying an "aggravated exceptional sentence" for violent sexual offenses. This provision directly affects rape offenders who knew their victim was pregnant at the time of the crime, enabling judges to exceed standard sentencing ranges. The bill does not create new penalties but expands existing criteria for exceptional sentencing in cases involving rape with pregnancy. It requires courts to document such findings in writing and follows standard appellate review procedures.

Maddy summarySB 5052 clarifies that law enforcement may contact juveniles (under age 18) who are witnesses or victims in a crime - without being suspected of involvement - without requiring attorney consultation beforehand. This specifically amends Washington’s juvenile rights law (RCW 13.40.740) to remove ambiguity about when police can speak directly to such juveniles. The bill ensures statements obtained during these contacts generally cannot be used against the juvenile in court unless they’ve had legal advice and knowingly waived rights. It maintains existing protections for juveniles suspected of crimes or in life-threatening situations requiring immediate police action.

Maddy summarySB 5612 creates a categorical exemption from state environmental review requirements for certain multiunit housing developments in incorporated areas within urban growth areas. It allows cities to exempt projects meeting specific density and consistency criteria with local comprehensive plans, including residential, mixed-use, or limited commercial development (up to 65,000 sq ft, excluding retail). Developers must still conduct environmental analysis addressing impacts like transportation and adjacent jurisdictions, and cities must provide 60 days' notice to tribes and the public before adopting the exemption. The exemption applies to projects with two or more housing units in large cities (west of the Cascades) until 2028, and four or more attached units until 2027, without overriding zoning or critical area protections.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows students enrolled in approved apprenticeship programs to access the same state financial aid (Washington College Grant) as community college students, covering tuition and fees at the two-year public college rate starting in 2022-23. It requires colleges to establish policies for awarding college credits toward degrees for classroom-based "related supplemental instruction" in apprenticeships, with credits needing approval within one year of program registration. By July 2026, colleges must implement statewide systems to transfer these credits across institutions, ensuring apprenticeship coursework counts toward degrees. The policy directly affects apprenticeship program students and public/private colleges in Washington.