Sen. Marko Liias

Maddy summarySB 5210 establishes a permanent state grant program to fund "ninth grade success teams" in Washington public schools. These teams identify students at risk of falling behind by tracking attendance, behavior, and grades, then provide targeted academic and social support to improve their chances of graduating on time. The program prioritizes schools with low ninth-grade on-track rates (passing all classes) or below-average graduation rates, using grant funds for staff stipends, professional development, substitute teachers, and student supports. Schools receiving grants must report annually on participation, student demographics, and improvements in on-track rates and graduation data through 2030.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment allowing Washington's legislature to create a property tax exemption for primary residences. If approved by voters, it would enable future legislation to establish this exemption, with the legislature determining eligibility and specific conditions. The amendment requires voter approval at the next general election and does not create the exemption itself, only authorizes its potential future implementation.

Maddy summarySB 5160 provides supplemental transportation funding for Washington State's 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, totaling approximately $26.16 million for the Washington State Patrol and other agencies. It directly affects state agencies, counties, and tribal governments through specific project allocations, such as $7.3 million for the University of Washington to map sidewalks and improve accessibility, $2.5 million for county bridge load rating grants, and $3.7 million for traffic safety initiatives including telematics data collection and tribal traffic safety programs. Key mechanisms include strict "provided solely" conditions requiring funds to be used only for designated purposes, with amounts lapsing if related legislation (e.g., SB 5374 for tribal programs) isn't enacted by June 2025. The bill does not create new policies but allocates existing funds to targeted transportation projects and administrative needs.

Maddy summarySB 5567 expands existing youth training programs in natural resource and conservation careers for Washington students aged 14-17, particularly targeting schools in disadvantaged communities. The bill requires the state to fund a nonprofit partner to run after-school or summer programs (minimum 90 hours, two-thirds work-based) that provide high school credits, dual college credit opportunities, or industry credentials in fields like forest management and water resource conservation. It mandates partnerships with employers to identify workforce needs and prioritize historically marginalized students, using state standards including Indigenous curriculum and environmental education. The program must track outcomes like graduation rates and report annually to the legislature on its effectiveness and funding use.

Maddy summarySB 5233 would create a new Washington Health Trust, a unified nonprofit entity to provide universal health coverage to all Washington residents without premiums, deductibles, or copayments. The bill establishes a single financing system replacing the current patchwork of private and public plans, guaranteeing comprehensive coverage for essential health benefits including primary care, dental, vision, prescription drugs, mental health services, and maternity care. It prohibits discrimination based on race, gender, immigration status, or other protected characteristics and requires all qualified providers to accept the trust’s reimbursement rates as payment in full. The trust would administer coverage for all residents, including nonresidents employed or studying in Washington, while preserving tribal health funding under existing law.

Maddy summarySB 5402 modifies Washington State's college financial aid program by expanding eligibility for the maximum Washington College Grant to students with family incomes up to 70% of the state median family income (up from 55%), with temporary adjustments during 2022-2025. It adds a new $500 annual "bridge grant" for students receiving the maximum Washington College Grant but not the College Bound Scholarship, to cover non-tuition expenses like books, housing, and child care. The bridge grant applies after other gift aid is awarded and requires at least half-time enrollment. This bill directly affects low-income Washington students pursuing higher education, particularly those who qualify for the maximum grant but lack additional scholarship support. The changes take effect for the 2025-26 academic year.

Maddy summarySB 5592 permits qualified zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) manufacturers (those without existing dealer contracts) to sell directly to consumers in Washington, provided they establish at least two service centers and mobile repair services in the state. It supports traditional auto dealers by creating a grant program for ZEV technician training and charging infrastructure, with dealers achieving 50% ZEV sales eligible for additional funding. The bill requires ZEV manufacturers to provide warranties covering repairs at designated service centers and mandates annual reports to assess the policy’s impact on ZEV access and dealer transitions by 2034. This aims to balance new sales models with dealer support while expanding consumer options for ZEVs.

Maddy summarySB 5352 ensures all Washington public school students can receive free meals daily upon request, removing previous income-based eligibility requirements. The bill directly affects every student in state public schools who seeks a meal, eliminating the need for families to qualify through income verification. Key provisions amend school funding laws to require districts to provide free meals to all requesting students, aligning with the legislature's finding that hunger should not hinder academic success. This policy change shifts meal access from a means-tested program to universal availability within public schools.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5181 amends an existing parents' rights initiative in Washington state, affecting parents and legal guardians of public school students. The bill modifies parental access to student education records, aligning response times with federal law, and removes requirements for schools to notify parents about medical services or medications provided to their child. It also adjusts the timeline and scope for notifying parents about criminal actions involving their child on school property or questioning by law enforcement. Additionally, the bill narrows the types of surveys and activities from which parents can opt their children out, aligning with federal protection of pupil rights.

Maddy summarySB 5059 clarifies the operational authority of Washington state ferry captains while changing their labor union representation. It allows ferry captains to vote by August 31, 2025, to join the existing "masters, mates, and pilots" bargaining unit (instead of maintaining a separate captains-only unit), effective July 1, 2026. If they choose this option, future collective bargaining agreements for captains will be negotiated under the combined unit for the 2027-2029 budget period. The bill directly affects Washington state ferry captains' labor representation structure and contract negotiations.