Sen. Marko Liias

Maddy summarySB 5027 establishes a Washington state program to repay law school loans for public defense attorneys and prosecutors. To qualify, participants must work full-time (at 80% of the state bar’s standard caseload) in qualifying public defense or prosecution roles for three years. The program provides up to $20,000 annually for three years ($120,000 total), prioritizing rural practitioners if funding is limited. Participants must repay funds if they leave before completing the service period.

Maddy summaryWashington's SB 5121 requires most group health plans (excluding small groups) and employer-sponsored health plans to cover infertility diagnosis, treatment, and standard fertility preservation services. Starting January 1, 2026, plans must cover fertility preservation, and by January 1, 2027, they must cover infertility treatment - including two egg retrieval procedures with unlimited embryo transfers per medical guidelines - and diagnose infertility. The law prohibits higher deductibles, copays, or restrictions for these services compared to other pregnancy-related care and applies to all enrollees, including spouses and nonspouse dependents. It directly affects individuals seeking fertility care, aiming to improve access for people facing infertility, including LGBTQ+ individuals and racial/ethnic minorities.

Maddy summarySB 5717 requires applicants under age 26 applying for their first Washington driver's license to complete a free online course on work zone and first responder safety. The course must be provided at no cost by the state through a contracted provider for residents aged 15-25. This requirement applies specifically to new license applicants (those without prior Washington licenses) and is added to intermediate license eligibility standards. The bill amends existing law to include this course as a mandatory step for new drivers, with limited waivers if the course isn't available during application. It does not impose new penalties but integrates safety education into the licensing process.

Maddy summarySB 5804 creates a dedicated tax on light and power utility businesses (at 1.741% of gross income) to fund salmon and steelhead habitat restoration. The revenue must be deposited into a new "federal injunction salmon habitat restoration account" to address barriers like unpassable road culverts and dams, as required by a federal court ruling. This tax replaces a previous rate but is structured to not increase overall taxpayer burden. The funds specifically target projects identified to resolve the state's obligation under the *United States v. Washington* court injunction, which estimates repair costs exceed $5 billion.

Maddy summarySB 5082 creates a state housing assistance program for youth in Washington’s extended foster care system (ages 18-21). It provides rental assistance for up to 36 months (until age 21) to eligible youth who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness, capping rent at 30% of their income (max 40% if rent exceeds fair market value). The program ensures youth can access housing support while remaining in foster care, avoiding the current gap where they must exit foster care to qualify for federal housing vouchers. The bill also requires transition planning at age 21 to connect youth with housing, financial, education, and health services. This directly affects approximately 13% of foster youth experiencing homelessness in extended care, as noted in the bill’s findings.

Maddy summarySB 5126 creates a statewide network to coordinate school-based mental and behavioral health services for Washington K-12 students. It directs the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to lead strategic planning, streamline access to resources, and establish regional programs through Educational Service Districts. The bill requires schools to implement evidence-based screening, prevention, and intervention services - including substance use education - and coordinate with community partners. This directly affects all public schools, students, and local education agencies by standardizing support systems currently fragmented across multiple state agencies.

Maddy summarySB 5551 requires all Washington school districts to adopt policies by September 1, 2026, ensuring every K-12 student has access to school library information and technology programs staffed by certified teacher-librarians. The bill mandates districts to define how students access library resources and instruction, while allowing small districts (second-class) to use non-certified staff only after making "reasonable efforts" to hire certified librarians and partnering with libraries or schools. It directly affects all 245 Washington public school districts, particularly those serving low-income communities and communities of color where nearly 60% currently lack certified teacher-librarians. The law defines "teacher-librarian" as a certified educator with library media training and specifies that these programs must support state learning standards and digital literacy skills for all students.

Maddy summarySB 5620 codifies specific rights for children and youth in foster care under Washington state law, directly affecting all youth in out-of-home placements due to dependency proceedings. Key provisions include guaranteed anti-discrimination protections, priority for placements with relatives or familiar caregivers, access to education without disruption, the right to consent to medical care or adoption (if over 14), and requirements for foster care providers to receive relevant case information. The bill also mandates that the state department create and distribute a clear pamphlet outlining these rights by September 2025, including emergency contact information for caseworkers. This legislation formalizes existing protections into statute without creating new rights, focusing on practical daily needs like personal belongings access, confidentiality, and transition support for youth aging out at 18.

Maddy summarySB 5058 aims to increase Washington's recycling rate for packaging to 65% by implementing specific strategies within the state's current waste management system. It requires a statewide list of accepted recyclable materials to reduce confusion and contamination, mandates a needs assessment to identify necessary investments, and expands requirements for manufacturers to use postconsumer recycled content in packaging and paper products. The bill directly affects residents (through standardized curbside recycling services), manufacturers (via new recycled content rules), and local governments (which retain authority over collection systems). It maintains existing public-private partnerships and does not alter local government roles in managing recycling services.

Maddy summarySB 5180 requires all Washington public school districts to adopt or update policies ensuring gender-inclusive school environments, directly affecting students, staff, and families in every public school. Key provisions mandate schools to guarantee students' rights to use preferred names/pronouns, participate in sports/activities aligned with their gender identity, access appropriate restrooms, and dress per their gender expression within school dress codes. School districts must designate a primary contact for these policies, provide annual training, and share policies with parents, students, and staff. The bill clarifies and strengthens existing state protections for transgender and gender-expansive students, aiming to eliminate ambiguity in current law and ensure consistent implementation across all school districts.