Sen. Marko Liias

Maddy summarySB 5423 requires manufacturers of digital electronic products (like phones, computers, and smart appliances) to provide independent repair shops with necessary documentation, parts, and tools on "fair and reasonable terms." This directly affects consumers - especially those in rural areas or with lower incomes - who face limited repair access, and independent repair businesses competing with manufacturer shops. Key provisions mandate that manufacturers offer these resources at costs equivalent to those for authorized repair providers, without restricting their use. The goal is to make repairs more affordable, extend product lifespans, and support small businesses by increasing repair accessibility across Washington state.

Maddy summarySB 5792 mandates a 4.98% temporary salary reduction for most state government employees (excluding certain roles) during the 2025-2026 fiscal year. It exempts elected officials (who may voluntarily reduce salaries), employees at state universities, specialized staff (like Washington State Patrol officers), and those earning under $2,500 monthly. The bill requires agencies to use options like temporary leave (8.67 hours/month) or reduced hours if collective bargaining agreements prevent direct salary cuts, while ensuring minimum wage protections. It applies specifically to the 2025-2026 period within the broader 2025-2027 budget cycle.

Maddy summaryWashington's SB 5302 prohibits state and local government agencies (including law enforcement) from purchasing, acquiring, or operating small drones (under 55 pounds) made by specific foreign entities. It bans the use of public funds for such drones and defines "covered foreign entities" as those on U.S. sanctions lists, based in China or Russia, or controlled by those governments. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, requiring agencies to stop using covered drones by that date. This directly affects government drone programs and procurement practices across Washington state.

Maddy summarySB 5309 establishes a flat $15 weight fee for motorcycle registrations in Washington State, replacing the previous weight-based system for motorcycles. This fee applies to all motorcycles regardless of their scale weight and is paid in addition to standard vehicle registration fees. The revenue typically funds transportation projects (under RCW 46.68.415), but would redirect to a "Connecting Washington" account if state agencies implement carbon-intensity fuel standards without new legislative approval. The bill affects motorcycle owners during registration, simplifying fees compared to the tiered system for other vehicles.

Maddy summarySB 5293 updates Washington's public works wage rules for construction projects. Until May 2027, it requires using the highest wage from union contracts in a county. After June 2027, it mandates adopting the wage rate covering the majority of workers in a trade (or the most common rate if no majority exists), with an appeal process for disputes. Shipbuilding and ship repair maintain a separate rule using the highest union rate. The bill directly affects construction workers and contractors on state-funded public projects.

Maddy summarySB 5090 updates Washington's Professional Engineers' Registration Act by modernizing definitions and board composition. It removes outdated language and clarifies terms like "practice of engineering" and "significant structures" (e.g., defining hazardous facilities and large buildings). The bill requires board members to have at least 10 years of active practice in engineering or land surveying, including five years immediately prior to appointment. This affects the Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors and the professionals they regulate, without changing core registration requirements for engineers or land surveyors.

Maddy summarySB 5430 requires Washington electric utilities to submit detailed wildfire mitigation plans to the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) for approval, with updates every three years. The UTC must review these plans within 120 days (for initial submissions) or 90 days (for updates), holding public workshops and meetings, and can approve plans with conditions to balance wildfire risk reduction with cost to consumers. The bill repeals outdated provisions and directs the UTC to adopt rules including input from fire districts, landowners, and customer groups on vegetation management, power shutoffs, and fair compensation. This directly affects all electric utilities operating in Washington, ensuring their wildfire plans are reviewed transparently and cost-effectively.

Maddy summarySB 5140 requires Washington residents to obtain a permit to purchase firearms, directly affecting all firearm buyers and dealers. It mandates proof of completion of a certified firearm safety training program within the past five years (or an exemption) and establishes a permit application process with fingerprinting and fees. Key mechanisms include enhanced background checks using state/federal databases, delays for outstanding warrants or pending charges, and detailed recordkeeping for all firearm transfers. The bill also adds safety warnings for buyers and requires dealers to verify permit eligibility before sales.

Maddy summarySB 5218 updates Washington’s vehicle and driver licensing laws to align with federal standards, primarily affecting vehicle owners, law enforcement, and businesses requesting vehicle records. It tightens privacy rules by requiring written agreements for business requests, limiting disclosure to specific purposes, and notifying owners when their information is shared with attorneys or private investigators. The bill also standardizes odometer disclosure requirements for vehicle title transfers, mandating mileage statements at ownership changes. These changes streamline existing processes while enhancing privacy protections for vehicle owners under state law.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow Washington counties to impose a local tax on utility companies (like water, electricity, and gas providers) based on their gross income from services within the county. Counties could set a tax rate up to 3%, which utilities would add to customer bills and clearly label. The tax would apply to businesses (e.g., factories, data centers) but not residential customers unless businesses also get exemptions. Counties must follow specific rules for when to start the tax and cannot create general residential exemptions. This is a proposed revenue tool for local governments, not yet law.