Maddy summarySB 5634 aims to make community solar projects more accessible in Washington by updating definitions and requirements for project administrators. It requires projects over 199 kilowatts to meet labor standards (like prevailing wages and apprenticeship use) and reserves 50% of incentives for smaller projects (≤199 kW). The bill also mandates that at least 50% of incentive payments must support low-income subscribers, verified through confidential income checks. These changes directly affect community solar companies, project administrators, and subscribers - especially low-income households and smaller community projects. The law modifies existing rules to prioritize equitable access and workforce standards in solar program participation.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 5155 extends Washington's 2021 pilot program to make a streamlined permitting pathway permanent for salmon habitat projects. It allows qualifying projects - such as those funded by Puget Sound restoration programs, tribal initiatives, or state fish recovery funds - to use this optional process instead of full environmental reviews, while still requiring compliance with flood risk and cultural resource protections. Projects must be listed in 18 specific restoration programs (e.g., Bonneville Power Administration projects or tribal fish barrier removal) and submit 60-day notices to tribes and archaeology offices before approval. This change speeds up habitat restoration without replacing existing permit requirements.
Maddy summarySB 5222 limits annual rent and fee increases for Washington tenants to 7% (with specific exemptions), requires landlords to provide written notice for increases, and bans excessive or arbitrary fees. It directly affects all renters under Washington’s residential and manufactured/mobile home landlord-tenant acts, including households with children, seniors, and communities of color disproportionately impacted by rent hikes. Key provisions include allowing tenants to terminate leases without penalty if increases violate the cap, creating a landlord resource center for compliance support, and establishing parity between month-to-month and fixed-term leases. The bill also authorizes the Attorney General to enforce violations and recover damages for unlawful rent or fee charges.
Maddy summarySB 5376 clarifies and updates Washington state's animal cruelty laws by defining key terms like "necessary food," "shelter," and "space" with specific, measurable standards. It directly affects all animal owners and caretakers in Washington by requiring: species-appropriate food provided at suitable intervals, drinkable water easily accessible daily, shelter protecting against weather elements with bedding, and adequate space for exercise with proper lighting and sanitation. The bill amends existing statutes (RCW 16.52) to ensure consistent enforcement, excluding commercial livestock operations under accepted husbandry practices. These definitions help law enforcement and animal control agencies assess neglect cases based on concrete, observable standards.
Maddy summarySB 5526 raises the minimum age for purchasing tobacco, e-cigarettes, and related products to 21 in Washington State, directly affecting retailers and underage buyers. It requires retailers to verify age using valid ID (like driver’s licenses or tribal cards) and clarifies definitions for "vapor products" and "alternative nicotine products." The bill increases penalties for violations, including fines up to $15,000 and license suspension/revocation for repeated offenses. These changes amend existing laws to strengthen enforcement of age restrictions and product safety regulations.
Maddy summarySB 5335 establishes a state-funded rural nursing education program to address nurse shortages in Washington's underserved rural communities. The program provides distance learning and support services - including childcare, transportation assistance, and internet access - to nursing students who commit to working in rural areas after graduation. It requires collaboration between rural hospitals, academic institutions, and community partners to create tailored training models and address workforce barriers like high urban salaries and pandemic-related burnout. The bill targets Washington’s 39 critical access hospitals and aims to build a sustainable pipeline of local nurses for rural health facilities.
Maddy summarySB 5465 allows Washington electrical companies to recover certain wildfire-related costs by selling bonds backed by future customer payments, instead of raising rates immediately. This would lower overall customer costs compared to traditional rate increases, as the bonds would be repaid through future utility bills. The Utilities and Transportation Commission must approve the use of this method for costs tied to declared disasters like wildfires, excluding fines or penalties. The bill creates clear rules for how these "rate recovery bonds" are structured and managed, ensuring they don’t count as state debt. It directly affects electrical companies and their customers by changing how wildfire costs are paid for.
Maddy summarySB 5421 allows certain small businesses to operate in residential zones across Washington state, directly affecting cities and towns (which must permit these businesses) and qualifying small business owners. The bill defines "neighborhood businesses" as specific types: small food venues (500-2,000 sq ft), local retail stores (up to 10,000 sq ft), licensed childcare centers (serving ≤45 children), and low-impact professional services (≤3 full-time staff). Cities must permit these businesses in residential areas while imposing reasonable rules on noise, signage, hours (minimum 12 hours/day), deliveries, and alcohol sales - without restricting existing licensed operations. The law aims to support local economies and community spaces without altering neighborhood character, requiring cities to adopt compatible regulations.
Maddy summarySB 5171 amends Washington state law to clarify compensation for livestock owners affected by wolf predation, bears, or cougars. It establishes a minimum $500 economic loss threshold for claims and requires the commission to set rules for qualifying damage, including a new process for indirect losses (like reduced weight gain or pregnancy rates from wolf harassment) by comparing current losses to historical averages. The bill ensures claims are prioritized based on loss percentage and specifies that unpaid claims due to funding limits may be paid in the next fiscal year. It directly affects ranchers and livestock owners who experience wildlife-related damage.
Maddy summarySB 5672 delays the certification requirements for home care aides in Washington State. It requires the Department of Health to adopt rules allowing workers additional time to become certified while the state auditor completes a biennial performance audit of training standards. This temporary delay applies until 90 days after the 2026 audit report is published, and the bill expires December 31, 2027. The law affects all long-term care workers hired after January 2012 who need home care aide certification, with the delay specifically tied to the audit timeline rather than emergencies. The bill became effective immediately upon the governor's signature on May 17, 2025.