Sen. Mike Chapman

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5253 extends the eligibility for special education services for students with disabilities in Washington state. Under this bill, services will now continue until the end of the school year in which a student turns 22, rather than 21. This change addresses a federal court ruling that found the state's previous age-out policy violated federal law. Additionally, the bill requires state agencies to update an implementation plan by October 2026 to improve transition planning for students with disabilities moving to post-school life.

Maddy summarySB 5142, known as the Houston eminent domain fairness act, provides former owners of real estate acquired by school districts through eminent domain or under threat of condemnation the opportunity to buy it back. If a school district does not use the property for its intended public purpose, such as school facilities, and decides to sell or transfer it, they must offer to sell it to the previous owner or their heirs. The repurchase price would be the original amount the school district paid for the property. This right is triggered under specific conditions, like the cancellation of the public use or lack of progress within 10 years, and it generally expires 15 years after the district acquired the property.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5351 aims to ensure patient choice and access to dental care by regulating dental insurance practices. It prohibits dental-only plans from denying coverage solely because multiple procedures were performed on the same day, while still allowing denials for reasons like fraud or medical necessity. The bill also requires dental insurers to offer providers a fee-free alternative if they pay claims using credit cards. Additionally, it mandates annual public reporting of dental-only plan financial data and establishes a collaborative forum to study dental loss ratios and provider payment rates, with recommendations due by June 2026.

Maddy summarySB 5281 modifies the requirements for nonresident vessel permits in Washington state. The bill changes the maximum vessel length allowed for certain nonresident vessels to qualify for a permit, increasing it from 200 feet to 300 feet. This applies to nonresident vessel owners that are not natural persons, or natural persons who intend to charter their vessel with a captain or crew. Until May 1, 2026, vessels over 200 feet will be processed as if they were 200 feet in length for permit applications.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5343 modifies the uses of the northeast Washington wolf-livestock management account. It allows funds to be continuously used for nonlethal wolf deterrence, general wolf-livestock management, and grants to the sheriffs' offices in Stevens and Ferry counties for local wildlife specialists. This removes a previous limitation that restricted these uses to specific fiscal biennia. The bill itself, including these updated provisions, is set to expire on July 1, 2031.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5716 expands the definition of "unlawful transit conduct" to include actions occurring on Washington State Ferries. This bill amends existing law (RCW 9.91.025) to explicitly include the Washington State Ferries under the definition of a "transit authority." As a result, behaviors such as smoking, littering, playing loud music without headphones, or consuming alcohol without authorization are now considered unlawful conduct when on or at ferry facilities. Individuals who violate these provisions on Washington State Ferries can be found guilty of a misdemeanor.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5317 exempts actions taken by cities and counties from certain appeals related to energy facility projects. This exemption applies when local governments provide technical assistance, advice, or review services for the construction or operation of certified energy facilities, under an agreement with the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC). Specifically, these local government actions cannot be appealed on the grounds of being inconsistent with a local code that has been preempted by state law for such projects. The bill clarifies the process for local governments assisting with state-approved energy developments.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5036 strengthens Washington's climate policy by transitioning to annual reporting of statewide greenhouse gas emissions data. It requires the Washington State Department of Ecology and Department of Commerce to annually report total emissions to the Governor and legislative committees, moving from a previous biennial schedule. These reports must include emissions data from major economic sectors and now specifically include greenhouse gas emissions from wildfires. The bill aims to improve accountability and better track progress toward Washington's established goals for reducing emissions and achieving net zero by 2050.

Maddy summarySB 5165 amends the existing law regarding compensation for damage caused by wild deer and elk to commercial crops, and by bears, wolves, or cougars to livestock. The bill mandates that at least 20% of the available funds for commercial crop damage caused by deer and elk must be awarded to claims from "frontier one counties." It also establishes a minimum economic loss of $500 for commercial crop or livestock damage to be eligible for compensation. The Fish and Wildlife Commission is tasked with adopting rules and criteria for these damage claims, as well as for mitigating actions to reduce wildlife interactions.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5473 updates the process for handling disciplinary grievances for law enforcement personnel, including police officers and corrections officers. It mandates a specific procedure for selecting arbitrators in cases involving disciplinary actions, discharges, or terminations. A state commission will appoint a roster of 9 to 18 qualified arbitrators, who must meet criteria for experience in labor relations, cultural competency, and familiarity with the law enforcement profession. These new arbitrator selection procedures apply to relevant arbitrations and collective bargaining agreements negotiated or renewed after January 1, 2022.