Maddy summaryThis bill requires owners and direct contractors to jointly pay unpaid wages, benefits, and reimbursements to construction workers when subcontractors fail to pay. It directly affects construction workers, especially those employed by subcontractors who may not receive payment due to misclassification or underpayment. Key provisions include allowing workers to sue owners or direct contractors directly (not just subcontractors), creating a rebuttable presumption that workers are employees (not independent contractors), and mandating that agreements waiving liability are invalid. The law also authorizes the attorney general to investigate violations and pursue enforcement actions. These changes aim to address wage theft in the construction industry by expanding accountability up the project chain.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 5852 requires Washington employers to notify workers and their representatives within 72 hours if a federal agency conducts an inspection of employment verification forms (I-9) or worker records. It mandates posting multilingual notices in workplaces and sending written notices to all current and recent workers (within the last three years), including details about the federal agency and inspection. The law aims to ensure immigrant workers are informed during federal immigration enforcement actions, with notices required in the five most commonly used non-English languages in the state. Employers must also provide affected workers with copies of federal inspection results. This applies to all Washington employers, including state agencies and businesses.
Maddy summarySB 5930 clarifies conflict-of-interest rules for irrigation district directors to prevent unintended barriers in rural communities. It amends Washington’s municipal conflict law (RCW 42.23.030) to allow directors to have beneficial interests in contracts up to $24,000 annually with annual cost-of-living adjustments tied to the Consumer Price Index. The bill specifically targets irrigation districts (not all municipalities), ensuring rural communities can retain qualified directors without violating conflict rules. It maintains public transparency by requiring districts to publicly list such contracts.
Maddy summarySB 6305 requires health insurance companies in Washington to annually report detailed, standardized data about mental health and substance use coverage. Insurers must submit information on in-network provider availability, reimbursement rates, out-of-network utilization, and access metrics (like youth services and telehealth) by July 1 each year. The state will publish all raw data and create an interactive public dashboard by October, allowing consumers and employers to compare insurers' coverage transparency. This addresses documented gaps where Washington residents face significantly greater barriers accessing mental health care than medical care, as highlighted by recent studies. The bill directly affects all health insurance carriers operating in Washington and aims to improve transparency for patients seeking behavioral health services.
Maddy summarySB 6304 requires Washington State’s Investment Board to incorporate ethical investment standards into its management of public retirement and trust funds. It prohibits investments in companies or activities involving serious human rights violations, weapons production, coal energy, tobacco, environmental harm, or other significant ethical risks (as detailed in Section 2). The bill mandates the Board to assess these risks when making investment decisions, develop public proxy voting guidelines supporting ethical standards, and report annually on how these principles are applied. This directly affects how $100+ billion in public funds are managed, ensuring investments align with state values while still aiming for prudent financial returns. The Board must now consider both financial and ethical risks in its investment strategy.
Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the Washington State Senate's formal appreciation for the National Guard's service. It recognizes their emergency response work (like 2025 flood support in Skagit and Snohomish counties), election security efforts, and youth programs such as the Washington Youth Challenge Academy. The Senate thanks the Guard's families and employers for their support and acknowledges the Guard's contributions to state safety, community well-being, and economic vitality. Adopted in January 2026, this symbolic resolution was sent to state and federal officials but does not create new laws or policies.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 8674) formally honors India's 2026 Republic Day as a symbolic gesture recognizing shared democratic values between India, Washington State, and the U.S. It directly acknowledges Washington's strong ties to Indian Americans - over 100,000 residents who contribute to the state's economy, cultural diversity, and institutions like healthcare and tech. The resolution highlights India's constitutional commitment to equality and Washington's partnership with India’s Seattle consulate on trade, education, and cultural exchanges. Adopted on January 26, 2026, it has no binding policy effects, serving solely as a ceremonial acknowledgment.
Maddy summarySB 5934 would expand access to postconviction DNA testing for people convicted of felonies in Washington state who claim innocence. It establishes a presumption that courts must grant DNA testing requests when the results could show innocence, shifting the burden to the state to prove testing wouldn't demonstrate innocence with "clear and convincing evidence." The bill also requires courts to grant requests if the state doesn't oppose them within 30 days and clarifies that preserved biological evidence must be kept per state law. This aims to reduce unnecessary court costs and litigation while improving the accuracy of criminal convictions.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 8666), not a substantive bill. It formally recognizes the University of Washington men's soccer team for winning the NCAA national championship on December 15, 2025 - their first title in program history. The resolution highlights the team's achievements, including key players, coaches, and their success in the tournament. It has no policy impact or funding provisions; it solely serves to honor the team's accomplishment. Adopted by the Washington State Senate on January 23, 2026.
Maddy summaryWashington State's SB 5864 creates a new online system for verifying motor vehicle insurance coverage. The bill requires the Department of Licensing to establish a secure, accessible system where law enforcement, courts, and insurers can check if vehicles have required liability insurance during registration renewals. Insurers must connect to this system to provide real-time verification using data like vehicle ID numbers, and must maintain records for six months. The system must be fully operational by April 1, 2029, and applies to all personal vehicle insurance policies (excluding commercial policies, which may join voluntarily). This changes how insurance proof is verified, replacing manual checks with digital confirmation at registration time.