Sen. Chris Gildon

Maddy summarySB 5604 creates a 20-year property tax exemption for new housing projects located within a designated "station area" (within 0.5 miles of a major transit stop) in Washington. To qualify, projects must include at least 20% of units affordable to low- or moderate-income households (defined as 50-80% of local median income) for 50 years, with long-term covenants ensuring affordability. Local governments must adopt regulations for station areas and oversee compliance, including recording deeds to maintain affordability. The bill aims to incentivize housing near transit by reducing development costs while mandating long-term affordability for residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies which investment income qualifies for a business and occupation (B&O) tax deduction under Washington state law. It specifically addresses income from passive investment vehicles managed by entities already subject to B&O tax (as defined in RCW 82.04.290(1)), ensuring this income remains deductible. The amendment to RCW 82.04.4281 explicitly includes "amounts derived from investments made pursuant to an investment management or advisory agreement" under the deduction rules, while defining key terms like "investment" and excluding certain loan-related income. The change aims to resolve uncertainty caused by recent court decisions and provides retroactive application without creating refund rights for taxes paid before the law's effective date.

Maddy summarySB 5295 updates Washington's sexual assault survivor bill of rights to align with federal grant requirements. It directly affects survivors of sexual assault (including minors through guardians) and requires medical facilities, law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts to provide specific protections. Key provisions include: free medical forensic exams, written notices about victim compensation and evidence handling, referrals to sexual assault programs, access to advocates throughout legal proceedings, preservation of sexual assault kits upon request, and free copies of police reports. The bill ensures survivors retain all rights regardless of participation in criminal proceedings, with legal remedies limited to court orders for denied rights.

Maddy summarySB 5661 creates statewide consistency in housing by preventing cities and counties from enacting local rent control or landlord-tenant regulations that conflict with Washington’s state law. It directly affects landlords, tenants, and local governments in areas like Seattle, King County, and Tacoma, which have previously imposed conflicting rules (e.g., requiring extra notices for criminal activity or mandating 30-day notices). The bill amends state law to explicitly state that cities and counties cannot regulate rent amounts or tenant agreements (except for low-income housing under specific joint public-private programs), overriding local ordinances. This aims to eliminate regulatory confusion, encourage rental housing investment, and support Washington’s goal of building 1.1 million new homes over 20 years.

Maddy summarySB 5554 requires cities in Washington to adopt or update local regulations for residential and mixed-use properties within one year to align with new historic landmark designation rules. The bill prohibits cities from designating properties under 40 years old as historic landmarks and mandates written owner consent for any designation that restricts property use, alteration, or demolition - without consent, such designations are invalid. Exceptions apply only for properties within existing historic districts established under local ordinances. The law overrides conflicting local rules and applies to all cities, including code cities, with specific provisions for implementation timelines.

Maddy summarySB 5751 creates a coordinated system to improve how Washington state agencies deliver services to residents, businesses, and organizations. It establishes a state government service delivery lead within Washington Technology Solutions to develop standards for service quality, including ease, accessibility, and customer feedback, and requires state agencies to appoint their own service delivery officials. Agencies must submit implementation plans, collect data on service performance, and report annually to the governor and legislature on progress. The bill directly affects all state agencies, particularly those providing high-impact services like benefits or permits, by mandating standardized service improvements and data-driven accountability.

Maddy summarySB 5440 allows owners of specific vehicles - such as trailers, campers, motorcycles, mopeds, collector vehicles, or vehicles under 12,000 pounds gross weight - to display a single license plate instead of the standard two. The bill amends Washington state law to clarify that these vehicles may use one plate attached to the rear, while still requiring full registration fees as if two plates were issued. It updates display rules to permit temporary obstruction of the single plate by devices like trailer hitches or bike racks, provided the plate remains readable. This change directly affects owners of these vehicle types by simplifying plate requirements without altering fees. The bill focuses on administrative clarity for vehicle registration rules, not policy advocacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a reimbursement system for Washington school districts replacing student transportation vehicles (like school buses). It requires the superintendent to set annual payment rates based on vehicle categories, inflation, and expected lifetime costs, ensuring payments cover replacement costs minus salvage value. Districts must report transportation data quarterly and cannot receive duplicate funding if they get grants for the same vehicle. The bill also mandates districts maintain vehicles to standards, with penalties for poor maintenance, and tracks fuel costs and operational data in financial reports.

Maddy summarySB 5687 increases the portion of Washington's general sales tax revenue dedicated to performance audits from 0.16% to 0.2%. This change applies to taxes collected under RCW 82.08.020(1) on retail sales of tangible goods, digital products, and certain services. The additional funds must be deposited into the "performance audits of government account" established under RCW 43.09.475. The law takes effect January 1, 2026, and directly affects all businesses collecting retail sales tax in Washington.

Maddy summarySB 5060 creates a state grant program to help local and tribal law enforcement agencies hire more officers and mental health responders for community safety. It provides grants covering up to 75% of entry-level salaries (capped at $125,000 per position for 36 months), requiring a 25% local cash match. Agencies must meet specific training and policy standards, including crisis intervention and trauma-informed care compliance, to qualify. The bill appropriates $100 million for this program and mandates annual reports tracking grant usage, staffing vacancies, and hiring timelines. It directly affects Washington’s local and tribal law enforcement agencies seeking to fill officer positions and improve co-response to community safety needs.