Maddy summarySB 5364 standardizes requirements for Washington sheriffs, police chiefs, and marshals by mandating state law enforcement certification within 12 months of appointment, background checks, and consistent eligibility criteria (including high school diplomas, no felony convictions, and meeting peace officer training standards). It clarifies that volunteers in law enforcement agencies may assist with non-enforcement roles (e.g., search and rescue) but cannot carry weapons or make arrests without certification. The bill repeals outdated "police matrons" provisions and reinforces that sheriffs’ core duty is enforcing state law as interpreted by courts. These changes apply to all cities and towns with law enforcement agencies across Washington.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 5584 establishes an independent prosecutor within the Washington State governor's office to review and prosecute cases where police use of deadly force results in death. The governor appoints a licensed attorney meeting strict qualifications (no criminal history involving dishonesty or bias, plus background checks) to decide whether to file charges and handle prosecutions in the governor's name. This office will operate alongside county prosecutors for these specific cases, report annually to the legislature on its work, and ensure victims' families are kept informed. The bill aims to create a standardized, impartial process for these sensitive cases, separate from local law enforcement oversight.
Maddy summarySB 5438 limits the sale of high-impact refrigerants in Washington by phasing out virgin hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) with global warming potential above 2,200 by 2027, 1,500 by 2030, and 750 by 2033. It requires state agencies to use reclaimed refrigerants for maintenance and establishes a task force to study transition strategies for HVAC and refrigeration businesses. The bill directly affects businesses selling, distributing, or using HFCs in cooling systems, promoting climate-friendly alternatives and reclaimed refrigerant use. It includes temporary exemptions for technical challenges but mandates a 2027 report on implementation progress.
Maddy summaryWashington State's Senate and House of Representatives passed SJM 8012, a formal memorial requesting the U.S. Department of State conduct an independent investigation into the killing of Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi, a Seattle-born human rights activist and University of Washington psychology graduate. The memorial specifically asks for an investigation into her 2024 death in the West Bank, when she was fatally shot by an Israeli military sniper while peacefully observing the displacement of Palestinians. It cites her background as a Washington resident, community organizer, and advocate for Palestinian rights, drawing parallels to another Washington activist's similar killing. This procedural request does not create new law but formally urges U.S. government action to seek accountability for a U.S. citizen killed abroad.
Maddy summarySB 5147 establishes a 24-member task force to review Washington State’s laws on criminal insanity and competency to stand trial (covered under Chapter 10.77 RCW). The task force includes representatives from courts, prosecutors, defense attorneys, mental health services, law enforcement, victims’ advocacy, and people with lived experience in the forensic mental health system. Its work will focus on modernizing laws to improve clarity, reduce stigma, remove administrative barriers, and enhance treatment and safe discharges. The task force must report recommendations to the legislature by December 1, 2026, with the bill expiring June 30, 2027.
Maddy summarySB 5134 requires Washington public schools to dedicate time during January - designated as Chinese American/Americans of Chinese descent history month - for activities commemorating the contributions of Chinese Americans and Americans of Chinese descent. Starting September 1, 2025, school districts must incorporate lessons about the Chinese Exclusion Act and related historical events like the Tacoma method into their social studies curricula. Schools can use a free, state-developed curriculum created by the Washington State Historical Society and a nonprofit, or adapt it for local context. This bill directly affects all public school districts in Washington, mandating specific educational content about this community’s history and achievements.
Maddy summarySB 5211 authorizes Washington state to pay parents for providing "extraordinary care" to their minor children (under 18) with developmental disabilities, a service currently only available for adult children. The bill requires the state to seek Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services approval by January 31, 2026, to amend home and community-based waivers allowing parents to be paid as individual providers for care exceeding typical parental duties. Parents would receive payment only for "extraordinary care" defined as services necessary to prevent institutionalization, meeting specific assessment criteria (E or B high classification). This change aims to address caregiver shortages, support family stability, and reduce long-term costs by keeping children in home settings.
Maddy summarySB 5112 would create a new certification allowing psychologists in Washington to prescribe medications for mental health conditions. To qualify, psychologists must hold a doctorate in psychology, complete a specialized master's program in clinical psychopharmacology (including 400+ hours of biomedical coursework), gain 80 hours of supervised physical assessment training, and complete a 500-hour prescribing fellowship. The certification requires passing a national exam and meeting specific education standards, building on existing psychology licensure. This aims to increase mental health access by expanding prescribing authority, addressing a shortage of psychiatric providers as noted in the bill's findings.
Maddy summarySB 5164 proposes creating a state-funded program to place "postsecondary enrollment specialists" in high schools across Washington, working at a 1:600 ratio with seniors. These specialists will directly assist students - especially those from lower-income backgrounds - with completing financial aid applications (like FAFSA and WASFA), connecting to scholarships, and navigating college enrollment processes. The bill requires school districts to partner with community colleges, tribal organizations, or community groups to hire these specialists and mandates free training for school staff on financial aid. It also requires annual reports tracking how the program increases financial aid completion rates and enrollment, targeting schools with historically low application rates. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.
Maddy summarySB 5796 imposes a 5% excise tax on large Washington employers for payroll expenses exceeding the Social Security wage threshold (currently $168,600 per employee annually). It directly affects employers with over $7 million in annual payroll - estimated to be 17% of businesses - while exempting smaller businesses. The tax revenue funds public schools, health care, and social services by depositing funds into the state general fund. Employers must pay the tax directly (not deducted from employee wages), with the tax applying only to wages above the Social Security limit.