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.
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Maddy summaryWashington State's SB 5201, the "Psychedelic Substances Act," would create a regulated system allowing adults 21+ to access psychedelic substances under professional supervision for therapeutic use. It establishes licensing for facilitators and service centers (overseen by the Department of Health) and for manufacturers (overseen by the Liquor & Cannabis Board), requiring safety protocols while emphasizing cost reduction to improve equity and access. The bill explicitly states it won't require insurance coverage for these services, won't override federal law, and aims to facilitate research on psychedelic benefits. It specifically addresses cost barriers disproportionately affecting disadvantaged communities, directing regulators to minimize compliance costs without compromising safety.
Maddy summarySB 5336 requires employers (including hotels, retail stores, security companies, and property services contractors) to implement specific protections for "isolated employees" - workers like janitors, security guards, and hotel housekeepers who spend most of their time working alone. Key provisions mandate employers to adopt sexual harassment policies, provide mandatory training on preventing harassment and using panic buttons, supply panic buttons to isolated employees, and maintain records of training and button usage. Employers must also submit annual reports on training and work locations to the Department of Labor and Industries. Violations can result in civil penalties of up to $10,000 per repeat willful offense, with enforcement handled through department investigations and citations.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 5469 aims to prevent certain data-sharing practices in the rental housing market that could lead to coordinated rent pricing. The bill makes it unlawful for "service providers" to collect and analyze rental data from multiple landlords and then recommend rental prices or terms to more than one landlord. It also prohibits landlords from subscribing to or contracting with these coordinating service providers. Violations would be considered unfair trade practices under the state's consumer protection act, allowing for enforcement by the attorney general or civil lawsuits by injured individuals.
Maddy summarySB 5066 would authorize Washington's attorney general to investigate and sue local law enforcement agencies (like city police departments) and local corrections agencies (like county jails) for violating constitutional or civil rights. It creates new procedures allowing the attorney general to issue demands for documents, conduct investigations, and seek court orders for systemic reforms - such as improved training or policies - to address misconduct patterns. The bill requires agencies to meet compliance timelines for fixes and prohibits the attorney general from pursuing actions that conflict with ongoing federal investigations. This bill does not apply to state agencies (e.g., Washington State Patrol) or hold individual officers liable for misconduct. The bill was referred to the Senate Ways & Means Committee in February 2025 but has not advanced further.
Maddy summarySB 5614 requires Washington counties and cities to create systems deferring impact fees for single-family and attached residential construction. Local governments must allow homeowners to delay full payment until final inspection, certificate of occupancy, or the first property sale after a building permit is issued, documented through a promissory note. If fees aren’t paid within one month of the first sale, penalties (5% escalating to 20%) and interest apply, but these are personal liabilities - not property liens. The bill affects homebuilders (who must arrange deferrals), buyers (who may pay fees at closing), and local governments (which must implement the system by September 2026).
Maddy summarySB 5768 expands Washington State's Working Families Tax Credit to include all low-income residents aged 18 and older, removing previous age restrictions. It affects Washington residents who file federal tax returns, pay state sales/use tax, and meet income limits (e.g., $300 for those with no children, up to $1,200 for those with three+ children). The bill maintains existing credit amounts, phase-out rules based on income, and inflation adjustments, while adding a new eligibility category for those aged 18+ who otherwise qualify under federal tax code rules. This change directly broadens access to the refundable credit for younger adults who previously may have been excluded due to age.
Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 5765) primarily redefines terms related to psychiatric care and behavioral health services in Washington State law, including terms like "psychiatric pharmacists," "antipsychotic medications," and "behavioral health service provider." It amends existing definitions within statutes governing mental health and substance use disorder services but does not establish new duties or requirements for pharmacists. The bill focuses on clarifying terminology for consistency across related laws, with no concrete policy changes described in the provided text. It is a definitional amendment, not a substantive policy change affecting practice or services.
Maddy summarySB 5591 creates a local sales and use tax reimbursement program for developers building affordable housing projects. It allows cities or counties to adopt programs that reimburse developers for sales taxes paid on construction materials, provided the project includes at least 50% units affordable to low-income households (costing ≤30-38% of income) for 40 years. Developers must apply to local governments, meet strict affordability and timeline requirements (completion within 3 years), and maintain affordability for the full 40-year period. The program applies only to projects meeting Washington’s defined "affordable housing" standards and requires local government approval before implementation.
Maddy summarySB 5629 mandates that large group health plans in Washington, issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, must include coverage for medically necessary prosthetic limbs and custom orthotic braces. This coverage applies when devices are needed for daily living, essential job activities, or to maximize physical function. The bill also requires coverage for materials, instruction, and reasonable repair or replacement of these devices. It prohibits denying coverage for individuals with disabilities if similar services would be covered for non-disabled persons and requires health plans to report claims data.