Maddy summarySB 5007 creates a statewide program to support students missing 10% or more of school days (chronically absent) and at risk of not graduating high school. It requires educational service districts to train staff on early warning systems to identify at-risk students and connect them with supports like family engagement, health services, academic help, and transportation. The bill establishes a "Building Bridges" grant program for local school-family-community partnerships to implement dropout prevention systems, including data-driven interventions, mentorship, and alternative education options. These partnerships must collect and report data on student demographics, attendance, graduation rates, and outcomes to track effectiveness. The law aims to improve reengagement and graduation rates through coordinated, evidence-based support for vulnerable students.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill allows people charged with specific drug possession offenses under Washington state law (RCW 69.50.4011, 69.50.4013, 69.50.4014, or 69.41.030) to seek dismissal of those charges after completing a court-approved substance abuse treatment program. To qualify, individuals must first undergo a certified assessment showing a substance use disorder requiring treatment and successfully complete the recommended program. Courts must review the case, confirm the treatment completion and assessment, and determine if dismissal serves the interests of justice before dismissing the charges. The court must also provide a written explanation for its decision.
Maddy summarySB 5279 allows licensed child care providers in Washington to use documented work experience instead of formal early childhood education certificates to meet licensing requirements until August 1, 2028. To qualify, providers must have continuous employment since August 2021 (or seven cumulative years), active work requiring such certificates, and completed health/safety training. The bill also requires the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to form a stakeholder group - including providers, training organizations, and community advocates - to review and improve qualification systems, with a report due by December 2026. The law expires July 1, 2028, and does not apply to providers serving the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 5388 revises how behavioral health services, including substance use disorder treatment, are regulated for individuals in Washington state correctional facilities. Rather than requiring these services to be licensed by the Department of Health (DOH), the bill shifts to a monitoring process. The Department of Corrections (DOC) and DOH will jointly establish standards for these services, which the DOH will then monitor through annual inspections for compliance. The DOC must implement these standards by July 1, 2027, with DOH beginning annual inspections and providing technical assistance from that date forward.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 5794 aims to improve how tax preferences are managed in Washington state. It implements recommendations from the state's tax preference performance review process, which evaluates the effectiveness of existing tax exemptions. The bill eliminates several tax preferences identified as obsolete or unused and clarifies the legislative intent behind others. This includes updating specific tax code sections and modifying effective or expiration dates for certain industries, such as manufacturing of seafood and dairy products.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 5217 expands pregnancy-related accommodations for employees in Washington state, now applying to nearly all employers. It defines "pregnancy" to include related health conditions and the need to express breast milk, requiring employers to provide reasonable accommodations like flexible breaks, modified schedules, and assistance with manual labor. The bill prohibits employers from taking adverse action against employees requesting these accommodations and mandates paid break time for expressing breast milk for up to two years after childbirth. Additionally, it allows individuals with an infant under 12 months old to be excused from or delay jury service.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 5651 increases the amount of personal property that individuals can keep when their assets are subject to garnishment in non-bankruptcy cases. It raises the general exemption for "other personal property" from $3,000 to $6,000. The bill also specifically increases the protected amount for financial assets like bank accounts and stocks to $5,000 for various debt types. Additionally, starting in 2027, these exemption amounts will be adjusted every three years based on changes in the consumer price index.
Maddy summarySB 5721 enhances consumer protections for automobile insurance policyholders in Washington state. Beginning January 1, 2026, all new or renewed auto insurance policies that cover physical damage must include a provision for an appraisal process. This allows either the policyholder or the insurer to demand an appraisal to resolve disputes over the actual cash value and amount of loss for a damaged vehicle. The bill outlines a specific procedure for selecting independent appraisers and, if necessary, an umpire to settle disagreements, with costs for the umpire shared equally. This creates a standardized mechanism for resolving certain vehicle damage claims.
Maddy summarySB 5195 adopts the capital budget for the state of Washington for the period ending June 30, 2027. This bill appropriates specific dollar amounts from various state funds to be spent on capital projects. Key provisions include funding for infrastructure improvements like the Puget Sound Regional Archives HVAC system and allocations for hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It also provides grants for the development, expansion, and renovation of public and private early learning education facilities. This bill directly affects state agencies, educational institutions, and communities benefiting from these capital investments.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 5814 modernizes Washington's tax code by extending the state retail sales tax to select services, such as certain computer-related and digital automated services. It also expands the application of excise taxes on tobacco products to include new and emerging nicotine products. Additionally, the bill requires certain large businesses to make a one-time prepayment of state sales tax collections. These changes affect businesses providing the newly taxed services and nicotine products, as well as the consumers of these items. The revenue generated is intended to support public schools, health care, and social services across the state.