Sen. Yasmin Trudeau

Maddy summarySB 5177 directs the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to expand its list of professional development resources for school district staff. These resources, covering topics like social-emotional learning and antibullying strategies, must specifically consider the experiences of historically marginalized and underrepresented student groups. This includes students with disabilities, neurodivergence, diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and those from various racial, ethnic, religious, national origin, and immigration backgrounds. The bill aims to help school staff create more inclusive and supportive environments for all students.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5240 allows public and private schools in Washington to maintain a supply of epinephrine, including autoinjectors, for use in emergencies. Licensed health professionals can prescribe this medication in the school's name, accompanied by a standing order for administration by school nurses or trained personnel. The bill clarifies that epinephrine can be administered to students experiencing anaphylaxis, even if they do not have a personal prescription on file, and extends its use to field trips and school buses. It also provides liability protection for those involved in prescribing and administering the medication.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5360 establishes new criminal offenses related to water pollution in Washington state, affecting individuals and various entities, including government agencies. The bill defines three degrees of violation for the water pollution control act, differentiating them by the level of intent and harm. A first-degree violation involves knowingly causing imminent danger, a second-degree violation involves knowingly violating without imminent danger, and a third-degree violation involves negligent violations. Each degree carries specific penalties, ranging from a Class B felony for the first degree to a gross misdemeanor for the third degree.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5647 establishes a new exemption from the real estate excise tax for the sale of properties designated as "qualified affordable housing." This means that sellers of these specific types of affordable homes would not be required to pay this tax. The bill achieves this by amending the existing state law that defines what constitutes a "sale" for real estate excise tax purposes, adding this new category of exempt transactions. This policy change aims to reduce the tax burden associated with the sale of affordable housing.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors Senator Rebecca Saldaña for her decade of service to the 37th Legislative District and the state of Washington. The bill formally commends her legislative work, including sponsoring landmark laws on environmental justice, domestic workers' rights, and adult entertainment worker protections. It recognizes her role as chair of the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee and her advocacy for frontline communities, workers, and communities of color. The resolution is transmitted to Senator Saldaña by the Secretary of the Senate as an official expression of gratitude for her contributions to Washington state policy.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors Senator Judy Warnick for her nearly two decades of service in the Washington State Legislature, recognizing her leadership roles and contributions to agriculture, rural development, and community advocacy. The resolution formally acknowledges her work as a former dairy farmer and her service on multiple committees, including her role as Chair of the Senate Agriculture, Water & Rural Economic Development Committee. It expresses the Senate's appreciation for her dedication to public service and directs that copies of the resolution be sent to Senator Warnick and her family as a token of gratitude.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors Senator Steve Conway for his 34 years of service to Washington state, particularly his advocacy for workers' rights and labor policy. The resolution formally commends his contributions to collective bargaining, pension systems, and local community projects, including funding for educational and cultural facilities. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as an official acknowledgment of his legislative career and public service. The Senate transmitted this resolution to Senator Conway as a gesture of appreciation for his work representing the 29th Legislative District.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution formally acknowledges March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in Washington state. It recognizes approximately 120,000 residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities and honors the families, caregivers, and service providers who support them. The resolution expresses appreciation for the inclusive community efforts that help individuals with disabilities participate fully in society. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness and promote inclusion.

Maddy summarySB 6047 updates Washington state rules for managing public construction projects, primarily expanding when state agencies can use "design-build" contracting (where one contractor handles both design and construction). It allows design-build for most projects over $2 million if specialized work or innovation is needed, removes cost limits for parking garages and pre-engineered buildings, and requires Washington State University to report on small business participation in projects under $2 million. The bill affects state agencies, universities, and contractors by clarifying project delivery rules, limiting design-build for operations/maintenance to three years (unless approved), and adding reporting requirements for university demonstration projects.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Memorial 8002 is a resolution from the Washington State Legislature to the federal government concerning Medicare. It expresses opposition to Medicare privatization and urges federal action to create a more equitable system between Original Medicare and private Medicare Advantage plans. The memorial specifically requests the federal government to eliminate Original Medicare's 20 percent copays, add benefits like dental and vision, cap out-of-pocket medical expenses, and eliminate excessive administrative costs and profits within Medicare Advantage. It also seeks to recoup funds from documented overpayments and fraud in Medicare Advantage programs to support a stronger Original Medicare system for seniors and disabled beneficiaries.