Maddy summarySB 5961 transfers Washington's Imagination Library program - providing free monthly books to children from birth to age five - from the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The bill requires the new administrator (a Washington-based nonprofit) to manage program operations, establish local affiliate programs, and partner with a national foundation to deliver books at no cost to families. Funding will come from a 50% payment by the nonprofit to the national foundation and the remaining cost from affiliate programs, with the Superintendent allowed to seek private donations. This change affects eligible children, local affiliates, and the nonprofit managing the program, streamlining oversight under education leadership.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Washington county and municipal jails to have written contracts with the U.S. government before accepting individuals held in federal custody. Jails may temporarily accept federal detainees for 180 days after the law takes effect while securing a contract, but must have one in place for all new admissions afterward. Contracts must include a minimum daily fee based on existing interlocal agreements, and jails may still accept federal detainees without a contract if they determine it serves public safety interests. The bill directly affects local jails that currently hold federal detainees without formal agreements.
Maddy summarySB 5992 creates a state-funded account to support youth development programs for Washington youth aged 5-24, prioritizing underserved communities. The fund, financed by public and private contributions, will provide grants to nonprofits, tribal organizations, parks departments, and community partners to offer after-school programs, mentorship, career navigation, and culturally relevant activities. It requires equitable geographic distribution of funds and prioritizes youth facing systemic barriers, including those in foster care, experiencing homelessness, or from low-income backgrounds. Grants must be reported annually on program impacts, with tribal consultation required for projects affecting Native communities.
Maddy summaryThis bill adds Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas to Washington State's list of officially recognized days under RCW 1.16.050, specifically in section (7)(w). It does not create a paid holiday or alter employee leave policies; these days are recognized for ceremonial purposes only, similar to other designated observances like Eid al-Fitr. The recognition applies to state government practices but does not grant employees additional paid time off or change existing holiday entitlements. This change aligns with Washington's existing framework for acknowledging cultural and religious observances without legal holiday status.
Maddy summarySB 6036 exempts certain former foster care providers from needing an adult family home license if they previously cared for foster youth under specific conditions. It directly affects individuals who provided care for at least three years to one or more former foster youth, had no verified abuse reports, and only care for those same youth. The bill adds these providers to an existing exemption list in state law, removing licensure requirements while requiring compliance with background checks and state training. This change applies only to homes caring exclusively for former foster youth who were under their care during foster placement.
Maddy summaryWashington State's SB 6070 requires law enforcement to obtain a court order before using certain surveillance tools - including pen registers, trap and trace devices, and cell site simulators (devices that mimic cell towers) - to locate missing endangered persons. The bill amends existing laws to specify that these tools may only be deployed when investigating a missing person who qualifies as "endangered" under state law. Courts must approve such orders based on probable cause that the tools will help locate the missing person or gather evidence related to their disappearance. This law directly affects law enforcement agencies conducting missing persons investigations and ensures judicial oversight for these intrusive surveillance methods.
Maddy summarySB 6311 requires construction permittees to maintain continuous, accessible pedestrian pathways during projects in hospital zones (within 300 feet of hospital property), public parks, schools, and other sensitive areas. It prohibits sidewalk closures unless a feasible same-side temporary route cannot be provided, mandating ADA-compliant pathways with physical barriers, lighting, and unobstructed emergency access. Permittees must submit safety plans analyzing accessibility and emergency routes, with enforcement including stop-work orders for violations. The law applies to all local governments and entities performing permitted work in these zones, effective January 2027.
Maddy summarySB 6086 authorizes Washington state court bailiffs and security consultants to conduct threat assessments and access limited criminal history data (including unconvicted incidents) specifically to investigate threats against judges, justices, and court personnel. It requires staff to be trained for these duties, strictly restricts data use to threat investigations, and mandates referrals to local law enforcement for verified threats. The bill clarifies that "judicial officer" includes all state and federal court staff (from supreme courts to municipal courts) and adds new rules for securely handling nonconviction data. These changes aim to strengthen security protocols while limiting data access to only authorized threat-related purposes under strict confidentiality rules.
Maddy summarySB 6097 amends Washington state law to explicitly allow federally recognized Indian tribes to join the Conservation Futures program, which helps protect farmland, forests, and open space through land conservation agreements. The bill updates existing statutes to include tribes as eligible participants alongside counties, cities, and nonprofits, ensuring they can acquire development rights to conserve land while respecting treaty rights. A new section also confirms the law won’t diminish tribal treaty rights. This change directly affects tribes seeking to participate in land conservation efforts under the program.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits contractors or third parties from obtaining post-loss assignment agreements that transfer a homeowner's or business owner's insurance claim rights and benefits to them after a property loss. It makes such agreements invalid, prevents contractors from controlling claims without the policyholder's involvement, and imposes $50,000 fines for violations. Exceptions include licensed public adjusters, attorneys working on contingency, mortgagees, and standard payment authorizations. The law aims to ensure policyholders retain control over their insurance claims and communications with insurers.