Sen. Steve Conway

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5466 aims to improve the reliability and capacity of Washington state's electric transmission system, affecting all electricity users and providers. It proposes creating the Washington Electric Transmission Authority, a centralized body tasked with enhancing the state's power grid. This authority would engage in long-term planning, coordinate siting and permitting for new transmission lines, and develop upgrades to existing infrastructure. Its purpose is to support the state's clean energy goals, increase grid resilience during extreme weather events, and maintain affordable energy rates.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to change the voter approval threshold for school district bonds from a simple majority to 55% of voters. It would require school districts seeking funding for facility construction, modernization, or repairs to obtain approval from at least 55% of voters participating in the election, rather than a majority. The amendment directly affects school districts across Washington that need to issue bonds for capital projects. If approved by voters, this change would become part of the state constitution, altering how local school funding is authorized.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5338 revises the composition and appointment process for the Washington Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee, which advises the governor and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill removes direct representatives from state veterans' homes, instead requiring the committee to appoint members as liaisons to those homes to bring resident issues to the committee. It also modifies the criteria for several committee positions, allowing for the inclusion of a veteran from a federally recognized Indian tribe and a current or former member of the Washington National Guard. These changes aim to adjust the representation on the committee while ensuring diverse veteran perspectives are considered.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 8685) honors Steve Nelsen for his 22 years of service as Executive Director of Washington's Law Enforcement Officers' and Firefighters' Plan 2 Retirement Board. It recognizes his role in establishing the agency, advancing 42 pieces of legislation to strengthen retirement benefits, and supporting line-of-duty death benefits for public safety members. The resolution formally commends his leadership and service, with no policy changes or funding impacts. It was adopted by the Senate on February 24, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 8695) formally recognizes the Daffodil Festival, its organizers, and its royal court for 93 years of contributions to Washington state, specifically highlighting Pierce County. It acknowledges the festival's role in uniting communities, its growth from a 1920s garden party, and the volunteer work of its 24-member royal court representing high schools across the region. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 24, 2026, and directs copies to be sent to the festival's 2026 officers and royal court members. This is a ceremonial resolution with no policy changes or legal effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new assessment on employers with 100 or more employees that have at least one worker enrolled in Apple Health (Washington's Medicaid program) for 80+ hours per month. The assessment amount is calculated by multiplying the total "member months" (each month an employee works and is enrolled in Apple Health) by a set Medicaid expansion rate. Employers must pay the assessment quarterly to the Employment Security Department, with funds deposited into the state health care affordability account. This account can only be used for premium and cost-sharing assistance for low-income individuals, as specified by law.

Maddy summarySB 6286 requires private detention facilities in Washington to allow state health department inspections or face escalating daily fines: $1,000 for the first 30 days, $10,000 for the next 30 days, and $15,000 daily after 60 days of denial. The fines fund a new "enforcement accountability and community repair account" in the state treasury. Money from this account must be used for direct assistance to individuals harmed at private detention facilities - such as housing, legal aid, food, or compensation - after court release or during facility transfer. The bill specifically targets facilities denying health inspections, not government-run facilities, and creates no new legal entitlements for recipients.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 8672) honoring Trooper Tara-Marysa Guting, a Washington State Patrol officer who died in the line of duty on December 19, 2025. The resolution expresses the Senate's condolences to her family, commends her service and embodiment of the Patrol's motto ("Service with Humility"), and extends gratitude to all Washington State Patrol members. It has no policy impact - it is purely symbolic recognition of her life and service, with copies sent to her family and Patrol leadership.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 8683), not a legislative bill with policy changes. It formally honors the Seattle Seahawks for winning the 2025 NFL season, including their regular-season record, NFC West championship, and Super Bowl 60 victory. The resolution expresses the Washington State Senate's appreciation for the team's on-field success and community contributions, with no legal effect or impact on constituents. It was adopted on February 10, 2026, and serves solely as a symbolic gesture of recognition.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a presumption that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an occupational disease for Washington state local correctional facility workers who have worked at least 90 consecutive days. It allows these workers to claim workers' compensation for PTSD without proving direct work connection, though employers can challenge the claim with evidence. The presumption lasts up to 5 years after employment ends and requires employers to cover legal costs if workers win appeals. The policy specifically applies to correctional facility workers, excluding other professions like firefighters or law enforcement covered under separate provisions.