Maddy summarySB 5043 creates a legal presumption that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an occupational disease for correctional facility workers in Washington state who have worked at least 90 consecutive days in a fully compensated position. This means workers can more easily claim industrial insurance benefits for PTSD without proving it was caused solely by their job, though employers can challenge this presumption with evidence. The presumption lasts up to 60 months after employment ends and requires employers to cover reasonable appeal costs if workers win their claims. The bill applies specifically to Department of Corrections staff in total-confinement facilities (excluding contracted facilities) and takes effect January 1, 2026. It does not affect other professions like firefighters or nurses, whose PTSD coverage was previously excluded under similar rules.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution recognizes the YMCA's 150 years of service in Washington state, highlighting its historical contributions and current community programs like youth development, child care, and chronic disease prevention. It formally commends the YMCA's role in strengthening communities through its work since 1876 and directs the Senate to send copies to all 15 state YMCA associations for display during the 2026 anniversary year. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is a symbolic gesture of appreciation.
Maddy summarySB 6124 directs Washington's Department of Commerce to study whether creating an "affordability index" for household appliances is feasible. The study, due by January 2028, will examine criteria like repairability, lifespan, energy/water efficiency, and materials use to help consumers compare appliance costs and sustainability. It will specifically exclude consumer electronics (e.g., smartphones) and assess how to implement such an index, including stakeholder input and communication methods. The bill does not create the index itself but evaluates its potential to inform purchasing decisions and drive sustainable innovation.
Maddy summaryWashington State's SB 6284 creates new consumer protections for artificial intelligence systems that make consequential decisions affecting people's lives. The bill requires businesses deploying "high-risk" AI systems (like those used for housing, loans, employment, or healthcare access) to conduct bias audits before use and disclose when AI influences such decisions. It defines "algorithmic discrimination" as AI causing unlawful bias and sets a risk-based regulatory framework for developers and deployers. The law applies to Washington residents acting as consumers, not in business or employment contexts, and aims to prevent unfair outcomes while supporting innovation.
Maddy summarySB 6287 amends Washington state's controlled substances code to establish a regulatory framework for the preparation, distribution, and sale of kratom products. The bill directly affects manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and consumers of kratom by creating new definitions and licensing requirements under the jurisdiction of the Washington state liquor and cannabis board. Key provisions include establishing specific categories for kratom products, setting standards for production and sale, and prescribing penalties for violations of the new regulations. The legislation also includes an expiration date, indicating that the regulatory framework is intended to be temporary and subject to future legislative review.
Maddy summarySB 6067 updates Washington State's workers' compensation benefits for workers with permanent total disability resulting from injuries occurring on or after July 1, 2026. It establishes a new formula where monthly benefits are calculated as a percentage of the worker's wages (excluding health care contributions), ranging from 60% for unmarried workers without children to 75% for unmarried workers with six or more children or married workers with five or more children. The bill also sets minimum benefit levels (15% of average monthly wage plus $10 per child up to five or six children) and maximum caps (120% of average wage), while preserving existing rules for claims before July 2026. These changes directly affect workers and employers in Washington State whose injuries meet the permanent total disability criteria after the effective date.
Maddy summarySB 6324 amends Washington State's retirement system (Plan 2) for law enforcement officers and firefighters by including standby pay in the calculation of "basic salary." Standby pay is compensation received when personnel are required to be available for immediate work but aren't actively working. This change increases retirement benefits for affected members by counting this pay toward their pension base. The bill specifically excludes lump-sum payments for unused leave or severance pay from the calculation.
Maddy summarySB 5176 requires Washington state and local governments to pay public works contractors within 30 days of receiving a properly completed invoice, replacing previous timelines. It mandates that contractors pay subcontractors within 10 days of receiving payment from the government, with 1% monthly interest accruing on late payments. The bill also establishes clear procedures for handling disputes (without delaying payments to non-disputing parties) and requires change orders for additional work within 30 days. This directly affects contractors, subcontractors, and public agencies working on public construction projects, ensuring faster payment flows and reducing financial strain on smaller businesses. The law amends existing payment rules in Washington statutes to enforce these timelines and penalties.
Maddy summarySB 6350 allows Washington residents enrolled in a federally recognized tribe to voluntarily add a tribal designation to their driver's license, identicard, or driver's instruction permit. The bill requires the Department of Licensing to create a process for verifying tribal enrollment documentation and include this option alongside existing features like veteran status or medical alerts. This designation is optional, does not affect fees, and applies to all state-issued IDs for eligible individuals who choose to provide the necessary tribal enrollment proof. The department must consult with tribes during implementation and educate the public about this new option.
Maddy summarySB 6312 bans grocery stores from using personal data - like shopping habits, location, or inferred traits - to charge different prices to individual shoppers (surveillance-based price discrimination) or raise prices during high demand (surge pricing). It specifically targets large grocery retailers (excluding small businesses under state law) and requires all prices to be clearly posted and consistent for all customers. The bill also imposes a four-year moratorium on electronic shelf label systems that collect consumer data to modify prices, to study impacts on transparency and jobs. This law aims to ensure fair pricing by preventing retailers from exploiting personal information for dynamic pricing.