Sen. Marcus Riccelli

Maddy summarySB 5934 would expand access to postconviction DNA testing for people convicted of felonies in Washington state who claim innocence. It establishes a presumption that courts must grant DNA testing requests when the results could show innocence, shifting the burden to the state to prove testing wouldn't demonstrate innocence with "clear and convincing evidence." The bill also requires courts to grant requests if the state doesn't oppose them within 30 days and clarifies that preserved biological evidence must be kept per state law. This aims to reduce unnecessary court costs and litigation while improving the accuracy of criminal convictions.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 8666), not a substantive bill. It formally recognizes the University of Washington men's soccer team for winning the NCAA national championship on December 15, 2025 - their first title in program history. The resolution highlights the team's achievements, including key players, coaches, and their success in the tournament. It has no policy impact or funding provisions; it solely serves to honor the team's accomplishment. Adopted by the Washington State Senate on January 23, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 6298 requires that for Washington State public works projects receiving over $500,000 in state funds (from capital budgets or specific financing contracts), iron, steel, aluminum, and manufactured products used must be "manufactured in the United States," meaning at least 55% of component costs must originate domestically for manufactured products. Agencies can waive this requirement if materials aren't available domestically in sufficient quantity or quality, or if U.S. materials would increase project costs by more than 25%, but must provide 30 days of public notice and publish a justification for the waiver. The bill also prohibits intentionally mislabeling non-U.S.-made products as "Made in America" for public projects. This applies to contracts advertised for bids after the bill takes effect.

Maddy summaryWashington State's SB 5864 creates a new online system for verifying motor vehicle insurance coverage. The bill requires the Department of Licensing to establish a secure, accessible system where law enforcement, courts, and insurers can check if vehicles have required liability insurance during registration renewals. Insurers must connect to this system to provide real-time verification using data like vehicle ID numbers, and must maintain records for six months. The system must be fully operational by April 1, 2029, and applies to all personal vehicle insurance policies (excluding commercial policies, which may join voluntarily). This changes how insurance proof is verified, replacing manual checks with digital confirmation at registration time.

Maddy summarySB 6042 requires Washington public school districts to create and maintain standardized school maps as part of their safe school plans. These maps must meet specific standards and be made available to local and state first responder agencies to improve emergency response coordination. The bill addresses documented issues with outdated or inconsistent mapping systems, where many districts lacked accurate facility data for emergencies. It mandates that school districts include these maps in their safe school plans, which also cover emergency drills, staff training, and communication protocols for student safety.

Maddy summarySB 6232 creates a new Washington State Board of Licensed Mental Health Counselors to provide specialized oversight of the profession. The board, composed of seven licensed counselors and two public members, will develop licensing rules, set practice standards, and handle disciplinary actions. This directly affects mental health counselors by establishing their dedicated regulatory body and enhances public protection through targeted oversight of mental health services. The bill updates licensing requirements to align with the profession's growth and Washington's upcoming counseling compact participation.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Washington state law to clarify eligibility for school employees' health benefits programs. It specifically ends the "Smart Health" wellness incentive program for new enrollments starting January 1, 2028, while allowing employees who qualified by December 31, 2027, to receive the incentive in 2028. The bill also ensures that school districts cannot set eligibility requirements stricter than 630 hours worked per school year for benefits coverage. These changes directly affect school employees seeking health benefits and school districts administering those programs.

Maddy summarySB 5902 amends Washington state election laws to clarify and standardize voter registration and address update deadlines. It requires voters to submit registration or address changes by eight days before an election (or in person until 8:00 p.m. on election day), and expands methods for updates - including mail, phone, email, DMV, health exchange, or designated agencies. The bill mandates counties to send acknowledgment notices within 60 days for new registrations and handle incomplete applications by requiring missing information within 45 days. It directly affects all Washington voters needing to register or update their address for elections.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes the expiration date (sunset) for employers to correct wage and salary disclosure errors in job postings, making the correction period permanent. It requires employers to fix noncompliant postings within five business days of written notice from a job applicant or third party, preventing penalties for good-faith corrections. The law applies to employers with 15+ employees and defines "applicant" as someone with genuine employment intent. It maintains enforcement options (like $100-$5,000 penalties per violation) but ensures employers can correct mistakes before legal action.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 8661) is a ceremonial recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by the Washington State Senate. It affirms Dr. King's legacy and calls on all Washingtonians to continue working toward justice, emphasizing persistence and collective action. The resolution does not create new laws, policies, or funding; it is purely symbolic and non-binding. It was adopted by the Senate on January 19, 2026.