Sen. Claire Wilson

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5098 expands the list of places where possessing weapons is unlawful in Washington state. The bill makes it illegal to carry a weapon on the premises of state or local public buildings, as well as at city, county, or municipal park facilities where children are likely to be present. It also prohibits weapons at county fairs and their facilities during public operating hours, though this does not apply to gun shows held on fairgrounds. Local governments are required to designate and post signage for affected park facilities.

Maddy summarySB 5500 modernizes Washington's child care subsidy rates for the Working Connections program by requiring the state to use a "cost of quality" rate model that covers the full cost of high-quality care. This model includes living wages for staff, benefits, educational materials, professional development, and other operational costs, replacing the previous 85th percentile market rate as the baseline. The bill mandates that future reimbursement rates must reflect these actual costs while maintaining the current minimum rate, and requires triennial reviews of rates for infants, nonstandard hours, and special needs populations. This directly affects licensed child care providers receiving state subsidies and the working families relying on subsidized care.

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 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 6061 would create a self-funded tourism promotion program in Washington, requiring eligible businesses (like hotels, restaurants with $5M+ annual revenue, attractions, and retailers) to pay an annual fee based on gross revenue. The collected funds would support statewide tourism marketing and promotion efforts managed by a board of business representatives. The program requires industry approval via referendum before implementation and establishes a ratepayer oversight board to set assessment rates, approve budgets, and report annually. This aims to coordinate tourism marketing, boost visitor spending, and address fragmented promotion efforts affecting Washington's competitiveness.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SCR 8406) reestablishes Washington's Joint Select Committee on Civic Health, which was originally created in 2024. The committee, composed of 17 legislators (including leadership roles), will continue work started in 2024 to strengthen civic health through collaboration, civility training, and partnerships with groups like the State Legislative Leaders Foundation. It will report to the legislature before the 2027, 2028, and 2029 sessions and will expire at the start of the 2029 session. The bill does not create new laws but authorizes the committee's ongoing operations.