Sen. Phil Fortunato

Maddy summarySB 5050 requires that in Washington state presidential primary elections, voters' party preference selections be placed inside ballot envelopes so they cannot be seen from the outside. This change ensures party declarations remain as secret as other ballot choices, directly protecting voters' privacy during presidential primaries. The bill also mandates that ballot envelopes include a clear, visible notice reminding voters they must select a party for their ballot to be counted. These provisions aim to prevent outside observers from inferring a voter's candidate choice based solely on their party selection. The bill is currently under review in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Washington counties and cities to regularly review and update their community land use plans and development regulations to align with state requirements. Small cities (population under 500, not near large cities, with low growth) can opt out of full reviews but must still update critical areas protections and transportation plans. Counties must also review urban growth areas to ensure they accommodate projected development over 20 years while maintaining environmental safeguards. The law mandates public input processes for all changes and sets specific deadlines for updates, with penalties for noncompliance. It directly affects local governments, developers, and residents by standardizing land use planning across the state.

Maddy summarySB 5341 permanently exempts from Washington state sales and use tax products specifically designed for infants and children under age five. This includes items like diapers, baby bottles, car seats, strollers, and toys labeled for young children, as defined in the bill. The law removes tax applicability for these products under Washington’s tax code, directly affecting parents and caregivers who purchase them. The exemption applies to all qualifying products regardless of where they are bought within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Washington State Patrol to create a centralized system for firearm background checks that dealers must use when selling or transferring firearms. It mandates checks against state crime databases, court records, and the national background check system, with specific protocols for when state systems are unavailable for seven or more days. The system includes a $18 maximum fee for background checks (excluding pawn transactions), an appeal process for denied applicants, and requirements for real-time notifications and data security. It directly affects firearm dealers, who must transition to this system within 30 days of notification, and the Washington State Patrol, which must operate and maintain the new program.

Maddy summarySB 5145 requires new Washington state spending programs costing over $1 million in their first full biennium (and not self-funded by fees) to include an expiration date no later than 10 years from implementation. It mandates that each program must also include a "state spending performance statement" detailing its legislative purpose and specific, measurable metrics to evaluate effectiveness. The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee must periodically review these programs using the stated metrics, considering factors like goal achievement, unintended benefits, and fiscal impact, then recommend to the legislature whether to continue, modify, or terminate each program. If a program fails to meet its metrics, the committee must recommend termination, applying to all new programs established after January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 5137 requires Washington public schools to obtain written approval from a child's parent or legal guardian before providing comprehensive sexual health education. This replaces the current system where parents could opt their child out with a written request, making parental consent mandatory prior to any instruction. The bill maintains existing curriculum requirements (including medically accurate, age-appropriate content covering abstinence, contraception, and affirmative consent) but shifts the process to require active parental approval. It directly affects parents/guardians of K-12 students in Washington public schools and takes effect starting the 2025-26 school year. The law amends RCW 28A.300.475 to formalize this approval requirement.

Maddy summarySB 5630 amends Washington's climate commitment act to clarify which entities must report emissions under the state's program. It establishes a 25,000 metric ton carbon dioxide equivalent threshold for coverage, affecting farm fuel users, transporters, electricity importers, fossil fuel suppliers, and natural gas companies. The bill defines specific criteria for when these entities become "covered" (e.g., based on emissions from facilities or operations) and outlines transition rules for new or modified operations. It does not address payments to farm fuel users, as the title suggests, but focuses solely on defining reporting obligations under the existing climate program. This procedural amendment ensures consistent application of emissions reporting requirements across covered sectors.

Maddy summarySB 5146 proposes creating a public portal where state employees and residents can report wasteful, duplicative, or inefficient government spending. The portal would require users to submit details about specific agencies, policy areas, and examples of inefficiency (with anonymous options), and it must be accessible to people with disabilities and mobile users. Submitted reports would be sent annually to legislative budget committees, and state employees whose suggestions lead to actual savings may qualify for cash awards. The bill directly affects state employees and the public by providing a structured way to identify government waste, aiming to improve taxpayer spending efficiency. It does not change existing laws but establishes a new process for gathering and reviewing efficiency suggestions.

Maddy summarySB 5047 prohibits public protests within 25 feet of individuals collecting signatures for or signing initiative or referendum petitions in Washington State. This bill directly affects citizens participating in the state's initiative and referendum process by creating a protected buffer zone around petition activities. The key provision amends RCW 29A.84 to make such protests a violation of existing election law, with penalties enforced under RCW 29A.84.250(4). The measure aims to prevent disruptions to grassroots civic engagement efforts during petition drives.

Maddy summarySB 5070 prohibits credit and debit card interchange fees on the tax and tip portions of transactions for businesses in Washington. This ensures tipped workers receive their full tips without deductions and reduces costs for businesses collecting state taxes on their behalf. Businesses must report tax and tip amounts during payment processing to avoid these fees, or submit documentation within 180 days to get refunds for any fees charged on those portions. The law requires payment networks to develop a system for reporting these amounts within two years, aiming to make transaction fees more transparent and fair.