Sen. Phil Fortunato

Maddy summarySB 5020 would exempt Washington homeowners aged 75 or older from all state and local property taxes on their primary residence, regardless of household income. To qualify, seniors must own the home (as fee simple, life estate, or contract purchase) and occupy it as their main home at the time of filing. The exemption transfers to a new primary residence if the senior sells or moves due to displacement, but does not apply to secondary homes. It takes effect for property taxes due in 2026 and later, with temporary absences for long-term care (e.g., nursing home stays) not disqualifying eligibility if the original home remains occupied by a spouse or dependent.

Maddy summarySB 5153 changes Washington state law to transfer youth convicted of felonies under age 18 from the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to the Department of Corrections (DOC) at age 18, instead of keeping them in DCYF until age 25. This applies to most felony convictions, with an exception requiring immediate transfer at 18 for "serious violent offenses" (as defined in RCW 9.94A.030). The bill amends RCW 72.01.410 and 13.40.280 to eliminate required hearings for these transfers. It directly affects youth under 18 convicted as adults who were previously retained in juvenile facilities beyond age 18.

Maddy summarySB 5532 requires mandatory training for court personnel handling child abuse and domestic violence cases, including judges, guardians ad litem, and mediators. It mandates 20 hours of initial training and 15 hours every five years, covering all abuse types (sexual, physical, psychological), trauma, bias, and evidence-based best practices. The bill also updates guardian ad litem appointment procedures to ensure qualified personnel are selected through a rotational registry system. These changes aim to improve court decisions in child welfare cases by standardizing education and oversight.

Maddy summarySB 5563 creates the Washington Horse Racing Commission, consisting of three gubernatorial appointees (one must be a horse breeder), to oversee state horse racing regulations. It requires at least one Washington-bred horse race daily at all licensed meets, sets license fees ($500 per live race day), and mandates that commission funds be used for operational costs or distributed to equestrian nonprofits. The bill also defines key terms like "parimutuel wagering" (betting pools) and requires racecourses to maintain safety standards for horses and the public. This directly affects horse racing operators, breeders, and nonprofit equestrian organizations that receive funding from the commission.

Maddy summarySB 5623 creates a 13-member committee to review Washington state's public records exemptions. The committee, appointed by the governor, attorney general, state auditor, and legislative leaders, must annually examine all exemptions, develop a review schedule, and recommend whether each exemption should be kept, modified, scheduled for future review, or terminated. By November 15 each year, the committee submits these recommendations to the governor and legislative committees. This process directly affects how state agencies handle public records by requiring regular, transparent evaluation of exemptions. The bill establishes a structured, annual review mechanism for public records exemptions without changing existing laws.

Maddy summarySB 5135 clarifies that school district boards of directors hold final authority over curriculum standards, evaluation systems for staff, and the review of teaching materials (like textbooks) upon parent complaints. It repeals a prior law requiring comprehensive sexual health education in schools. The bill mandates school boards to set curriculum standards based on district needs and annually report evaluation criteria for staff to the state superintendent. This directly affects Washington school districts, their boards, and parents who may request material reviews. The changes shift curriculum control to local boards while removing a specific state-mandated health education requirement.

Maddy summarySB 5533 amends Washington state law to explicitly define a parent's history of domestic violence against the child's other parent (living or deceased) as misconduct affecting custody decisions. This change requires courts to consider such history when determining custody, potentially limiting the rights of a parent with documented domestic violence against the child's other parent. The bill directly impacts custody cases involving parents with a history of domestic violence toward the child's other parent, ensuring this factor is formally recognized in legal proceedings. It adds this specific consideration to existing custody standards without altering the overall framework for custody determinations.

Maddy summarySB 5749 allows cities and code cities to designate "housing development opportunity zones" in underutilized areas with existing large commercial structures, such as shopping malls or vacant stores. Within these zones, residential development is prioritized, and projects are encouraged to use existing infrastructure and site areas to help reduce costs. Cities may also waive impact fees for developments in these zones, and designations can be implemented outside of typical planning cycles, provided they are included in the next comprehensive plan update. The bill mandates a review by 2043 to assess the number of housing and affordable housing units created, with a provision for potential repeal if affordable housing targets are not met, and the act is set to expire on July 1, 2045.

Maddy summaryThis bill would permanently implement Pacific Standard Time year-round in Washington State, replacing the current practice of switching to daylight saving time in spring and back in fall. It amends state law to exempt Washington from daylight saving time changes, requiring all cities, counties, and state entities to observe Pacific Standard Time consistently. The bill repeals previous time-related statutes and aligns with the state's 2019 authorization to pursue year-round standard time, pending federal action. It takes effect November 3, 2025, affecting all residents and local governments across Washington.

Maddy summarySB 5339 would change Washington State's minimum wage calculation method, linking future increases directly to any annual raises in the federal minimum wage instead of using inflation adjustments. Starting December 30, 2025, the state minimum wage would only increase if the federal wage rises in the previous year, with no increase allowed if the federal rate stays the same. Local jurisdictions with higher minimum wages (above $16.66/hour as of the bill's effective date) cannot raise their rates further, though the state rate would override local rates if it increases. This affects all Washington employers and workers covered by state minimum wage laws, particularly small businesses operating on thin margins.