Sen. Jesse Salomon

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 summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to make written documents about legislative discussions on bills publicly accessible for inspection and copying. It would require that internal legislative deliberations regarding bills being considered or introduced be available to the public, while also protecting legislators from liability for words spoken in debate or for the contents of these documents. The amendment would need voter approval at the next general election to take effect. This change directly affects how legislative staff and members handle internal communications about bills, increasing public transparency around the lawmaking process.

Maddy summaryWashington State's SB 5921 establishes a legal medical program for psilocybin use under the Department of Health, allowing licensed clinicians to prescribe it for qualified patients (18+ years) with diagnosed conditions determined by the clinician. The bill creates clear rules for inpatient treatment sessions, outpatient microdosing, and strict requirements for producers (growers/manufacturers) and clinicians. It provides legal protections from prosecution for program participants but maintains existing laws for non-program activities like driving under influence or recreational use. The program explicitly excludes use for individuals under 18, animals, and does not override federal laws governing clinical trials.

Maddy summarySB 6154 amends Washington state law to streamline permitting for replacing existing culverts, primarily affecting local governments, contractors, and agricultural landowners. The bill requires applicants to submit detailed plans protecting fish habitat (the sole reason for permit denial), sets a 45-day review timeline for complete applications, and allows for multi-site permits. It includes special provisions for agricultural irrigation and stream bank stabilization projects, permitting them to operate without annual renewal if seasonal conditions persist. The changes aim to clarify permit requirements while maintaining fish habitat protections during culvert replacement projects.

Maddy summaryWashington State's SB 6105 increases the exemption from wage garnishment for medical debt judgments. It raises the threshold to 60 times the state's minimum hourly wage or 80% of a person's take-home pay (whichever is greater), compared to 35 times the wage for other consumer debts. This change directly affects individuals facing wage garnishment specifically for unpaid medical bills. The bill amends Washington's garnishment laws (RCW 6.27.150, 6.27.105, and 6.27.140) to provide stronger protection for medical debt cases.

Maddy summarySB 5852 requires Washington employers to notify workers and their representatives within 72 hours if a federal agency conducts an inspection of employment verification forms (I-9) or worker records. It mandates posting multilingual notices in workplaces and sending written notices to all current and recent workers (within the last three years), including details about the federal agency and inspection. The law aims to ensure immigrant workers are informed during federal immigration enforcement actions, with notices required in the five most commonly used non-English languages in the state. Employers must also provide affected workers with copies of federal inspection results. This applies to all Washington employers, including state agencies and businesses.

Maddy summaryWashington State's SB 6111 requires digital service providers (like social media apps) to protect children under 17 by implementing age verification and parental consent for minors' accounts. It mandates providers to limit data collection for minors, ban tracking of their precise location, prohibit targeted ads with illegal content, and stop selling their data except in specific legal circumstances. Providers must also develop strategies to reduce minors' exposure to harmful content like self-harm, bullying, or sexual exploitation, while excluding content minors intentionally seek. The law applies to interactive platforms (e.g., social media) but excludes email, news sites, and professional networking services, with enforcement by the Attorney General and fines up to $10,000 per violation.

Maddy summarySB 6175 regulates secondary ticket sales for entertainment and sporting events to prevent consumer deception and price gouging. It caps resale prices at 110% of the original ticket price (including fees) and limits service fees to 10%, while requiring clear disclosures that tickets are purchased from a secondary marketplace, not the original seller. The bill prohibits misleading marketing (e.g., fake "official" sites), bans selling speculative tickets, and mandates resellers notify buyers within 8 hours of event changes. It exempts professional sports teams, small arts organizations ($500,000 annual revenue cap), schools, movie theaters, and tribal venues from most provisions. The law applies to commercial resellers and secondary ticket platforms operating in Washington.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the Washington State Senate's formal appreciation for the National Guard's service. It recognizes their emergency response work (like 2025 flood support in Skagit and Snohomish counties), election security efforts, and youth programs such as the Washington Youth Challenge Academy. The Senate thanks the Guard's families and employers for their support and acknowledges the Guard's contributions to state safety, community well-being, and economic vitality. Adopted in January 2026, this symbolic resolution was sent to state and federal officials but does not create new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 8670) is a symbolic recognition of International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27th. It formally encourages the Washington State Senate and citizens to reflect on Holocaust victims and survivors, and to participate in educational activities about the Holocaust and combating antisemitism and hate. The resolution does not create new laws or policies, but serves as a commemorative statement acknowledging the historical significance of the Holocaust and promoting awareness of ongoing efforts to prevent hatred.