Sen. Jesse Salomon

Maddy summarySB 5999 authorizes Washington’s Department of Natural Resources to generate revenue from carbon offset and ecosystem service projects on state lands (approximately 6 million acres). The bill allows the department to enter long-term contracts (up to 125 years) for selling credits representing services like carbon sequestration, water filtration, and habitat restoration, with proceeds deposited into state accounts. It establishes rules for board-approved minimum payments and permits direct sales or partnerships with brokers/developers to access carbon and ecosystem markets. This directly affects state land management practices and creates new revenue streams for beneficiaries and the state, aligning with existing climate policy frameworks.

Maddy summaryThis Washington State Senate Joint Memorial (SJM 8013) requests Congress to amend two federal laws - the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Act - to allow lethal removal of seals, sea lions, and predatory birds in Puget Sound. It directly affects endangered salmon populations by seeking to replicate a 2018 Columbia River policy that permits targeted removals to protect salmon. Key provisions include authorizing Washington State and tribal governments to remove these animals in salmon habitats, requiring the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to process permits within six months, and eliminating lengthy environmental reviews. The request aims to address pinniped and bird predation on critically endangered salmon listed under the Endangered Species Act. This is a non-binding memorial seeking federal legislative action, not a passed law.

Maddy summarySB 5876 makes it a crime to falsely present oneself as a peace officer by creating, possessing, or displaying fake badges, documents, or law enforcement insignia (like police or sheriff logos) when not officially sworn in. It also prohibits intentionally misrepresenting objects (such as vehicles) as belonging to law enforcement. The law targets impersonators and carries a penalty of a gross misdemeanor, but includes defenses for honorary officers, reserve officers, and historical/cultural uses like art or satire. It explicitly excludes protected free speech activities, such as parody or news coverage, from prosecution under this law.

Maddy summarySB 5878 requires Washington school districts to offer plant-based meal options at no extra cost when requested by a student, parent, or guardian, beginning in the 2026-27 school year. It defines "plant-based" as USDA-recognized meat alternatives and mandates clear labeling of these options in all meal materials. The law applies to all K-12 public schools, charter schools, and tribal education compact schools, but excludes summer food programs. School districts must honor requests for every meal the student participates in, though they may offer plant-based options to all students regardless of request. This policy change directly affects school meal programs and students seeking alternatives to animal-product-containing meals.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires cities to review residential housing permit applications under the zoning rules in effect when a fully completed application is submitted, rather than current rules. It allows cities to pause processing until fees are paid or notices are posted, but does not make applications invalid for missing these items. The law applies to projects in urban growth areas and does not override other requirements like those in chapter 43.21C RCW. It standardizes the timing for permit reviews to reduce delays in housing development.

Maddy summarySB 5096 removes a clause from Washington's standard healthcare directive form that previously stated a directive would be invalid during pregnancy. This change ensures that advance directives for life-sustaining treatment apply equally during pregnancy, without requiring separate documentation. The bill amends the model form under the Natural Death Act (RCW 70.122.030) by deleting the specific pregnancy reference in section (d). It directly affects individuals using advance healthcare directives, particularly pregnant people or those with pregnancy-related health concerns, by eliminating an outdated exclusion. The policy change is procedural, updating the standard form to reflect current medical practice without altering other directive provisions.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5613 aims to establish clear and objective standards for residential development across Washington state. It requires cities and counties to adopt these standards for residential projects by January 1, 2028, ensuring regulations do not create unreasonable costs or delays. The bill directs the Department of Commerce to form a stakeholder work group to analyze development barriers and suggest model codes. While promoting objective standards, it allows for an alternative approval process based on aesthetics, provided developers retain the option of using the clear and objective standards. These provisions apply to residential development within urban growth areas.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Washington's public colleges and universities to ensure students have access to medication abortion by the 2026-27 academic year. It mandates that student health centers offer medication abortion services (via in-person care, telehealth, or referrals) and directs institutions without health centers to provide referrals to qualified providers, telehealth support, and campus accommodations. Schools must also maintain clear online resources about reproductive health services, including appointment scheduling, academic accommodations for pregnancy-related needs, and direct links to state health resources. The law directly affects over 196,000 pregnancy-capable students at Washington's public institutions, aiming to reduce barriers like travel distances (up to 78 miles) and wait times for abortion care.

Maddy summarySB 5052 clarifies that law enforcement may contact juveniles (under age 18) who are witnesses or victims in a crime - without being suspected of involvement - without requiring attorney consultation beforehand. This specifically amends Washington’s juvenile rights law (RCW 13.40.740) to remove ambiguity about when police can speak directly to such juveniles. The bill ensures statements obtained during these contacts generally cannot be used against the juvenile in court unless they’ve had legal advice and knowingly waived rights. It maintains existing protections for juveniles suspected of crimes or in life-threatening situations requiring immediate police action.

Maddy summarySB 5446 establishes the Washington State Commission on Boys and Men within the governor's office to address issues affecting boys and men across six focus areas: mental/physical health, education, economic stability, family relationships, the preschool-to-prison pipeline, and court system experiences. The commission, composed of 11 appointed non-legislative members (with diverse representation requirements) and four non-voting legislative advisors, will monitor state legislation, coordinate with other state commissions, gather data, hold public hearings, and submit biennial reports to the legislature and governor. It will work with state agencies and community organizations to identify needs, recommend policy changes, and advocate for removing barriers impacting boys and men. The commission is not authorized to create new programs but will serve as a resource for informing policy decisions based on data and community input.