Sen. Tina Orwall

Maddy summarySB 5486, also known as the John Waldo Act, requires motion picture theaters in Washington state to provide open captioning for certain film screenings. Theater companies operating five or more locations must offer a minimum number of open captioning screenings per week, including prime times, for films distributed with open captions and if they have the necessary technology. Smaller theater companies with four or fewer locations must either provide an open captioning screening within eight days of a request or offer them consistently. Theaters must advertise these screenings using an "OC" symbol, and the law takes effect on January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5263 modifies how special education programs are funded in Washington state, directly affecting local school districts and students with disabilities. The bill increases the state's funding multipliers used to calculate excess costs for special education students, including a higher multiplier for younger students and a new single multiplier for older students, while also removing a previous enrollment cap on these allocations. Additionally, it revises the criteria for "safety net" funding, removing a provision that considered extraordinary costs related to community demographics, and continues to focus on high-cost needs for individual students. This bill was signed by the Governor on May 19, 2025, and becomes effective on July 27, 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5284 aims to improve Washington's solid waste management and increase recycling rates, which have remained static. It establishes an extended producer responsibility program for consumer packaging and paper products. Under this program, producers are required to fund and manage the lifecycle of these materials, from design to end-of-life. The goal is to make convenient and affordable curbside recycling more widely available to residents, particularly those in rural and multifamily areas, by building upon existing waste and recycling infrastructure.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5351 aims to ensure patient choice and access to dental care by regulating dental insurance practices. It prohibits dental-only plans from denying coverage solely because multiple procedures were performed on the same day, while still allowing denials for reasons like fraud or medical necessity. The bill also requires dental insurers to offer providers a fee-free alternative if they pay claims using credit cards. Additionally, it mandates annual public reporting of dental-only plan financial data and establishes a collaborative forum to study dental loss ratios and provider payment rates, with recommendations due by June 2026.

Maddy summarySB 5337 establishes a state certification for memory care services provided by licensed assisted living facilities in Washington. This bill aims to standardize memory care definitions and help consumers make informed choices for individuals with dementia. After July 1, 2026, facilities advertising or operating memory care units must be certified, requiring them to meet specific standards for physical infrastructure, staffing levels, and policies for resident safety and behavior. Certified facilities must also provide regular resident assessments, ensure staff complete annual dementia-related continuing education, and offer daily programming with varied activities tailored to residents' needs.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5557 codifies emergency rules to ensure pregnant individuals receive timely treatment for emergency medical conditions in hospital emergency departments. The bill requires hospitals to provide care consistent with the applicable standard of care, including pregnancy termination if it is the medically appropriate treatment. It specifies that the continuation of a pregnancy or the health of an embryo or fetus cannot be prioritized over the pregnant person's health or safety, unless the patient provides informed consent. This legislation aims to protect access to emergency reproductive health care for pregnant patients in Washington state.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 8659 is a commemorative resolution adopted by the Washington State Senate to honor the life and legacy of Senator Bill Ramos following his unexpected passing. It expresses gratitude for his service and acknowledges his contributions to the state, particularly in transportation equity, tribal sovereignty, and environmental stewardship.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 8656 is a commemorative resolution honoring the late Speaker Frank Chopp for his extensive dedication and service to the citizens of Washington State. It acknowledges his significant legislative legacy and public service career, and extends condolences to his family.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 8657 expresses the Senate's support for improving assistance and health outcomes for people experiencing menopause. It specifically calls for efforts to provide tools and treatment to enhance the quality of life for those affected, and directs copies of the resolution to the Washington State Department of Health and the Governor.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5480 aims to protect consumers by establishing new rules for medical debt. It updates the definition of "medical debt" and outlines specific provisions for how it can be handled. A central aspect of the bill makes medical debt void and unenforceable if a health care provider, facility, or collection agency unlawfully reports information about that debt to a consumer credit reporting agency. This legislation directly affects individuals with medical debt and the agencies involved in its collection and reporting.