Sen. Tina Orwall

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5356 enhances training provided by the Criminal Justice Training Commission for criminal justice professionals and Title IX investigators. The bill mandates ongoing, specialized training for investigators, prosecutors, defenders, and higher education Title IX investigators on a victim-centered, trauma-informed approach to responding to and investigating sexual assault and gender-based violence. This training includes content on the neurobiology of trauma and trauma-informed interviewing and prosecution techniques. Additionally, it requires the commission to develop new curricula for peace officers on interacting with victims of sexual and gender-based violence, designed for in-agency deployment. These provisions aim to improve sensitivity and effectiveness in handling cases involving victims.

Maddy summarySB 5355 establishes new protections and resources for student survivors of sex-based violence and harassment at Washington state's larger institutions of higher education. The bill grants survivors specific rights, including access to trauma-informed employees, a timely institutional investigation process, and mental health or counseling services. It also requires institutions to offer supportive measures, such as academic adjustments or schedule modifications, and honor court-issued no-contact orders. Additionally, the bill mandates training for Title IX employees and requires certain campuses to establish committees to evaluate and improve survivor support services.

Maddy summarySB 5163 modernizes Washington state's child fatality statute, primarily affecting local health departments that conduct reviews of child deaths and the various agencies that provide data for these reviews. It changes the terminology from "child mortality" to "child fatality" and expands the age range for reviewed deaths to include children up to 19 years old. The bill enhances local health departments' ability to request and receive specific data, such as medical and social services records, from various entities for their reviews. It also reinforces confidentiality protections for identifying information and review documents collected during these processes.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 8655 honors and commemorates the life and legacy of Ralph Munro, a former five-term Secretary of State for Washington. It recognizes his extensive contributions to the state, including his work in disability rights, environmental protection, and social services.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 8651 is a procedural bill that honors the contributions of science, scientific research, and evidence-based decision making to society. It also recognizes the importance of continued investment in scientific research, higher education, and innovation to maintain Washington's leadership in discovery and technological advancement.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 8640 is a commemorative resolution that honors Senator Karen Lynn Keiser for her nearly 30 years of service in the Washington State Legislature. It commends her for her work on health care reform, establishing the Washington Health Benefit Exchange and Paid Family and Medical Leave program, and championing policies for working families.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic Senate Resolution (not a law) honoring the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people in Washington state. It recognizes the disproportionate violence they face, acknowledges Washington's high rate of such cases, and expresses the Senate's solidarity with affected families, tribal nations, and advocates. The resolution does not create new legal requirements or funding but aims to raise awareness and support ongoing efforts to address this crisis. It was adopted by the Senate on April 14, 2025.

Maddy summarySR 8641 is a non-binding Senate resolution recognizing Washington State's longstanding relationship with Canada. It acknowledges shared economic ties (including $8 billion in annual exports), cultural connections, and practical border cooperation - such as for Point Roberts residents and cross-border emergency aid - without creating new laws or policies. The resolution formally expresses the Senate's view of Canada as a vital partner but has no legal effect on governance or funding. It was adopted by the Washington State Senate on April 11, 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 8646 (adopted April 10, 2025) is a ceremonial resolution honoring Phyllis Gutiérrez Kenney, a former Washington state legislator and longtime advocate for migrant communities, education, and economic equity. It recognizes her foundational work co-founding organizations like The Latino Association (later Inspire) and the Yakima Valley Farmworkers Health Centers, her 16-year service in the House of Representatives (1997-2013), and her advocacy for policies including in-state tuition for undocumented students and the REAL Hope Act (Dream Act). The resolution formally celebrates her legacy of public service and commitment to underserved communities across Washington State.

Maddy summarySB 5118 updates Washington's licensing rules to create a specific pathway for international medical graduates (IMGs) seeking clinical experience. The bill establishes a time-limited "clinical experience license" allowing IMGs who don’t yet qualify for full licensure to work under supervision at approved healthcare facilities, meeting requirements like English proficiency and passing specific exams. This directly affects IMGs aiming to complete required clinical training before obtaining full medical licensure in Washington. The license permits practice only within approved training programs and terminates after one year unless renewed, requiring continuous progress toward full licensure. The bill became law on April 4, 2025, and takes effect July 27, 2025.