Sen. Drew MacEwen

Maddy summaryThis bill would require electronic media services (like streaming or music subscriptions) to refund consumers who cancel annual subscriptions early, calculating refunds based on the time the service was used (pro-rata) up to the end of the month of cancellation. It mandates that companies disclose refund policies and fees before sign-up and issue refunds within six months. The law applies only to individual consumers (not businesses or government) and covers subscriptions for intangible content like music, news, or entertainment. The bill is currently pending in the legislature and has not yet become law.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment proposal (SJR 8205) would allow Washington voters to approve a new state constitutional provision creating a homestead property tax exemption for primary residences. It would permit the legislature to provide up to $250,000 in tax relief by reducing the taxable value of qualifying homes, while requiring state tax levies to adjust so the exemption doesn’t shift costs to other properties. The amendment must be approved by voters in the next general election to take effect. If passed, it would directly affect homeowners living in their primary residences who meet eligibility criteria.

Maddy summarySB 5309 establishes a flat $15 weight fee for motorcycle registrations in Washington State, replacing the previous weight-based system for motorcycles. This fee applies to all motorcycles regardless of their scale weight and is paid in addition to standard vehicle registration fees. The revenue typically funds transportation projects (under RCW 46.68.415), but would redirect to a "Connecting Washington" account if state agencies implement carbon-intensity fuel standards without new legislative approval. The bill affects motorcycle owners during registration, simplifying fees compared to the tiered system for other vehicles.

Maddy summarySB 5225 amends Washington state election law to prevent voter confusion caused by similar candidate names. It makes it a class B felony to file as a fake person, someone else's true name, or a name intentionally similar to an incumbent to mislead voters. The bill also requires election officials to list confusingly named candidates consecutively on ballots and add distinguishing details (like occupation or "incumbent" status) to clarify choices for voters. These changes directly affect candidates filing for office and election officials managing ballot listings. The bill was referred to the Senate Rules Committee but did not advance past committee review in early 2025.

Maddy summarySB 5376 clarifies and updates Washington state's animal cruelty laws by defining key terms like "necessary food," "shelter," and "space" with specific, measurable standards. It directly affects all animal owners and caretakers in Washington by requiring: species-appropriate food provided at suitable intervals, drinkable water easily accessible daily, shelter protecting against weather elements with bedding, and adequate space for exercise with proper lighting and sanitation. The bill amends existing statutes (RCW 16.52) to ensure consistent enforcement, excluding commercial livestock operations under accepted husbandry practices. These definitions help law enforcement and animal control agencies assess neglect cases based on concrete, observable standards.

Maddy summarySB 5206 modifies the rules for cannabis retailer advertising in Washington State, directly affecting licensed cannabis businesses. The bill increases the number of permissible signs on a retailer's building to four, in addition to two trade name signs, while specifying their size and placement. It expands advertising content prohibitions to include associations with motor vehicles and bans advertising within other specific licensed businesses. Additionally, the bill prohibits selling cannabis below its acquisition cost, with an exception for medical cannabis, and grants the board rulemaking authority for outdoor advertising content.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5653 expands the scope of collective bargaining rights for fish and wildlife officers in Washington state. It amends the definition of "fish and wildlife officer" within state law to include additional ranks. Specifically, the bill extends collective bargaining eligibility to lieutenants and captains, as well as officers ranking below deputy chief. This change allows a broader range of fish and wildlife officers to participate in negotiations concerning their employment relations, including wages, hours, and working conditions.

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 Bill 5358 addresses career and technical education (CTE) for sixth-grade students. The bill modifies existing state law concerning the allocation of funding for basic education, specifically related to CTE programs. It aims to integrate sixth grade into the scope of CTE provisions, allowing school districts to offer these programs to younger students. This change could expand early exposure to career-focused learning for sixth-grade students.