Sen. Rebecca Saldaña

Maddy summaryWashington's SB 5439 requires the state investment board to fully divest all public funds from thermal coal companies by January 1, 2030. It defines "thermal coal companies" as those deriving significant revenue from coal mining, power generation, or infrastructure (e.g., 10% revenue from coal, 10,000+ tons annual production). The bill prohibits new investments in such companies immediately and allows limited exceptions for companies transitioning to clean energy with a verified timeline. The state must report progress annually to the legislature, aligning with Washington's goal to eliminate coal-fired electricity by 2025.

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 summarySB 6115 requires Washington's state department to contract with a qualified training entity to deliver age-appropriate cancer education programs to students in grades 6-12. The programs must cover cancer prevention, risk reduction, and emotional resources in single 50-75 minute sessions, aligning with existing health curricula and offering Spanish-language options. Funding must supplement, not replace, current programs, expanding access to new geographic areas, diverse student populations, and Spanish-speaking students. School districts may voluntarily adopt the programs, and the department must report program details, participation data, and Spanish-language reach by December 2027.

Maddy summarySB 6240 redirects a portion of Washington's aviation fuel tax - specifically the amount exceeding $1.48 per barrel - to fund aircraft noise and air quality mitigation projects. This affects aviation fuel users (like airlines and airports) who pay the tax, with funds deposited into a new state account created by the bill. The key mechanism amends tax code to require 15% of the aviation fuel tax revenue above the $1.48 threshold to flow into this dedicated account. These funds will support state programs addressing noise pollution and air quality near airports. The bill does not change tax rates but reallocates existing revenue for targeted environmental mitigation.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 8674) formally honors India's 2026 Republic Day as a symbolic gesture recognizing shared democratic values between India, Washington State, and the U.S. It directly acknowledges Washington's strong ties to Indian Americans - over 100,000 residents who contribute to the state's economy, cultural diversity, and institutions like healthcare and tech. The resolution highlights India's constitutional commitment to equality and Washington's partnership with India’s Seattle consulate on trade, education, and cultural exchanges. Adopted on January 26, 2026, it has no binding policy effects, serving solely as a ceremonial acknowledgment.

Maddy summarySB 6064 clarifies which entities administer the International Fire Code in unincorporated areas of Washington State. It allows counties to enforce the code generally, while larger fire districts or regional fire authorities (with over $10 million in annual revenue) may opt to take over enforcement - including fire cause investigations, inspections, and planning reviews - in unincorporated areas within their jurisdiction, after six months' notice to the county. These fire districts can also collect fees to cover inspection costs, and must offer equivalent jobs to displaced county fire marshal staff. The bill does not change existing fire suppression powers of counties or cities, nor does it limit other entities’ fire prevention responsibilities.

Maddy summarySB 6073 amends Washington's law enforcement and firefighters' retirement system to explicitly include wildland and aviation firefighters employed by the Department of Natural Resources. The bill clarifies that these firefighters meet the qualifications outlined by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group and are now eligible for membership in the retirement system. This change directly affects DNR wildland and aviation firefighters by granting them access to the same retirement benefits available to other law enforcement and firefighters under the system. The key mechanism is a specific amendment to the definition of eligible employers in the retirement code, removing ambiguity about DNR firefighters' eligibility. The bill does not alter benefit calculations or funding but ensures these workers are covered under the existing system.

Maddy summarySB 6101 would require all Washington counties to appoint coroners instead of holding elections for the position. This change directly affects every county in the state, replacing current election systems with appointments by county legislative authorities. The bill's key mechanism eliminates partisan elections for a role the legislature states requires technical expertise, not political alignment, and allows counties over 250,000 population to adopt medical examiner systems instead. Existing elected coroners may serve until their terms end. The bill also includes new training requirements for coroners and medical examiners but does not alter the core appointment mandate.

Maddy summaryWashington State's SB 5864 creates a new online system for verifying motor vehicle insurance coverage. The bill requires the Department of Licensing to establish a secure, accessible system where law enforcement, courts, and insurers can check if vehicles have required liability insurance during registration renewals. Insurers must connect to this system to provide real-time verification using data like vehicle ID numbers, and must maintain records for six months. The system must be fully operational by April 1, 2029, and applies to all personal vehicle insurance policies (excluding commercial policies, which may join voluntarily). This changes how insurance proof is verified, replacing manual checks with digital confirmation at registration time.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits the Washington State nursing board's authority over nursing education programs. It prohibits the board from imposing standards beyond national accreditation requirements and treats a program's national accreditation documentation as sufficient for state compliance. The bill also requires the board to provide technical assistance for programs with low NCLEX pass rates (below 80%) and expedite approval for new programs at institutions with existing accredited nursing programs. These changes aim to reduce regulatory duplication and support nursing schools while maintaining national accreditation as the primary standard.