Maddy summaryWashington State's Senate and House of Representatives passed SJM 8012, a formal memorial requesting the U.S. Department of State conduct an independent investigation into the killing of Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi, a Seattle-born human rights activist and University of Washington psychology graduate. The memorial specifically asks for an investigation into her 2024 death in the West Bank, when she was fatally shot by an Israeli military sniper while peacefully observing the displacement of Palestinians. It cites her background as a Washington resident, community organizer, and advocate for Palestinian rights, drawing parallels to another Washington activist's similar killing. This procedural request does not create new law but formally urges U.S. government action to seek accountability for a U.S. citizen killed abroad.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 5778 creates a new license for maple syrup processing operations in Washington, specifically tailored for small-scale producers who use remote "sugar shacks" instead of commercial kitchens. It directly affects maple syrup producers in forested, remote areas by exempting them from standard food processing requirements like permanent plumbing or on-site water systems. Key provisions include requiring a $250 biennial permit, mandating food safety training for staff, and setting specific sanitation rules (e.g., food-grade materials, no lead solder, proper waste handling) while exempting small operations ($50k annual sales) from water testing. The bill aims to support this regional commodity by aligning regulations with maple syrup’s low-risk production process, as noted by the FDA.
Maddy summarySB 5190 allows Washington K-12 school districts to formally request extensions to meet state energy performance standards for school buildings. The bill amends existing law to create a specific process for districts to seek deadline extensions when compliance would be impractical. This directly affects public school districts responsible for maintaining energy efficiency standards under RCW 19.27A.210. The key mechanism is a structured request procedure for districts facing challenges in meeting energy targets by established deadlines.
Maddy summarySB 5211 authorizes Washington state to pay parents for providing "extraordinary care" to their minor children (under 18) with developmental disabilities, a service currently only available for adult children. The bill requires the state to seek Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services approval by January 31, 2026, to amend home and community-based waivers allowing parents to be paid as individual providers for care exceeding typical parental duties. Parents would receive payment only for "extraordinary care" defined as services necessary to prevent institutionalization, meeting specific assessment criteria (E or B high classification). This change aims to address caregiver shortages, support family stability, and reduce long-term costs by keeping children in home settings.
Maddy summarySB 5779 designates the last full calendar week in July each year as "African diaspora heritage week" in Washington state. The bill aims to recognize and celebrate the cultural heritage, history, and contributions of people of African descent through community events, educational activities, and cultural awareness. It does not establish a paid holiday or alter existing legal holidays - this designation is purely commemorative under state law. The recognition applies to all Washington residents and institutions, encouraging community participation in honoring this heritage.
Maddy summarySB 5601 creates a new office within Washington state to coordinate research, development, and deployment of alternative jet fuels and renewable hydrogen. It establishes a competitive grant program to fund infrastructure like blending facilities, rail spurs, and fuel handling equipment - excluding land acquisition or permitting costs - and requires annual reporting on funded projects. The bill mandates reports on feedstock availability (particularly biomethane) for fuel production by 2026 and directs collaboration with tribes, agencies, and industry groups. Directly affecting state agencies, project developers, and renewable fuel producers, it focuses on advancing clean aviation fuels through public-private partnerships and infrastructure investment.
Maddy summarySB 5164 proposes creating a state-funded program to place "postsecondary enrollment specialists" in high schools across Washington, working at a 1:600 ratio with seniors. These specialists will directly assist students - especially those from lower-income backgrounds - with completing financial aid applications (like FAFSA and WASFA), connecting to scholarships, and navigating college enrollment processes. The bill requires school districts to partner with community colleges, tribal organizations, or community groups to hire these specialists and mandates free training for school staff on financial aid. It also requires annual reports tracking how the program increases financial aid completion rates and enrollment, targeting schools with historically low application rates. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.
Maddy summarySB 5796 imposes a 5% excise tax on large Washington employers for payroll expenses exceeding the Social Security wage threshold (currently $168,600 per employee annually). It directly affects employers with over $7 million in annual payroll - estimated to be 17% of businesses - while exempting smaller businesses. The tax revenue funds public schools, health care, and social services by depositing funds into the state general fund. Employers must pay the tax directly (not deducted from employee wages), with the tax applying only to wages above the Social Security limit.
Maddy summaryWashington State's SB 5201, the "Psychedelic Substances Act," would create a regulated system allowing adults 21+ to access psychedelic substances under professional supervision for therapeutic use. It establishes licensing for facilitators and service centers (overseen by the Department of Health) and for manufacturers (overseen by the Liquor & Cannabis Board), requiring safety protocols while emphasizing cost reduction to improve equity and access. The bill explicitly states it won't require insurance coverage for these services, won't override federal law, and aims to facilitate research on psychedelic benefits. It specifically addresses cost barriers disproportionately affecting disadvantaged communities, directing regulators to minimize compliance costs without compromising safety.
Maddy summarySB 5336 requires employers (including hotels, retail stores, security companies, and property services contractors) to implement specific protections for "isolated employees" - workers like janitors, security guards, and hotel housekeepers who spend most of their time working alone. Key provisions mandate employers to adopt sexual harassment policies, provide mandatory training on preventing harassment and using panic buttons, supply panic buttons to isolated employees, and maintain records of training and button usage. Employers must also submit annual reports on training and work locations to the Department of Labor and Industries. Violations can result in civil penalties of up to $10,000 per repeat willful offense, with enforcement handled through department investigations and citations.