Sen. June Robinson

Maddy summarySB 5044 allows public employers in Washington to negotiate with employee unions over contributions for supplemental retirement benefits (such as medical plans) that are administered by or on behalf of employee organizations. This bill amends state law to explicitly permit bargaining on contribution levels for these supplemental benefits, while still keeping core retirement plans and benefits administered by the Department of Retirement Systems off-limits to negotiation. The change directly affects public employees covered under Washington's retirement systems who participate in supplemental benefit programs. The policy shift clarifies that contributions for these specific supplemental benefits - distinct from basic pension plans - are subject to collective bargaining.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment allowing Washington's legislature to create a property tax exemption for primary residences. If approved by voters, it would enable future legislation to establish this exemption, with the legislature determining eligibility and specific conditions. The amendment requires voter approval at the next general election and does not create the exemption itself, only authorizes its potential future implementation.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5085 proposes merging the assets, liabilities, and membership of three of Washington state's closed retirement plans: the Law Enforcement Officers' and Fire Fighters' Retirement System Plan 1 (LEOFF Plan 1), the Teachers' Retirement System Plan 1 (TRS Plan 1), and the Public Employees' Retirement System Plan 1 (PERS Plan 1). The legislature finds LEOFF Plan 1 to be overfunded, while TRS Plan 1 and PERS Plan 1 have unfunded liabilities. The bill aims to improve the funded status of the underfunded plans by utilizing LEOFF Plan 1's excess funds. It also seeks to establish an ongoing funding source for LEOFF Plan 1 if future liabilities emerge and to provide new, ongoing cost-of-living adjustments for TRS Plan 1 and PERS Plan 1 members. The merger intends to protect all members' current benefits, with the resulting plan maintaining distinct benefit tiers for each original system.

Maddy summarySB 5777 creates a tax deduction for payment card processors in Washington, allowing them to subtract interchange fees and network fees from their business and occupation tax base. The bill also increases the tax rate for these processors, establishing a 1.5% rate for businesses with less than $1 million in annual revenue and a 1.75% rate for others. This directly affects companies that process electronic payments for merchants, such as credit and debit card transactions. The deduction is intended to address the unique fee structure of payment processing activities.

Maddy summarySB 5815 proposes modifications to Washington's Business and Occupation (B&O) tax system. The bill would increase certain B&O tax rates for businesses engaged in activities such as extracting, manufacturing, and retail sales to 0.5 percent. It also introduces a temporary B&O tax surcharge specifically for large companies with annual revenues exceeding $250 million. Additionally, the bill clarifies B&O tax deductions for certain investments and adjusts the advanced computing surcharge cap. The stated intent is to generate revenue to support public schools, higher education, health care, and social services across the state.

Maddy summarySB 5407 delays the annual recalibration (rebasement) of nursing home payment rates under Washington's capital component system from 2023 to 2028. This bill directly affects nursing homes receiving state Medicaid payments in Washington, as it postpones the update to their facility-based payment rates. The key mechanism is amending the law to require a single rebasing in 2028 instead of annual adjustments, maintaining current payment rates for the capital component until that date. This change applies specifically to the capital component of the payment system, which calculates rates based on facility age, square footage, and rental values.

Maddy summarySB 5792 mandates a 4.98% temporary salary reduction for most state government employees (excluding certain roles) during the 2025-2026 fiscal year. It exempts elected officials (who may voluntarily reduce salaries), employees at state universities, specialized staff (like Washington State Patrol officers), and those earning under $2,500 monthly. The bill requires agencies to use options like temporary leave (8.67 hours/month) or reduced hours if collective bargaining agreements prevent direct salary cuts, while ensuring minimum wage protections. It applies specifically to the 2025-2026 period within the broader 2025-2027 budget cycle.

Maddy summarySB 5222 limits annual rent and fee increases for Washington tenants to 7% (with specific exemptions), requires landlords to provide written notice for increases, and bans excessive or arbitrary fees. It directly affects all renters under Washington’s residential and manufactured/mobile home landlord-tenant acts, including households with children, seniors, and communities of color disproportionately impacted by rent hikes. Key provisions include allowing tenants to terminate leases without penalty if increases violate the cap, creating a landlord resource center for compliance support, and establishing parity between month-to-month and fixed-term leases. The bill also authorizes the Attorney General to enforce violations and recover damages for unlawful rent or fee charges.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5807 modifies the wellness programs offered through public and school employee health benefit plans. The bill discontinues the "smart health program," including its wellness incentive and online portal, for these employees, effective January 1, 2028. While employees who meet eligibility requirements for an incentive by December 31, 2027, will still receive it in the 2028 plan year, no new wellness incentives can be earned after that date. The legislation shifts the focus to broader wellness initiatives that emphasize preventative health strategies.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5412 provides financial tools for Washington school districts facing severe financial difficulties, specifically those in "binding conditions" or under "enhanced financial oversight." It allows these districts to take temporary, interest-free loans from their capital projects funds, which must be repaid within one year and not detriment existing projects. Additionally, districts in binding conditions may request authorization from the Superintendent of Public Instruction to sell real property. Proceeds from such sales must be used to restore financial stability or fund an authorized interfund loan, with this authorization limited to once every ten years.