Sen. Keith Wagoner

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 8665) formally recognizes February as Black History Month in Washington State. It honors the history, contributions, and resilience of Black Americans in Washington and across the nation, acknowledging their enduring impact on civic life, culture, and democracy. The resolution serves as a symbolic gesture of recognition by the Washington State Senate, with no new policies or direct effects on constituents or programs. It was adopted by the Senate on February 16, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a law with policy changes. It formally honors April as "National Donate Life Month" in Washington State, recognizing organ, eye, and tissue donors and their impact. The resolution commemorates the work of Donate Life America and highlights the importance of organ donation awareness, noting that one donor can save up to eight lives. It has no legal effect or direct impact on individuals or policies.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 8681), not a policy bill. It formally celebrates children in Washington state and recognizes their role in civic engagement, creativity, and the future of democracy. The resolution includes no new laws, funding, or requirements - it solely expresses the Senate's acknowledgment of children's contributions and the importance of supporting their development. Adopted on February 20, 2026, it serves as a symbolic gesture with no direct impact on individuals or policy implementation.

Maddy summarySJR 8212 proposes a constitutional amendment to Washington State's Constitution, changing eligibility requirements for state legislators. It would require candidates to be at least 25 years old, hold a high school diploma or equivalent, have no felony or gross misdemeanor convictions, and complete a detailed background investigation within six months of filing. The background check must include criminal history checks, verification of extremist group affiliations, social media review, citizenship confirmation, a psychological exam, and a polygraph. This amendment would apply to all future legislators elected or appointed after ratification, directly affecting candidates for the Washington State Legislature.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 8672) honoring Trooper Tara-Marysa Guting, a Washington State Patrol officer who died in the line of duty on December 19, 2025. The resolution expresses the Senate's condolences to her family, commends her service and embodiment of the Patrol's motto ("Service with Humility"), and extends gratitude to all Washington State Patrol members. It has no policy impact - it is purely symbolic recognition of her life and service, with copies sent to her family and Patrol leadership.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution (SR 8684) celebrates nine Washington state athletes who will compete for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Italy. It specifically recognizes Western Washington University alumni Breezy Johnson, Katie Hensien, Eunice Lee, Erin Martin, Novie McCabe, Cooper McLeod, Ben Richardson, Corrine Stoddard, and Luc Violette. The resolution expresses the Washington State Senate's admiration for these athletes' dedication and accomplishments in sports like alpine skiing and curling. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new policies or affect any laws or individuals.

Maddy summarySR 8678 is a ceremonial Senate resolution recognizing the Chimacum High School Marching Band for being selected as Washington State's representative in the 2026 National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C. The resolution formally congratulates the band, its director, students, families, and community supporters for their dedication and achievement as the first and only Washington band chosen for this national honor. It highlights the band's role in fostering school pride, student development, and community engagement through its long-standing musical tradition. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new policies or affect any laws.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 8683), not a legislative bill with policy changes. It formally honors the Seattle Seahawks for winning the 2025 NFL season, including their regular-season record, NFC West championship, and Super Bowl 60 victory. The resolution expresses the Washington State Senate's appreciation for the team's on-field success and community contributions, with no legal effect or impact on constituents. It was adopted on February 10, 2026, and serves solely as a symbolic gesture of recognition.

Maddy summarySB 5650 allows Washington counties and cities to impose a local excise tax of up to 2% on the retail sale of cannabis products, including concentrates and infused items, but only with voter approval through a ballot measure and for a maximum of seven years. Counties must act before July 1, 2027, or cities within the county may then impose the tax instead. The tax, which is in addition to existing state taxes, will be collected by the state’s Liquor and Cannabis Board and distributed monthly, with 15% of the revenue going to the county and the remainder distributed based on where licensed retailers generate revenue. The bill prohibits counties and cities within the same county from imposing the tax simultaneously.

Maddy summarySB 5043 creates a legal presumption that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an occupational disease for correctional facility workers in Washington state who have worked at least 90 consecutive days in a fully compensated position. This means workers can more easily claim industrial insurance benefits for PTSD without proving it was caused solely by their job, though employers can challenge this presumption with evidence. The presumption lasts up to 60 months after employment ends and requires employers to cover reasonable appeal costs if workers win their claims. The bill applies specifically to Department of Corrections staff in total-confinement facilities (excluding contracted facilities) and takes effect January 1, 2026. It does not affect other professions like firefighters or nurses, whose PTSD coverage was previously excluded under similar rules.