Maddy summarySB 5146 proposes creating a public portal where state employees and residents can report wasteful, duplicative, or inefficient government spending. The portal would require users to submit details about specific agencies, policy areas, and examples of inefficiency (with anonymous options), and it must be accessible to people with disabilities and mobile users. Submitted reports would be sent annually to legislative budget committees, and state employees whose suggestions lead to actual savings may qualify for cash awards. The bill directly affects state employees and the public by providing a structured way to identify government waste, aiming to improve taxpayer spending efficiency. It does not change existing laws but establishes a new process for gathering and reviewing efficiency suggestions.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 5276 modifies how Washington counties are reimbursed for criminal justice costs linked to crimes committed by people in state-run institutions. It creates an "institutional impact account" to fund reimbursements for law enforcement, prosecutorial, judicial, and jail costs directly tied to offenders in facilities managed by the Secretary of Children, Youth, and Families or Secretary of Corrections. Reimbursement rates are set using each county's average hourly costs (for law enforcement/prosecution/judicial) or daily bed rates (for jail) from the previous fiscal year. The bill requires both agencies to update their rules to implement these new rate calculations and reimbursement procedures.
Maddy summarySB 5405 updates Washington's estate tax exclusion amount to adjust annually for inflation starting in 2026. It replaces the current fixed $2,193,000 threshold with a formula that increases the exemption each year based on the Seattle metropolitan area consumer price index (CPI). The adjustment multiplies the base amount by (1 + inflation rate) and rounds to the nearest $1,000, ensuring the exclusion keeps pace with rising costs. This directly affects Washington residents and others with taxable estates exceeding the inflation-adjusted threshold, particularly for decedents dying in 2026 or later.
Maddy summarySB 5047 prohibits public protests within 25 feet of individuals collecting signatures for or signing initiative or referendum petitions in Washington State. This bill directly affects citizens participating in the state's initiative and referendum process by creating a protected buffer zone around petition activities. The key provision amends RCW 29A.84 to make such protests a violation of existing election law, with penalties enforced under RCW 29A.84.250(4). The measure aims to prevent disruptions to grassroots civic engagement efforts during petition drives.
Maddy summarySB 5256 requires the Washington Indeterminate Sentence Review Board to formally consider victims' objections when deciding whether to release offenders convicted of sex offenses. The bill mandates that victims of these crimes can present statements and object on record during hearings, with the board giving "great weight" to their objections and making written findings on them. It also requires county prosecutors to forward victim impact statements and contact information to the board as part of the review process. This policy change directly affects victims of sex offense convictions and the board's decision-making during parole hearings for such offenders.
Maddy summarySB 5020 would exempt Washington homeowners aged 75 or older from all state and local property taxes on their primary residence, regardless of household income. To qualify, seniors must own the home (as fee simple, life estate, or contract purchase) and occupy it as their main home at the time of filing. The exemption transfers to a new primary residence if the senior sells or moves due to displacement, but does not apply to secondary homes. It takes effect for property taxes due in 2026 and later, with temporary absences for long-term care (e.g., nursing home stays) not disqualifying eligibility if the original home remains occupied by a spouse or dependent.
Maddy summarySB 5153 changes Washington state law to transfer youth convicted of felonies under age 18 from the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to the Department of Corrections (DOC) at age 18, instead of keeping them in DCYF until age 25. This applies to most felony convictions, with an exception requiring immediate transfer at 18 for "serious violent offenses" (as defined in RCW 9.94A.030). The bill amends RCW 72.01.410 and 13.40.280 to eliminate required hearings for these transfers. It directly affects youth under 18 convicted as adults who were previously retained in juvenile facilities beyond age 18.
Maddy summarySB 5135 clarifies that school district boards of directors hold final authority over curriculum standards, evaluation systems for staff, and the review of teaching materials (like textbooks) upon parent complaints. It repeals a prior law requiring comprehensive sexual health education in schools. The bill mandates school boards to set curriculum standards based on district needs and annually report evaluation criteria for staff to the state superintendent. This directly affects Washington school districts, their boards, and parents who may request material reviews. The changes shift curriculum control to local boards while removing a specific state-mandated health education requirement.
Maddy summarySB 5643 expands mandatory reviews for child fatalities and near-fatal incidents to include children and youth in the care of Washington's Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) or juvenile rehabilitation facilities. It requires DCYF to conduct reviews for deaths or serious medical incidents (like overdoses or critical injuries) suspected to involve abuse or neglect, and mandates the Office of the Family and Children's Ombuds to have access to records and facilities for oversight. The bill also requires DCYF to publish review reports publicly online within 180 days, excluding confidential information, and ensures review teams include experts with no prior involvement in the case. This policy change directly affects children in state custody and juvenile facilities, aiming to improve safety protocols through transparent accountability.
Maddy summarySB 5342 requires Washington state agencies (like corrections, child welfare, and social services departments) to make reasonable efforts to arrange visits for legislators to state-run facilities upon written request. It mandates agencies to provide prompt written explanations if a visit can't be scheduled as requested, and specifies that visits may include facility tours or meetings with constituents residing in those facilities. The bill directly affects current state legislators and state agencies managing secure facilities, while ensuring all visits follow facility safety protocols. It does not change policy but establishes a procedural framework for legislative access.