Maddy summarySB 5852 requires Washington employers to notify workers and their representatives within 72 hours if a federal agency conducts an inspection of employment verification forms (I-9) or worker records. It mandates posting multilingual notices in workplaces and sending written notices to all current and recent workers (within the last three years), including details about the federal agency and inspection. The law aims to ensure immigrant workers are informed during federal immigration enforcement actions, with notices required in the five most commonly used non-English languages in the state. Employers must also provide affected workers with copies of federal inspection results. This applies to all Washington employers, including state agencies and businesses.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 5884 expands a sales and use tax deferral program to incentivize redevelopment of underutilized property in qualifying cities (with populations of 135,000-275,000). It directly affects property owners who develop affordable housing - both rental and homeownership - for low- or moderate-income households, as defined by federal income thresholds. The key mechanism allows qualifying developers to defer paying sales and use taxes on eligible projects, provided they maintain affordable housing for at least 10 years. This applies to vacant land, partially used land, or underutilized property (like surface parking lots) identified by city authorities as suitable for affordable housing redevelopment.
Maddy summarySB 6304 requires Washington State’s Investment Board to incorporate ethical investment standards into its management of public retirement and trust funds. It prohibits investments in companies or activities involving serious human rights violations, weapons production, coal energy, tobacco, environmental harm, or other significant ethical risks (as detailed in Section 2). The bill mandates the Board to assess these risks when making investment decisions, develop public proxy voting guidelines supporting ethical standards, and report annually on how these principles are applied. This directly affects how $100+ billion in public funds are managed, ensuring investments align with state values while still aiming for prudent financial returns. The Board must now consider both financial and ethical risks in its investment strategy.
Maddy summarySB 6109 prohibits Washington State's Investment Board from investing state funds in private detention facilities. Starting immediately, the Board cannot make new investments in entities owning or operating such facilities, and must fully divest existing investments by January 1, 2030. The bill requires this transition to avoid financial loss by reinvesting in comparable, productive alternatives. It directly affects state pension and retirement funds managed by the Investment Board, targeting for-profit facilities operating under government contracts.
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 summarySB 6175 regulates secondary ticket sales for entertainment and sporting events to prevent consumer deception and price gouging. It caps resale prices at 110% of the original ticket price (including fees) and limits service fees to 10%, while requiring clear disclosures that tickets are purchased from a secondary marketplace, not the original seller. The bill prohibits misleading marketing (e.g., fake "official" sites), bans selling speculative tickets, and mandates resellers notify buyers within 8 hours of event changes. It exempts professional sports teams, small arts organizations ($500,000 annual revenue cap), schools, movie theaters, and tribal venues from most provisions. The law applies to commercial resellers and secondary ticket platforms operating in Washington.
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 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 6090 establishes a state program at Washington State University to conserve rare and historically significant apple varieties. The program requires WSU to maintain a registry of heritage orchards, provide preservation resources, propagate rare apple cultivars for both backyard and commercial use, and develop a list of endangered varieties. A "heritage orchard" is defined as either an orchard with five or more trees over 74 years old or containing at least one rare/lost apple variety. This bill directly affects orchard owners meeting these criteria and Washington State University, which must implement the program. The legislation aims to preserve Washington’s agricultural history by protecting apple varieties at risk of extinction.
Maddy summarySenate Resolution 8667 is a formal tribute honoring Monica Alexander upon her retirement as Executive Director of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission. The resolution recognizes her 20+ years of service with the Washington State Patrol - including being the first Black woman promoted to sergeant, lieutenant, and captain - and her leadership in expanding training facilities, reducing officer training wait times, and advancing policy initiatives like sexual assault kit funding. It does not create new laws or policies but celebrates her legacy in transforming law enforcement culture and increasing community representation. The Senate adopted this resolution on January 21, 2026, to acknowledge her contributions to Washington state.