Sen. Lisa Wellman

Maddy summarySB 5163 modernizes Washington state's child fatality statute, primarily affecting local health departments that conduct reviews of child deaths and the various agencies that provide data for these reviews. It changes the terminology from "child mortality" to "child fatality" and expands the age range for reviewed deaths to include children up to 19 years old. The bill enhances local health departments' ability to request and receive specific data, such as medical and social services records, from various entities for their reviews. It also reinforces confidentiality protections for identifying information and review documents collected during these processes.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Memorial 8004 is a petition from the Washington State Legislature to the federal government regarding universal health care. It requests that the federal government either establish a national universal health care program for all U.S. residents, or partner with Washington state to reduce barriers for the state to implement its own universal health system. Failing those, the memorial asks the federal government to grant Washington state the necessary waivers to create its own universal health care system.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 8655 honors and commemorates the life and legacy of Ralph Munro, a former five-term Secretary of State for Washington. It recognizes his extensive contributions to the state, including his work in disability rights, environmental protection, and social services.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 8651 is a procedural bill that honors the contributions of science, scientific research, and evidence-based decision making to society. It also recognizes the importance of continued investment in scientific research, higher education, and innovation to maintain Washington's leadership in discovery and technological advancement.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 8640 is a commemorative resolution that honors Senator Karen Lynn Keiser for her nearly 30 years of service in the Washington State Legislature. It commends her for her work on health care reform, establishing the Washington Health Benefit Exchange and Paid Family and Medical Leave program, and championing policies for working families.

Maddy summarySB 5006 updates Washington State's corporation laws by clarifying rules for corporate equity awards and board committees. It specifies that boards of directors can set restrictions on who may exercise stock options or warrants (e.g., preventing certain shareholders from acquiring shares) and prohibits officers from self-designating for equity awards. The bill also refines how board committees operate, requiring board approval for their creation, limiting committees from approving distributions or filling board vacancies, and adding rules for alternate committee members. These changes directly affect corporations operating under Washington law, their boards, and officers managing corporate governance. The bill became law on April 4, 2025, and takes effect July 27, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 5128 requires Washington state to maintain Medicaid coverage for youth in juvenile detention facilities without interruption. It mandates that medical assistance benefits be suspended (not terminated) during detention, allows youth to apply for coverage while confined, and ensures full reinstatement of benefits immediately upon release. The bill creates a "suspense status" for applications during detention and requires coordination between state agencies, detention facilities, and healthcare providers to streamline coverage transitions. This directly affects youth in juvenile detention, Medicaid providers, and state agencies like the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. The law took effect July 27, 2025, after being signed by the Governor on April 4, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 5051 consolidates Washington's nursing assistant regulatory oversight by merging the separate Board of Nursing and Board of Practical Nursing into a single 17-member "Board of Nursing." The bill directly affects certified nursing assistants (CNAs) by requiring two CNA members on the board who must be currently employed with at least two years of experience. Key provisions include updated membership requirements - such as mandating at least one CNA member, specific faculty representation for nursing programs, and restrictions on public members with healthcare financial ties - and repealing outdated sections. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, streamlining oversight for nursing assistants under one unified board structure.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 8645) formally honors the Northwest Center for its 60-year history of serving people with disabilities in Washington State. It recognizes the center's founding in 1965 by four mothers and its pivotal role in creating Washington's pioneering special education law (HB90, 1971) and contributing to the national Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 1975). The resolution acknowledges the center's legacy in advocacy, inclusion, and advancing educational opportunities for people with disabilities. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no binding policy effect but serves to publicly celebrate the organization's historical contributions.

Maddy summarySB 5122 requires businesses planning mergers to submit electronic copies of federal Hart-Scott-Rodino merger forms and related documents to Washington’s Attorney General under specific conditions: if they have their principal business in Washington, conduct significant sales (20% of the federal filing threshold) in the state, or are healthcare providers operating in Washington. The law mandates confidentiality for all submitted materials, prohibits the Attorney General from charging fees, and allows civil penalties of up to $10,000 per day for noncompliance. It also establishes reciprocity with other states that have similar laws, requiring advance notice before sharing documents. This law applies only to merger filings submitted on or after its effective date (July 27, 2025).