Sen. Sharon Shewmake

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic Senate Resolution (not a law) honoring the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people in Washington state. It recognizes the disproportionate violence they face, acknowledges Washington's high rate of such cases, and expresses the Senate's solidarity with affected families, tribal nations, and advocates. The resolution does not create new legal requirements or funding but aims to raise awareness and support ongoing efforts to address this crisis. It was adopted by the Senate on April 14, 2025.

Maddy summarySR 8641 is a non-binding Senate resolution recognizing Washington State's longstanding relationship with Canada. It acknowledges shared economic ties (including $8 billion in annual exports), cultural connections, and practical border cooperation - such as for Point Roberts residents and cross-border emergency aid - without creating new laws or policies. The resolution formally expresses the Senate's view of Canada as a vital partner but has no legal effect on governance or funding. It was adopted by the Washington State Senate on April 11, 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 8633 is a ceremonial resolution adopted by the Washington State Senate on April 9, 2025, to formally recognize and honor the workforce of Washington's forest products industry. It acknowledges the industry's role in supporting over 100,000 jobs (including 42,000 direct jobs), sustaining rural economies, and contributing to environmental benefits like carbon storage and habitat restoration. The resolution highlights the sector's importance as a renewable resource provider and essential employer in rural communities, particularly through union-backed mills. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation for workers and the industry's economic and environmental contributions.

Maddy summarySB 5106 amends Washington state law to formally recognize Eid al-Fitr (first day of the tenth Islamic month) and Eid al-Adha (tenth day of the twelfth Islamic month) as designated days of cultural observance. The bill adds these dates to the list of recognized days in RCW 1.16.050, which are not automatically paid holidays but may be requested as unpaid religious holidays under existing provisions. State employees who observe these days can request them as unpaid days off for religious reasons, following the same process as other faith-based requests under RCW 1.16.050(3). The law does not change the paid holiday structure but ensures these dates are formally acknowledged in state statutes. It became effective July 27, 2025, after Governor approval.

Maddy summarySB 5457 modifies Washington State's business tax for radio and television broadcasters. It requires broadcasters to calculate tax based on gross income minus specific advertising revenues, directly affecting FCC-licensed radio and TV stations operating in Washington. The key provision allows broadcasters to exclude national/regional ad revenue either through a standard deduction (based on U.S. Census data) or by itemizing out-of-state audience revenue using defined signal strength contours. This change, effective July 2025, adjusts how taxable income is calculated for broadcasters under the existing 0.484% business tax rate.

Maddy summarySB 5577 requires Washington State's Medicaid program (Apple Health) to cover all FDA-approved HIV antiviral drugs without prior authorization or step therapy for both fee-for-service and managed care plans. This policy change directly affects Medicaid patients with HIV and the managed care organizations administering their coverage. The law eliminates extra approval steps needed to access these medications, ensuring faster treatment access. It takes effect on July 27, 2025, after being signed into law following legislative passage.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 8643) is a ceremonial expression of support, not a law with policy changes. It honors Washington State's commercial fishing fleet by expressing condolences to families of fishers lost at sea, wishing the fleet a safe and prosperous 2025 season, and hoping all fishers return home safely. The resolution specifically references the May 4, 2025, blessing of the fleet in Blaine Harbor. It directly affects the fishing community and their families through symbolic recognition, with no new regulations or funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution, not a bill with policy changes. It formally honors Transgender Day of Visibility in Washington State, recognizing transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse individuals' contributions to the state's communities, history, and culture. The resolution affirms the Senate's commitment to equity and inclusion but does not create new laws, alter policies, or affect any specific group through legal mechanisms. It serves as a symbolic gesture of support and celebration.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 8630) is a ceremonial statement adopted by the Washington State Senate on March 14, 2025. It formally honors the historical and ongoing contributions of Sikh Americans to Washington state's cultural, economic, and social development. The resolution specifically references the 1907 Bellingham Riots as a historical example of anti-Sikh discrimination and commits the Senate to combating discrimination against Sikhs and all marginalized communities. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic recognition of Sikh contributions and a reaffirmation of values like inclusion and equality.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 8629) formally honors Ichiro Suzuki upon his election to the Baseball Hall of Fame, recognizing his career achievements with the Seattle Mariners. It specifically cites his 3,000 career hits, 500 stolen bases, 2001 MVP award, and record-breaking 262 hits in a single season. The resolution expresses the Senate’s gratitude for his contributions to baseball and his status as a fan favorite in the Pacific Northwest. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents or legislation.