Sen. Manka Dhingra

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 8661) is a ceremonial recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by the Washington State Senate. It affirms Dr. King's legacy and calls on all Washingtonians to continue working toward justice, emphasizing persistence and collective action. The resolution does not create new laws, policies, or funding; it is purely symbolic and non-binding. It was adopted by the Senate on January 19, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 6202 requires Washington State Medicaid to cover standard fertility preservation services starting January 1, 2027, for enrollees diagnosed with cancer or other conditions requiring treatments (like chemotherapy or radiation) that risk infertility. It prohibits Medicaid or managed care organizations from imposing special restrictions, limits, or waiting periods on these services that don’t apply to other medical treatments. The law defines "standard fertility preservation" as medically necessary procedures aligned with guidelines from major medical societies for patients facing treatment-related infertility risks. This policy change ensures coverage without discriminatory barriers, allowing patients to preserve fertility options alongside life-saving care.

Maddy summarySB 5754 proposes creating a Washington State Public Bank modeled after North Dakota's bank, which would use state deposits to leverage infrastructure financing without new taxes or bonds. The bill would allow the state to hold reserves in this public bank, applying standard banking practice (keeping 10% in reserve) to generate up to 10 times the loan capacity - turning $1 billion in deposits into $10 billion for projects like roads or housing. This would replace costly bond financing (e.g., avoiding $10 billion in 20-year bond costs for $5 billion in projects) by keeping capital within Washington to fund public needs and generate profits for the state. The bank would directly affect state infrastructure projects and local communities by lowering borrowing costs and redirecting funds from private banks to public benefit.

Maddy summarySB 6029 adds specific victim protections to Washington’s military justice code for members of the state’s organized militia (including the National Guard) serving in a state capacity. The bill grants victims of crimes committed against them during such service the right to reasonable protection, timely notice of court proceedings, the ability to be heard at key hearings, and privacy safeguards. It aligns Washington’s state military justice system with federal standards to ensure consistent treatment of victims across both federal and state military contexts. These changes apply directly to National Guard members who experience offenses while responding to state emergencies or disasters under Washington’s jurisdiction.

Maddy summarySB 6055 establishes a centralized, automated background check system for firearm sales in Washington, requiring all dealers to use a new web portal to check applicants against state and federal databases (including court records and crime databases). The bill mandates a $18 maximum fee per background check (excluding pawn transactions), creates a process for applicants to appeal denied checks, and requires the Washington State Patrol to provide instant results and track system performance. Dealers must transition to this system within 30 days of notification, and the program must link to court records for eligibility verification. The law aims to streamline checks while ensuring data security and confidentiality of records.

Maddy summarySB 5836 would increase the number of superior court judges in Skagit County from four to five by amending Washington State law (RCW 2.08.063). The bill directly affects Skagit County's court system by adding judicial capacity to handle caseloads. A key provision requires specific funding for this change to be included in the 2026 omnibus appropriations act by June 30, or the bill becomes void. This is a procedural adjustment to court staffing levels with no substantive policy changes beyond the judge count.

Maddy summaryThis bill restores a 1985 tax exemption that previously excluded sales of precious metal bullion (like refined gold, silver, and platinum) and monetized bullion (coins used as currency) from state sales tax. It directly affects businesses that sell these items, such as bullion dealers and financial institutions, by removing the tax burden on the full sale price and limiting tax to only dealer commissions. The key provision defines "precious metal bullion" and "monetized bullion" to exclude these transactions from the state’s sales tax code, with tax applying only to commissions earned on customer transactions. The exemption applies retroactively from January 1, 2026, and is intended to revive the original 1985 policy.

Maddy summarySB 5096 removes a clause from Washington's standard healthcare directive form that previously stated a directive would be invalid during pregnancy. This change ensures that advance directives for life-sustaining treatment apply equally during pregnancy, without requiring separate documentation. The bill amends the model form under the Natural Death Act (RCW 70.122.030) by deleting the specific pregnancy reference in section (d). It directly affects individuals using advance healthcare directives, particularly pregnant people or those with pregnancy-related health concerns, by eliminating an outdated exclusion. The policy change is procedural, updating the standard form to reflect current medical practice without altering other directive provisions.

Maddy summarySB 5442 establishes a college promise pilot program in 10 eastern Washington counties (east of the Cascade Mountains) to help students afford postsecondary education. It provides eligible students with up to $5,000 annually for tuition and fees at local institutions, apprenticeships, or credential programs, targeting those graduating from region high schools, meeting income limits (≤150% of state median family income), and participating in mentoring programs. The program is funded through private contributions matched dollar-for-dollar by state funds ($500,000 for 2026, $1,000,000 for 2027), with a separate high school component offering full two-year community college tuition at three selected schools. The pilot program expires August 1, 2029, and requires annual reporting on student outcomes like degree completion and transfers.

Maddy summarySB 5198 allows drivers who accumulate three or more moving traffic violations within one year (or four within two years) to avoid a 60-day license suspension by completing a safe driving course before the suspension period ends. If the course is completed, the suspension is canceled early, and the driver faces a one-year probation period instead. During probation, any new moving violation adds 30 consecutive days to the suspension, and drivers who complete the course won’t pay the standard $75 reissue fee upon reinstatement. The bill specifically applies to drivers with multiple moving violations but does not affect other suspension types like DUI or child support-related suspensions.