Sen. Javier Valdez

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5528 requires electricians installing electric vehicle charging equipment on public works projects in Washington State to be certified by the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) or a similar nationally recognized program. This ensures consistent safety and effectiveness standards for the electrical components of these installations and maintenance. The requirement applies only if the certification program is open to all general journeyman level electricians. Apprentices are exempt when supervised by a certified journeyman, and installations contracted before January 1, 2026, are also excluded.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Washington state law by adding new provisions that cannot be included in residential rental agreements between landlords and tenants. It prohibits agreements that require tenants to waive their right to join class actions, sign nondisclosure agreements about lease terms, or pay late fees if rent is paid within five days of its due date. The bill also prevents rental agreements from mandating electronic-only rent payments. If a landlord knowingly uses a rental agreement with prohibited provisions, tenants may recover damages and attorney's fees. These changes apply to leases entered into or renewed on or after July 27, 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5298 modifies the process for selling manufactured/mobile home communities, directly affecting community owners and their tenants. It requires owners to provide written notice of their intent to sell to each tenant, qualified tenant organizations, and several government agencies before marketing the property or considering an offer. Tenants, acting through a qualified organization, are then given 70 days to express interest in purchasing the community. The bill also mandates good faith negotiation, including owners providing tenants access to information like operating expenses, and outlines remedies for substantial non-compliance.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5375 establishes a duty for clergy to report child abuse and neglect. It amends state law, specifically RCW 26.44.020 and 26.44.030, by removing a specific definition of "clergy." This change effectively subjects regularly licensed or ordained ministers, priests, or rabbis to the general mandatory reporting requirements for suspected child abuse or neglect. As a result, clergy members are now legally required to report instances of child abuse or neglect that they become aware of. The bill also updates other definitions related to child abuse and neglect within the statute.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5245 authorizes county legislative authorities, such as county commissioners, to administer oaths of office to state legislators. This bill amends an existing state law (RCW 36.32.120) that enumerates the powers of these county bodies. The change adds the specific ability for them to perform this duty for state elected officials, providing an additional option for legislators to fulfill this requirement.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5557 codifies emergency rules to ensure pregnant individuals receive timely treatment for emergency medical conditions in hospital emergency departments. The bill requires hospitals to provide care consistent with the applicable standard of care, including pregnancy termination if it is the medically appropriate treatment. It specifies that the continuation of a pregnancy or the health of an embryo or fetus cannot be prioritized over the pregnant person's health or safety, unless the patient provides informed consent. This legislation aims to protect access to emergency reproductive health care for pregnant patients in Washington state.

Maddy summarySB 5110 allows Washington's community and technical colleges to waive tuition and certain fees for tribal elders. Specifically, it permits colleges to waive all or a portion of tuition and service and activity fees for tribal elders over 55 years old from eligible Indian tribes. This bill directly affects these tribal elders who may seek to enroll in community or technical colleges. The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges is authorized to adopt rules to implement this provision.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5545 exempts certain family home child care providers from state licensing requirements. This bill applies to providers located in the metropolitan area surrounding a federal military reservation. To qualify for this exemption, these providers must already be overseen and certified by a federal military service. The bill amends existing state law to exclude these specific providers from the definition of a "child care agency" that would otherwise require state licensing.

Maddy summarySB 5494 strengthens Washington's program to protect communities from lead-based paint hazards, particularly children. It designates the Department of Commerce to administer and enforce a state program for training, certifying, and accrediting individuals and firms involved in lead-based paint activities. This includes establishing a renovation, repair, and painting program that requires certified professionals to follow specific work standards for renovations in pre-1978 homes and child-occupied facilities. The bill aims to ensure a qualified workforce performs lead-based paint abatement and renovation activities safely, reducing public exposure to lead.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 8659 is a commemorative resolution adopted by the Washington State Senate to honor the life and legacy of Senator Bill Ramos following his unexpected passing. It expresses gratitude for his service and acknowledges his contributions to the state, particularly in transportation equity, tribal sovereignty, and environmental stewardship.