Sen. Matt Boehnke

Maddy summaryThis bill adjusts Washington State's financial aid program for students attending private four-year colleges. It sets specific maximum grant amounts for private non-profit institutions ($9,739 through 2025-26, then 50% of public research institution awards starting 2026-27) and for private for-profit institutions (similar fixed amounts through 2025-26, transitioning to 50% of public awards in 2026-27). The policy directly affects students enrolled at eligible private four-year colleges in Washington, including both non-profit and for-profit institutions. The key change is shifting from fixed annual amounts to a formula tied to public institution awards beginning in 2026-27.

Maddy summarySB 6338 requires Washington courts to consider prosecutor recommendations about housing plans before approving community-based release for sexually violent predators. The bill amends existing law to mandate that courts allow prosecutors in the housing county to provide input on the suitability of proposed housing, and the court must formally weigh this input before making final release decisions. If the court's decision differs significantly from the prosecutor's recommendation, it must explain its reasoning in writing. This change directly affects courts, prosecutors, and individuals seeking conditional release under Washington’s sexually violent predator laws, focusing on housing safety and community protection. The bill does not alter treatment requirements or supervision terms but adds a formal step for prosecutor involvement in housing approval.

Maddy summarySB 6337 prohibits sexually violent predators from being placed in community-based supervision (less restrictive alternatives) within 500 feet of, or with a direct line of sight to, K-12 schools, child care facilities, or recreational facilities. The bill requires courts to impose strict conditions for conditional release, including electronic monitoring with real-time tracking, 500-foot distance restrictions, and sight-line bans from protected facilities. It also mandates that placement decisions follow "fair share" principles to ensure equitable distribution across counties and prevent disproportionate grouping in specific communities. The law directly affects individuals subject to Washington’s sexually violent predator commitment system who seek community-based supervision. These provisions aim to enhance community safety through specific geographic restrictions and individualized supervision conditions.

Maddy summarySB 6336 prohibits sexually violent predators from being placed in community-based housing (less restrictive alternatives) located in areas with a high concentration of children. The bill requires the Department of Social and Health Services to verify that any proposed placement site has at least three adults for every child within a 500-foot radius. This specifically applies to locations like schools, parks, daycare centers, playgrounds, and youth camps. The law amends existing statutes to enforce this geographic restriction for all community placements of individuals deemed likely to commit sexually violent acts if not confined.

Maddy summarySB 6340 changes Washington State law for releasing individuals from secure facilities to less restrictive community settings (like outpatient treatment or supervised housing). It requires courts to impose specific conditions, including electronic monitoring with real-time tracking and a minimum one-half mile distance between the person's residence and schools, child care facilities, and recreational areas. The bill also mandates that releases follow "fair share principles" to ensure equitable distribution across counties, with the Department of Corrections documenting placement decisions and justifying any deviation from the person's county of commitment. This directly affects individuals committed under mental health or developmental disability laws and the agencies overseeing their community supervision.

Maddy summarySB 6192 creates a "Star Teacher Award" for math and English language arts teachers in Washington who demonstrate improved student scores in specific grade bands (K-6 or 7-12). Awarded teachers receive a $10,000 annual bonus, with an additional $10,000 for teaching in high-poverty schools (defined by USDA eligibility or 70%+ free/reduced lunch participation). The bill also mandates school districts to implement structured literacy programs for K-4 reading (fully by 2028) and structured numeracy programs for K-4 math (fully by 2028), using evidence-based methods and diagnostic assessments. These programs must include targeted interventions for struggling students and family engagement strategies.

Maddy summarySB 6235 prohibits Washington state public universities from entering agreements with private equity firms or foreign government investment funds that transfer revenue rights, ownership stakes, or control over athletic programs. The law bans deals where these entities gain profit shares, influence scheduling/hiring, or control media/sponsorship revenue streams - such as ticket sales, broadcasting, or licensing. Allowed exceptions include standard sponsorships without revenue sharing, charitable gifts, and tax-exempt bond financing. Universities must annually report compliance to the legislature and disclose any permitted agreements.

Maddy summarySB 6241 requires Washington’s Department of Fish and Wildlife to implement wild broodstock conservation programs in watersheds with native steelhead populations. It mandates using wild steelhead (collected by volunteers) for hatchery breeding to boost recovery, with specific rules to prevent genetic issues like inbreeding and ensure fish health. The law sets population targets, requires conservation-focused hatchery management plans, and establishes protocols for fish handling, spawning, and predator control. This directly affects steelhead trout recovery efforts across Washington’s watersheds and the state’s fish management practices.

Maddy summarySB 6259 requires students who cause physical damage to public universities equal to one year's tuition and fees (as determined by a court) to immediately repay all state grants, scholarships, and financial aid received. It directly affects students found responsible for vandalism or violence that damages institutional property, making them ineligible for future state aid and triggering immediate repayment obligations. Key provisions mandate repayment to the state agency that awarded the aid, with all property rights in the aid reverting to the state upon a court order. The bill applies to all current and previously awarded state financial aid under relevant chapters of Washington law. It does not affect students who do not cause such damage, nor does it alter general eligibility for aid.

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.