Sen. Mark Schoesler

Maddy summarySenate Bill 5677 updates the requirements for associate development organizations (ADOs) that contract with the state of Washington. It mandates that these organizations provide detailed annual performance reports, including their impact on employment and economic development, which must be submitted to a common web-based system. The bill establishes a process for the state department to agree on performance targets with ADOs and requires remediation plans for those that fail to meet these targets. Organizations that do not show progress on remediation plans may face a one-year termination of state contracts and funding. Additionally, it clarifies the funding allocation schedules for ADOs in both urban and rural counties.

Maddy summarySubstitute Senate Bill 5431 modifies certain tax and revenue laws without impacting state or local tax collections. It updates legislative intent regarding the extension of preferential tax rates for manufacturers and wholesalers in the solar silicon industry, tying future extensions to employment and wage growth criteria. Additionally, the bill amends rules for sellers concerning their personal liability for uncollected sales tax. It clarifies conditions for sellers to be relieved from this liability, including removing the requirement for them to renew blanket exemption certificates for recurring customers.

Maddy summarySB 5195 adopts the capital budget for the state of Washington for the period ending June 30, 2027. This bill appropriates specific dollar amounts from various state funds to be spent on capital projects. Key provisions include funding for infrastructure improvements like the Puget Sound Regional Archives HVAC system and allocations for hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It also provides grants for the development, expansion, and renovation of public and private early learning education facilities. This bill directly affects state agencies, educational institutions, and communities benefiting from these capital investments.

Maddy summarySB 5009 modifies the student transportation allocation system for school districts in Washington state. It encourages districts to use various vehicle types, including school buses and other vehicles like district-owned passenger cars, for student transportation if deemed safe and cost-effective. The bill updates reporting requirements for districts to include miles driven per vehicle type and directs the superintendent of public instruction (SPI) to calculate transportation allocations based on all vehicle types used. Additionally, the SPI will establish minimum categories and competitive specifications for all student transportation vehicles to guide reimbursement.

Maddy summarySB 5194 authorizes the state of Washington to issue nearly $4.7 billion in general obligation bonds. These bonds will finance various state capital projects outlined in the 2023-2025 and 2025-2027 fiscal biennia and future biennia. The proceeds are deposited into state building construction accounts and then transferred to specific accounts, including those for outdoor recreation, habitat conservation, farm and forest preservation, and early learning facilities. The state pledges its full faith and credit for repayment, using general state revenues to cover the principal and interest on these bonds.

Maddy summarySB 5004 mandates that Washington public school districts update their emergency response systems in collaboration with local law enforcement and public safety agencies. These systems must utilize evolving technology to expedite emergency responses, offering options like panic or alert buttons, live video or audio feeds, remote door access, or live interactive two-way communication. School districts are required to submit progress reports on their systems to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction by October 1, 2025, which will then compile and report this information to the legislature by December 1, 2025. This act, also known as Alyssa's law, applies to charter and state-tribal education compact schools.

Maddy summarySB 5323 increases the penalties for stealing or possessing stolen property that belongs to firefighters and emergency medical service (EMS) providers. It expands the definitions of first-degree theft and first-degree possession of stolen property to include essential equipment taken from fire stations, EMS buildings, or their vehicles. These actions become a Class B felony if the equipment is critical to emergency work and its loss significantly delayed a response, or if the equipment is valued over $1,000. This bill aims to protect the vital tools first responders use by applying stricter penalties to those who steal or possess their equipment under these specific circumstances.

Maddy summarySB 5142, known as the Houston eminent domain fairness act, provides former owners of real estate acquired by school districts through eminent domain or under threat of condemnation the opportunity to buy it back. If a school district does not use the property for its intended public purpose, such as school facilities, and decides to sell or transfer it, they must offer to sell it to the previous owner or their heirs. The repurchase price would be the original amount the school district paid for the property. This right is triggered under specific conditions, like the cancellation of the public use or lack of progress within 10 years, and it generally expires 15 years after the district acquired the property.

Maddy summarySB 5669 updates the process for elections within irrigation districts, affecting district electors and the districts themselves. The bill allows irrigation districts to conduct elections entirely by mail-in ballots, offering an alternative to traditional polling places and absentee voting. It streamlines absentee and mail-in voting by removing the requirement for electors to state they cannot conveniently be present and replaces the need for a witness signature with certification under penalty of perjury. Additionally, the bill extends the window for receiving mailed ballots and modernizes language regarding voter qualifications for spouses and land-owning entities.

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.