Sen. Keith Goehner

Maddy summarySB 5862 would provide annual cost-of-living adjustments for retirees in Washington's Plan 1 teachers' and public employees' retirement systems. It specifies 1.5% or 3% increases to monthly benefits, with maximum monthly increases of $62.50 or $110 depending on the year. These adjustments apply to retirees receiving benefits as of July 1 in specific years (2017-2025), effective July 1, 2026. The bill does not affect retirees under other benefit categories.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises procurement thresholds for clean energy projects to speed up development. It allows Washington's consumer-owned utilities (like cooperatives) to bypass standard bidding rules for projects over $500,000 - such as solar, wind, storage, or grid upgrades - by letting them use in-house staff for work under $1 million without full contracts. The changes apply until 2045, aligning with the state's carbon-free energy goal, and aim to reduce delays in meeting rising electricity demand. This directly affects utilities managing clean energy infrastructure while maintaining cost oversight.

Maddy summarySB 5937 defines key terms related to smart access systems in rental properties under Washington's landlord-tenant law. It specifically clarifies "authentication data" (data used for entry via smart systems) and "biometric identifier information" (like fingerprints or facial scans) to ensure transparency. The bill directly affects landlords who use smart access systems, requiring them to handle biometric data according to these defined terms. This is a definitional amendment, not a new policy, to align existing law with modern access technologies. It does not impose new requirements but establishes clear language for how such systems are regulated.

Maddy summarySB 5467 amends the rules for water-sewer districts selling surplus property. It increases the value threshold for personal property sales that require public notice from $2,500 to $5,400. For real property, the bill raises the estimated value limit for private sales from $5,000 to $7,500. It also specifies that real property sales exceeding $7,500 require a written broker price opinion or appraisal to determine its value.

Maddy summarySB 5552 aims to create a new category of building codes specifically for "kit homes" to increase affordable housing options. The bill defines kit homes as residential structures 800 square feet or smaller, built from prefabricated walls, floors, and roofs assembled on-site. It directs the State Building Code Council to establish these specific building codes for kit homes by December 31, 2025. This initiative is intended to provide more affordable small homes for homebuyers of modest means.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors Senator Matt Boehnke for his distinguished service to the people of Washington state and the 8th Legislative District. The resolution formally recognizes his career progression from the Kennewick City Council to the State House and Senate, highlighting his work on technology innovation, workforce development, and energy policy. It also acknowledges his military service as a lieutenant colonel in the Army aviation branch and his current role as a cybersecurity professor at Columbia Basin College. The Senate expresses gratitude for his leadership and commits to sending a copy of the resolution to Senator Boehnke and his family as a token of appreciation.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors Senator Rebecca Saldaña for her decade of service to the 37th Legislative District and the state of Washington. The bill formally commends her legislative work, including sponsoring landmark laws on environmental justice, domestic workers' rights, and adult entertainment worker protections. It recognizes her role as chair of the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee and her advocacy for frontline communities, workers, and communities of color. The resolution is transmitted to Senator Saldaña by the Secretary of the Senate as an official expression of gratitude for her contributions to Washington state policy.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors Senator Judy Warnick for her nearly two decades of service in the Washington State Legislature, recognizing her leadership roles and contributions to agriculture, rural development, and community advocacy. The resolution formally acknowledges her work as a former dairy farmer and her service on multiple committees, including her role as Chair of the Senate Agriculture, Water & Rural Economic Development Committee. It expresses the Senate's appreciation for her dedication to public service and directs that copies of the resolution be sent to Senator Warnick and her family as a token of gratitude.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors Senator Steve Conway for his 34 years of service to Washington state, particularly his advocacy for workers' rights and labor policy. The resolution formally commends his contributions to collective bargaining, pension systems, and local community projects, including funding for educational and cultural facilities. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as an official acknowledgment of his legislative career and public service. The Senate transmitted this resolution to Senator Conway as a gesture of appreciation for his work representing the 29th Legislative District.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution formally acknowledges March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in Washington state. It recognizes approximately 120,000 residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities and honors the families, caregivers, and service providers who support them. The resolution expresses appreciation for the inclusive community efforts that help individuals with disabilities participate fully in society. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness and promote inclusion.