Sen. Marko Liias

Maddy summarySB 6014 clarifies Washington's pregnancy accommodation law by limiting when employers can request written medical certification for pregnancy-related adjustments (e.g., modified duties or breaks), except for specific accommodations like lifting restrictions. It prohibits employers from disclosing employees' personal health information related to pregnancy and adds strict confidentiality rules for complaint records filed with the state, protecting names, addresses, and medical details. The bill also requires the state department to provide online education materials explaining pregnancy accommodation rights for employers and employees. These changes directly affect pregnant employees seeking workplace adjustments, employers subject to the law, and state agencies handling complaints.

Maddy summarySB 6091 prohibits real estate brokers in Washington from marketing residential properties exclusively to a limited group of buyers or brokers, requiring them instead to concurrently market the property to the general public and all other brokers. This applies to brokers representing sellers, with exceptions only if necessary to protect the health or safety of the owner or occupant. The bill amends Washington’s real estate laws (RCW 18.86.031 and 18.86.120) to enforce this requirement, ensuring broader market access for residential properties. It directly affects real estate brokers and sellers who might otherwise restrict marketing to select buyers.

Maddy summarySB 6046 establishes the Washington Division of Civil Air Patrol as part of the state military department, integrating volunteer members of the state's Civil Air Patrol wing under state military structure. The division can be activated by the governor for state missions like disaster relief, search and rescue, and communications, and may partner with state agencies or tribes through formal agreements. It clarifies that the bill does not alter the federal Civil Air Patrol program or its existing relationships with the U.S. government. The division will be led by the existing Washington wing commander, with provisions for acting leadership during vacancies. This reorganization formalizes the state's coordination with Civil Air Patrol volunteers without changing their federal status or operations.

Maddy summarySB 6183 requires most health plans in Washington State to cover all FDA-approved HIV antiviral drugs without prior authorization, step therapy, or other extra approval steps starting January 1, 2027. This directly affects people with HIV who rely on these medications and their health insurers. The law allows plans to restrict coverage for certain drug versions if at least one therapeutically equivalent option is fully covered without hurdles. It applies to all health plans subject to state insurance regulations, ensuring broader access to essential HIV treatment.

Maddy summarySB 6087 provides legal liability protection for individuals and organizations donating baby items (like clothes, car seats, or strollers) that are less than five years old to charities or public health agencies. It defines "donor" to include those giving such items directly or contributing space for storage/distribution, and clarifies that distributing organizations (e.g., nonprofits or public health agencies) are covered under this protection. The bill amends Washington state law to explicitly shield donors from liability claims related to these donations, as long as items meet the age requirement. This directly affects donors, charities, and public agencies handling baby item distributions, without changing how items are distributed or requiring new processes.

Maddy summarySB 5872 creates the "preK promise account" to fund Washington's early childhood education and assistance program. The account, managed by the state treasurer, accepts gifts, grants, and donations specifically for this program, with funds tracked separately by donor. It prohibits leftover funds from reverting to the general state budget at the end of each biennium. The bill ensures dedicated, ongoing support for early childhood education services without requiring annual legislative appropriations.

Maddy summarySB 5917 authorizes Washington's Department of Health to operate a program distributing abortion medications (like mifepristone and misoprostol) to healthcare providers and entities offering reproductive health care, including abortion services. The bill requires medications to be sold at cost - capped at list price plus a $5 fee per dose for secure storage and delivery - and prioritizes bulk distribution to clinics and hospitals. It exempts the state from needing a wholesaler's license for this program under existing law and mandates that medications only be used for reproductive health care. The policy directly affects healthcare providers and facilities that offer abortion or pregnancy-related care in Washington State.

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 summarySB 6006 would exempt food banks from paying Washington's retail sales tax on qualifying services they purchase to operate their programs. The bill amends state tax law (RCW 82.04.050) to create a specific exemption for food banks, removing the tax burden on services like food distribution, storage, or administrative support. This directly reduces operational costs for food banks statewide, allowing them to redirect resources toward serving communities. The change applies only to services directly used in food bank operations, not general retail purchases.