Rep. Davina Duerr

Maddy summaryHB 1138 requires Washington law enforcement officers to stop using deceptive tactics (like falsely claiming evidence exists) during criminal interrogations starting in 2026. It presumes statements obtained through deception are inadmissible in court for misdemeanor or felony cases, unless prosecutors prove the statement was voluntary. The bill mandates free, state-developed training for all officers on evidence-based techniques like the PEACE method, cognitive interviews, and trauma-informed approaches by July 2026. This directly affects law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and individuals being questioned in criminal investigations.

Maddy summaryHB 1763 imposes a 6% tax on short-term rental platforms (like Airbnb) starting January 2026. Revenue from this tax funds local affordable housing programs and housing infrastructure projects (such as water, sewer, and transportation systems) in counties and cities. Local governments must use the funds exclusively for homeless services, shelters, or infrastructure, with requirements including limiting single-family units to 2,000 square feet and requiring urban annexation for projects within growth boundaries. The bill directly affects short-term rental platforms (as taxpayers) and local governments (as fund recipients).

Maddy summaryHB 1057 creates a state fund to help Washington communities secure federal economic development grants by providing matching dollars. It directly affects local governments, rural areas, tribes, nonprofits, and businesses seeking federal funds for projects like broadband, housing, infrastructure, and workforce training. Key mechanisms include establishing scoring criteria prioritizing rural counties and job creation, setting grant tiers (up to 100% matching for most entities), and requiring the state to provide a template letter supporting federal applications. The bill mandates annual reporting on fund usage and expands online resources to track available federal opportunities.

Maddy summaryHB 1867 allows Washington counties or cities to impose a real estate excise tax of up to 0.5% on home sales, with proceeds dedicated exclusively to developing affordable housing for very low, low, and moderate-income residents and those with special needs. Local governments must first gain voter approval through a majority vote in an election, either via a resolution from local officials or a petition signed by 10% of eligible voters. The tax revenue must be managed through a competitive grant process for nonprofit housing providers, housing authorities, or public agencies, with spending plans requiring public hearings. Counties and cities cannot levy this tax if the county has already implemented a similar tax under prior law. This bill directly affects local governments and homebuyers/sellers in communities that choose to adopt the tax.

Maddy summaryHB 1328 establishes a Clean Energy Development Office within the Department of Commerce to accelerate clean energy project and transmission facility development in Washington. The bill directly affects clean energy developers, tribes, local governments, and communities hosting projects by creating a centralized resource to address barriers like information gaps, zoning uncertainty, and inadequate community engagement. Key mechanisms include developing public geospatial tools for project siting, providing technology and regulatory information, supporting tribal-led projects, and creating templates for community benefits agreements. The office will proactively coordinate state efforts to meet climate goals while ensuring environmental protection and equitable benefits for host communities.

Maddy summaryHB 1901 requires mattress manufacturers and importers to fund recycling programs to reduce landfill waste. It creates a system where producers pay for collection, recycling, and proper disposal of mattresses, directly affecting companies selling mattresses in Washington. The bill mandates "environmentally sound" recycling practices, prioritizing reuse and recycling over landfill disposal, and establishes producer responsibility organizations to manage these programs. This aims to cut illegal dumping, create recycling jobs, and capture materials like metal and foam for reuse, reducing landfill costs and emissions.

Maddy summaryHB 1049 creates a state-funded stipend program to help registered nurses cover costs for training as specialized sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs). The program reimburses up to $2,500 per nurse for training fees, materials, travel, lodging, and meals. It applies to nurses seeking certification for adult/adolescent or pediatric care, subject to available state funding. The stipend aims to increase the number of qualified SANEs by reducing financial barriers to training.

Maddy summaryHB 1386 imposes an 11% sales tax on retail purchases of firearms, firearm parts, and ammunition in Washington State. This tax applies to all retail transactions except sales to state, local, or tribal governments for law enforcement use. Revenue from the tax must fund programs focused on suicide prevention, reducing firearm-related domestic violence, and supporting victims' services. The bill directly affects firearm retailers and individual purchasers, with no exemption for government agency purchases.

Maddy summaryHB 1032 lowers the voter approval threshold for school district bond measures in Washington. It changes the requirement from a three-fifths (60%) majority to a simple majority (50%+1) of votes cast in school district elections on bond issues. This directly affects all Washington school districts seeking to borrow funds for capital projects like building repairs or new facilities. The bill amends existing laws (RCW 28A.535.020, 28A.535.050, and 39.36.020) to reflect this voting change, while keeping the overall debt limit at 2.5% of taxable property value.

Maddy summaryHB 1767 adjusts how Washington state provides supplemental funding to school districts based on their enrichment levies. It calculates state assistance as a fraction of a district's actual levy rate (capped at $1.50 per $1,000 assessed value) for districts below that threshold, while districts meeting or exceeding it receive full maximum assistance. The bill also sets a per-pupil funding limit ($2,500 or $3,000, adjusted for inflation) based on district size for enrichment levies, and includes specific provisions for state-tribal education compact schools. This directly affects school districts collecting enrichment levies, particularly smaller districts and tribal schools, by changing how their local levy efforts translate to state funding.