Rep. Shelley Kloba

Maddy summaryHB 1125 allows judges to modify lengthy prison sentences in Washington state when a person's original sentence no longer serves justice. It directly affects incarcerated individuals who meet specific criteria, such as having served 7+ years for an offense committed as a juvenile (starting July 2026), 10+ years for offenses committed as young adults (starting July 2031), or having a terminal illness. The bill requires petitioners to show rehabilitation or low recidivism risk, and courts may only reduce sentences (not increase them), must maintain mandatory minimums, and mandate a 6-month minimum wait after a hearing before release. The law also requires new sentences to include five years of community supervision.

Maddy summaryHB 1965 repeals a Washington State tax provision (RCW 82.04.062) that previously excluded sales of precious metal bullion and monetized bullion from certain tax calculations. This change directly affects businesses and individuals buying or selling these items, as their transactions will now be subject to standard sales tax rules. The bill takes effect October 1, 2025, and explicitly states it does not impact existing tax liabilities or ongoing proceedings under the repealed law.

Maddy summaryHB 2024 creates a state property tax exemption for Washington homeowners' primary residences, reducing their state tax burden. It exempts either $100,000 of a home's assessed value or 60% of the county's median home value (whichever is greater), applied after other existing exemptions. This directly benefits primary residence owners - especially fixed-income households and those at risk of displacement - by lowering annual state property tax costs. The exemption applies only to state levies (not local taxes) and requires an annual application by April 1st, with verification to ensure it applies to only one residence.

Maddy summaryHB 1550 requires electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturers and sellers in Washington to cover the cost of responsibly managing batteries when they reach the end of their life in vehicles. It directly affects EV manufacturers, dealers, and battery providers who sell new propulsion batteries in the state. The bill establishes a system prioritizing reuse (like repurposing for energy storage), repair, or remanufacturing before recycling, and mandates that battery providers fund recycling programs through a new state framework. This updates Washington’s existing battery management rules to specifically address EV batteries, which were previously excluded from producer responsibility requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1740 expands Washington's Office of Independent Investigations to include prosecuting criminal cases related to officer use of force, directly affecting victims of such incidents and county prosecutors. The bill grants the office concurrent authority with county prosecutors to investigate and prosecute use-of-force cases and related offenses, while requiring the independent prosecutor to meet strict appointment criteria (including background checks for bias) and keep victims informed of case progress. It mandates public reporting when charges are declined for fatal use-of-force cases and clarifies cost responsibilities (the office covers its prosecution costs but not defense costs). The independent prosecutor, appointed by the director, holds final authority over charging decisions and case management within the office's jurisdiction.

Maddy summaryHB 1211 would require clergy, including ministers, priests, rabbis, imams, and other religious leaders, to report suspected child abuse and neglect in Washington state. This bill amends the state's child abuse reporting law (RCW 26.44.020 and 26.44.030) to remove a previous exemption for clergy, making them mandated reporters under the same standards as other professionals. The key change broadens the definition of "member of the clergy" to include diverse religious leaders and integrates them into the reporting framework. This directly affects religious leaders who interact with children in Washington, requiring them to report suspicions of abuse or neglect to child protective services.

Maddy summaryHB 1513 establishes specific protections for Washington's Seashore Conservation Area, which includes state-owned coastal lands between Cape Disappointment and Leadbetter Point, and other defined zones. The bill mandates that 40% of beach areas under recreation management plans must be reserved for pedestrian use year-round, with motorized vehicle access restricted from April 15 to Labor Day. It also requires special pedestrian-only zones near salmon-bearing streams during spawning season, after consultation with wildlife officials. Local governments may adopt stricter rules, and management plans must consider factors like public safety, habitat protection, and economic impacts. The bill directly affects state parks management, local communities, and beach users through these access and conservation requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1601 allows crime victims in Washington to deduct capital gains losses directly tied to certain crimes from their state taxes. Specifically, it creates a new tax deduction for victims who lost monetary or capital assets due to criminal acts described in Washington statutes (chapters 9.35, 9.38, 9.45, 9A.60, or 9A.90), where the crime involved inducing the sale of a capital asset. To claim the deduction, victims must provide police reports or similar documentation verifying the loss. This provision applies retroactively and prospectively, offering a concrete tax relief mechanism for victims of qualifying crimes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all cities and towns in Washington to allow child care centers (including converting existing buildings) as an outright permitted use in every zoning area except industrial zones, without needing special approval. It permits local governments to impose minor restrictions on permits, such as designated pickup/drop-off areas. Cities required to update comprehensive plans in 2027 must incorporate these rules by then, while all other cities must implement them within two years of the law taking effect. The policy directly affects child care providers seeking locations and local governments managing zoning regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 1548 requires cannabis retail stores in Washington to report robbery attempts or incidents to the state board within 10 days. It also mandates that the board's enforcement officer regularly consult with the Washington State Patrol to identify patterns of robbery at these stores. The bill amends sentencing laws to require courts to make a special finding if someone robs a cannabis store by using a vehicle to damage it or by committing the robbery with others, which could lead to harsher penalties. This directly affects licensed cannabis retailers and impacts sentencing for specific types of robberies targeting these businesses. The law aims to improve reporting and law enforcement coordination to deter such crimes.