Rep. Shelley Kloba

Maddy summaryHB 1163 enhances requirements for firearm purchases, transfers, and possession in Washington state. The bill mandates that individuals obtain a valid permit to purchase firearms from the Washington State Patrol firearms background check program before acquiring a firearm. It also specifies requirements for firearms safety training programs, outlines circumstances for delayed firearm transfers, and requires recordkeeping for all transfers. These changes directly affect individuals seeking to purchase or transfer firearms and licensed firearm dealers, modifying the existing background check and sales processes.

Maddy summaryHB 2061 establishes a new concession fee for duty-free sales enterprises operating within Washington state. These businesses will pay a fee equal to 0.10 (10%) of their gross proceeds from merchandise sales. The revenue collected from this fee will be split, with half directed to the statewide tourism marketing account and the other half deposited into a new sustainable aviation fuel account. The sustainable aviation fuel account is designated to support research, development, and infrastructure for sustainable aviation fuel.

Maddy summaryHB 1293 aims to reduce litter and plastic waste across Washington State, affecting individuals and retail establishments. The bill enhances penalties for littering, reclassifying offenses and establishing mandatory clean-up restitution payments based on the volume of litter. It also delays the requirement for reusable plastic carryout bags to be thicker and increases the pass-through charge for these bags. Furthermore, the bill imposes a new penalty on retailers for selling thicker plastic bags, directing these funds to a waste reduction and litter control account.

Maddy summaryHB 1670 increases public transparency regarding sewage spills in Washington state, directly affecting the Department of Ecology, wastewater operators, and the public who rely on clean water. By July 1, 2026, it mandates the Department of Ecology to create a public-facing website. This website will display notices of reported sewage spills, including details such as the estimated volume, treatment level, location, and the date and time of the incident. The Department must update the site with final spill information and design it to be accessible for people with limited English proficiency.

Maddy summaryHB 1462 aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by regulating hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in Washington state. It prohibits the sale or distribution of new bulk HFCs with a global warming potential (GWP) exceeding 1,500 starting January 1, 2030, and exceeding 750 starting January 1, 2033. The bill encourages the use of reclaimed HFCs and establishes a task force to study the transition to climate-friendly refrigerants and enhance recovery and reclamation. This legislation primarily affects businesses involved in selling, distributing, or using HFCs in equipment such as refrigeration and air conditioning.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1154 strengthens environmental and public health protections by modifying the permitting process for solid waste handling facilities. It requires the state Department of Ecology to review and approve permits for new or modified landfill facilities *before* local health departments can issue or renew them, a change effective August 1, 2027. For other solid waste handling facilities, the state Department will continue to review permits after local issuance and retains the ability to appeal. Additionally, the bill involves the Department of Agriculture in reviewing composting facilities that receive materials from quarantined areas to prevent the spread of diseases or pests.

Maddy summaryHB 1491, "Promoting transit-oriented housing development," aims to increase housing options and density near public transportation throughout Washington state. The bill directs cities planning under the Growth Management Act to align their land use policies with transit infrastructure development. It does this by amending various state laws and introducing new definitions for housing types, such as "cottage housing" and "courtyard apartments," and clarifying "affordable housing." This legislation seeks to maximize state investments in mass transit by fostering the creation of vibrant, walkable, and accessible communities that include diverse housing options.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1052 clarifies the definition of a hate crime offense in Washington state, applying to individuals who commit malicious and intentional acts against others based on perceived protected characteristics. It specifies that assault, property damage, or threats made due to a person's perceived race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability constitute a hate crime. The bill also outlines specific acts, such as burning a cross or defacing property with Nazi symbols, that can be used to infer intent to threaten a victim based on their perceived characteristics. Commission of a hate crime offense is established as a Class C felony.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1271 amends the criteria for deploying state fire service resources during emergencies in Washington. It expands the definition of "mobilization" to allow for the early deployment of resources when an emergency is *predicted* to exceed local capabilities, rather than only after local resources have already been overwhelmed. This change enables a more proactive response from fire departments, fire districts, and regional fire protection service authorities to potential large-scale incidents. The bill also clarifies that these mobilized resources cannot be used to assist law enforcement during civil protests or demonstrations, but can still provide medical aid and firefighting services.

Maddy summaryHB 1149 updates and clarifies Washington State's animal cruelty laws, specifically within RCW 16.52, to enhance the prevention of cruelty to animals. The bill redefines key terms such as "abandons," "necessary food," "necessary medical attention," "necessary sanitation," "necessary shelter," "necessary space," and "necessary water." These changes establish more explicit standards for the adequate care of nonhuman mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. It also introduces a comprehensive definition of "minimum care," providing clearer guidelines for animal owners, animal care and control agencies, and law enforcement.