Rep. Steve Bergquist

Maddy summaryHB 1569 requires Washington state to include tax exemptions and preferences in the regular biennial budget process, ending their automatic continuation without legislative review. The bill mandates that all tax exemptions without expiration dates must be reviewed, assigned performance measures, and reauthorized every two years or expire, with a maximum 10-year term for new exemptions. It also requires the Department of Revenue to estimate the annual revenue impact of each exemption and include these details in the budget. This affects all taxpayers by ensuring tax preferences are transparently evaluated for their revenue impact, rather than reducing state funds for services like education without oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 1419 requires interpreters providing language services under specific state contracts (for social services, child welfare, healthcare, and workers' compensation programs) to complete national fingerprint background checks. Existing interpreters must submit a background check by July 1, 2026, while new interpreters hired on or after that date must complete one before starting work. After July 1, 2026, all interpreters must renew their background checks annually. The bill applies to interpreters working for state agencies like the Department of Social and Health Services, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, and the Department of Labor and Industries.

Maddy summaryHB 1151 establishes a permanent ninth grade success grant program to fund school-based teams that identify and support ninth-grade students at risk of not graduating. The program, administered by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, prioritizes public schools with low ninth-grade on-track rates or below-average graduation rates, particularly in underserved communities. Grant funds cover team member compensation, professional development, substitute teachers for program duties, and direct student supports. Schools must report annually on participation, student demographics, and outcomes like on-track rates and graduation data through 2030.

Maddy summaryHB 1280 amends Washington's school funding formula to require a 23:1 student-to-teacher ratio for career and technical education (CTE) programs in middle and high schools. This specifically affects sixth-grade students in middle school CTE programs by establishing a funding standard for class sizes. School districts receiving state basic education funds must allocate resources to maintain this ratio for CTE instruction. The bill modifies existing funding rules under RCW 28A.150.260 to include CTE class size requirements in the allocation formula. It does not mandate new CTE programs but sets parameters for funding existing or expanded middle school CTE offerings.

Maddy summaryHB 1657 establishes the "Washington 13 Free Guarantee," providing eligible Washington residents up to 45 tuition-free credits at state technical colleges beginning in 2027-28. It directly affects high school graduates from Washington state (or those earning equivalency in the same or prior year) without an associate's degree who qualify for financial aid. The program covers the tuition difference after applying existing gift aid (like Pell Grants or state scholarships), requiring students to enroll part-time in eligible programs and maintain academic progress. Technical colleges must also assign staff to support participants with wraparound services to help them complete their programs.

Maddy summaryHB 1503 aims to further digital equity and opportunity for all residents in Washington state, particularly focusing on underserved populations. The bill intends to broaden access to the internet, appropriate devices, and digital skills by expanding state assistance and support programs. It clarifies the collaboration between the Department of Commerce, responsible for broadband infrastructure, and the Office of Equity, which focuses on providing digital devices and services to individuals. Additionally, the bill updates definitions for terms like "broadband," "digital equity," and "low-income" households to enhance these efforts.

Maddy summaryHB 1919 expands eligibility for Washington’s Working Connections Child Care program to include employees of small businesses (defined as businesses with 50 or fewer employees). It gradually increases income thresholds for eligibility: from 60% to 75% of state median income (adjusted for family size) starting in 2029, and to 85% by 2031 if funding is available. The bill affects families with children under 13 (or under 19 with verified special needs or court supervision) who meet income requirements and other standard program criteria. Key provisions include aligning copayments with existing income-based models and ensuring eligibility for households receiving federal or state food assistance.

Maddy summaryHB 1296, "Promoting a safe and supportive public education system," enacts new requirements for public schools, charter schools, and state-tribal education compact schools in Washington. The bill prioritizes student safety, access to education free of discrimination, and privacy within the school system. It expands protected characteristics to include ethnicity, gender expression, gender identity, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status, and neurodivergence in anti-discrimination policies. Furthermore, the bill mandates that schools develop and share a "Statement of Student Rights" through educational and promotional materials, including civics education, to inform students of their entitlements.

Maddy summaryHB 2049 aims to enhance funding for K-12 education and communities by modifying state and local property tax authority and adjusting the school funding formula. The bill revises the maximum dollar amount school districts can levy for enrichment, setting it as the lesser of $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed value or a per-pupil limit. This per-pupil limit is updated with specific "inflation enhancements" through 2030 and establishes a new base amount starting in 2031, impacting funding based on student enrollment. Additionally, it adjusts how the state provides local effort assistance funding to supplement these school district enrichment levies.

Maddy summaryHB 1483, also known as the "right to repair" bill, requires manufacturers of certain digital electronic products to make parts, tools, and repair documentation available to independent repair providers and product owners. This applies to consumer electronics like computers, cell phones, and appliances, aiming to increase access to affordable repair options for Washington residents. Manufacturers must offer these resources on fair and reasonable terms, with documentation and digital tools generally provided free of charge. The bill supports a competitive repair market and seeks to extend the useful life of products for consumers across the state. This legislation will become effective on July 27, 2025.