Rep. Steve Bergquist

Maddy summaryHB 2173 prohibits Washington law enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings (like balaclavas or ski masks) during routine public interactions, while allowing exceptions for active undercover operations and protective gear used by specialized units like SWAT teams. The bill defines "facial covering" to exclude medical masks, helmets, and clear face shields. It also establishes that individuals detained in violation can sue officers for financial compensation, attorney fees, or other court-ordered remedies. The law applies to all "peace officers" as defined under state law during standard public duties.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates an alternative to prosecution for juveniles charged with unlawful firearm possession (under RCW 9.41.040(2)(a)(v)). It requires juveniles to agree to a 12-month intensive supervision program with a reduced caseload probation officer, including mandatory therapy, mentorship, school attendance, and random consent-based searches for firearms or illegal substances. Participants must comply with conditions like curfews, geographic restrictions, and substance use monitoring, with the charge dismissed if they successfully complete the program. The alternative can be terminated if noncompliance is proven, requiring court hearings to review evidence and circumstances.

Maddy summaryHB 2332 regulates how Washington state and local agencies use automated license plate reader (ALPR) systems to protect driver privacy. It requires all agencies using ALPRs to register systems with the Attorney General, limits their use to specific purposes (like checking stolen vehicles or missing persons), and prohibits collecting data near healthcare facilities, schools, or places of worship. The bill mandates detailed audit trails tracking every system access and explicitly bans using ALPRs for immigration enforcement or stopping vehicles based solely on a system match. Agencies must develop policies for ALPR use and obtain independent reasonable suspicion before stopping a vehicle, ensuring privacy rights under state and federal law.

Maddy summaryHB 2314 creates a pilot program allowing people with developmental disabilities who live in community settings to access dental care at residential habilitation centers. To qualify, individuals must have high medical/behavioral needs requiring anesthesia or face unavailability of community dental care. The pilot permits short-term 24-hour admissions at these centers, uses Medicaid billing, and requires federal funds to go to the state general fund. The program expires July 1, 2028, with a required legislative report detailing outcomes, including participation numbers and challenges. It directly affects individuals with developmental disabilities who face barriers to routine dental care.

Maddy summaryHB 2373 requires Washington electric utilities serving 25,000+ customers to offer a monthly bill discount program for low-income households by January 1, 2028, with smaller utilities required to provide at least one such program. The bill mandates income-tiered discounts (minimum five tiers) based on third-party assessments, prioritizing households with higher energy burdens, and requires accessible enrollment options via phone, in-person, and online. Utilities must also provide multilingual materials, streamline eligibility, and report participation data to the state department biennially. This directly affects low-income households and all electric utilities in Washington, aiming to reduce energy burden through structured, ongoing financial assistance.

Maddy summaryHB 2561 amends Washington's retirement law to include standby pay as part of the "basic salary" used to calculate retirement benefits for law enforcement officers and firefighters enrolled in Plan 2. Specifically, it requires that compensation received while in "standby status" (paid time when not working but required to be available for immediate duty) be counted toward retirement benefits, alongside regular wages. This change directly affects current and future Plan 2 members in these professions, ensuring their retirement income reflects all earned compensation during standby periods. The bill explicitly excludes vacation pay, sick leave, and severance from this calculation. It does not alter existing retirement benefit formulas but clarifies which compensation types are included in the base salary calculation.

Maddy summaryHB 2562 increases state funding for school districts that collect local enrichment levies, adjusting the target rate from $1.50 to $2.50 per $1,000 of property value. It calculates state assistance based on a district’s actual levy rate relative to this $2.50 target, with a per-student funding threshold of $3,838 (adjusted for inflation starting in 2027). The bill directly affects public school districts and state-tribal education compact schools, ensuring state support aligns with local levy efforts. It takes effect January 1, 2027, and does not count toward the state’s constitutionally required basic education funding.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House resolution (not a policy bill) introduced on January 19, 2026, by multiple Washington State Representatives. It formally recognizes Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life, legacy of nonviolent activism, and contributions to civil rights, including his role in the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965. The resolution expresses the House's commitment to upholding Dr. King's ideals of equality, justice, and opportunity for all. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws, allocate funds, or affect any specific individuals or groups.

Maddy summaryHB 2519 requires Washington utilities (electric, gas, and water providers) to offer phased discounts on rates to public school districts, charter schools under RCW 28A.710, and state-tribal education compact schools. Starting January 1, 2027, discounts begin at 10% and increase incrementally to 60% by 2032, with annual adjustments thereafter. Utilities must recover the lost revenue from these discounts through rates charged to other customers, not through new taxes or direct school funding. The bill aims to reduce operational costs for schools, which face rising utility expenses for electricity, gas, and water.

Maddy summaryHB 2497 addresses the 70% rise in child fatalities and near-fatal abuse cases by supporting families involved with child welfare services. The bill requires the state to provide legal counsel and parent allies for pregnant individuals or new parents at risk of child removal, assign public health nurses to parents of children under four with active investigations, and expand the Parent-Child Assistance Program in high-need areas for families with substance use issues. It also mandates specialized training for child welfare supervisors on safety assessments and improves connections to community services. These changes aim to keep children safe at home while addressing root causes like substance use and lack of support.