Rep. Brian Burnett

Maddy summaryHB 2036 prohibits individuals convicted of violent offenses involving a firearm from earning early release credits under Washington's sentencing laws. It directly affects people serving sentences for violent crimes where a firearm was used or involved, as defined by existing law. The bill amends RCW 9.94A.729 to explicitly deny all "good time credits or earned release time" for sentences tied to such offenses. This change modifies current early release eligibility rules, ensuring offenders convicted of firearm-related violent crimes cannot reduce their sentences through earned credits. The policy focuses on restricting sentence reductions for specific high-risk offenses, not altering general sentencing guidelines.

Maddy summaryHB 1850 requires pharmacies - both physical locations and mail-order services - to maintain sufficient supplies of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensors. This ensures patients with diabetes can quickly get a replacement sensor when their equipment malfunctions or in an emergency requiring immediate use. Physical pharmacies must provide same-day replacements, while mail-order pharmacies must mail replacements by the next business day (or as soon as possible if not feasible). The bill directly affects diabetes patients who rely on CGM devices and the pharmacies that dispense them, creating a clear requirement for timely sensor access without altering insurance coverage or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 1559 updates Washington state law to authorize tolls on the existing and replacement Interstate 5 bridges crossing the Columbia River between Washington and Oregon, while explicitly excluding the Washington portion of Interstate 205 from tolling. It clarifies that toll revenue from these bridges must be spent only on designated transportation projects under state law. The bill repeals outdated provisions related to previous agreements about the Columbia River crossing project and the I-5 bridge replacement, streamlining the legal framework for toll collection on this specific corridor. This affects drivers using the I-5 bridges and ensures toll funds are directed to eligible transportation uses.

Maddy summaryHB 1025 allows Washington employees with long-term care insurance purchased before November 1, 2027, to apply for an exemption from the long-term services and supports trust program premium. This exemption is permanent, meaning these employees will no longer be eligible for coverage under the program. The bill extends the application window for exemptions to December 31, 2028, and requires employees to notify employers of their exemption. Employers must stop deducting premiums after notification and refund any premiums deducted after that point.

Maddy summaryHB 1451 amends Washington state law governing the civil commitment of individuals deemed "sexually violent predators" who suffer from mental abnormalities or personality disorders making them likely to commit predatory sexual acts if not confined. The bill clarifies definitions (including "sexually violent offense," "predatory acts," and "less restrictive alternative") and establishes new requirements for conditional release, such as ensuring counties have adequate housing options for released individuals. It also restricts placement near "risk potential" locations like schools, parks, and youth facilities, while defining "secure community transition facilities" for supervised release. The changes aim to balance community safety with structured release options for those subject to civil commitment.

Maddy summaryHB 1027 prohibits housing inmates convicted of sex offenses against victims of the same biological sex as the facility's primary population in certain correctional facilities. Specifically, an inmate cannot be placed in a facility primarily housing people of a different biological sex than their own if they were previously convicted of a sex offense (under RCW 9.94A.030) against a victim whose biological sex matches those primarily housed in that facility. The bill directly affects inmates with specific sex offense convictions who would otherwise be housed in facilities based on the facility's primary population. This policy change mandates facility placement based on the victim's biological sex in the offense, rather than the inmate's gender identity.

Maddy summaryHB 1945 creates an independent office of the crime victims ombuds to advocate for individuals impacted by crime. The office will be operated by a private, nonprofit organization selected through a competitive bidding process by the Department of Commerce, not as a state agency. Key duties include referring victims to appropriate services, investigating complaints about justice system failures, protecting victim confidentiality, and monitoring service delivery procedures. The office expires July 1, 2027, and operates outside existing state government structures.

Maddy summaryHB 1585 requires Washington counties to verify that registered voters have proof of U.S. citizenship by July 1, 2025. It directs county election offices to check if voters have submitted acceptable documentation (like a passport, naturalization certificate, or specific certified U.S. birth certificate) and to send notices if they lack it. Voters without proof face registration cancellation 14 days before the 2025 general election unless they provide documentation. The law expires January 1, 2027, and explicitly rejects birth certificates from Puerto Rico issued before July 2010 and Washington wallet-sized birth registrations as valid proof.

Maddy summaryHB 1026 allows a spouse receiving long-term care benefits under Washington's program to transfer some or all of their available benefits to their partner. This directly affects married couples where one spouse qualifies for benefits but the other spouse needs care but doesn't yet meet eligibility requirements (or has exhausted their own benefits). The bill requires the receiving spouse to meet functional care needs criteria and specifies that transferring benefits reduces the sender's available benefits. It makes no changes to existing eligibility rules but creates a new pathway for spousal benefit sharing within the current program structure.

Maddy summaryHB 1984 establishes safety requirements for autonomous vehicles operating in Washington. It mandates that all autonomous vehicles must meet federal safety standards and require a human safety operator physically present to monitor and intervene during operation - similar to a licensed driver. The bill defines "autonomous vehicle" as those with advanced automation (levels 3-5) or the capability to steer and change lanes independently. It also creates reporting rules for testing companies, requiring them to notify law enforcement, report collisions or violations, and submit annual safety summaries to the legislature. These provisions apply to both current testing and future commercial operation of autonomous vehicles on public roads.