Rep. Mike Steele

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1156 allows volunteer firefighters to participate in the state's deferred compensation program. It amends existing law (RCW 41.50.770) to include specific volunteer firefighter participants in the definition of "employee" for the purposes of this program. This change enables these firefighters to defer a portion of their income into a state-sponsored retirement savings plan, offering various investment options.

Maddy summaryHB 1064 eliminates the expiration date for the interagency, multijurisdictional system improvement team, informally known as SYNC. This team, comprised of state infrastructure program representatives, coordinates funding and projects to help local governments meet their infrastructure needs efficiently and cost-effectively. By removing the June 30, 2025, sunset date, the bill makes the team's work permanent. It also updates the team's reporting requirement to submit a biennial progress report to the legislature starting in November 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1157 expands who can legally obtain certified birth and death certificates in Washington State. It adds step-relatives (stepparents, stepchildren) and great-relatives (great-grandparents, great-grandchildren) to the list of eligible family members who can request these records. Registrars must now issue certified copies to these expanded groups when applicants provide required identity documentation and proof of eligibility. The bill also requires stillbirth certificates to clearly state they are not proof of live birth and includes security freeze information for birth records. It takes effect July 27, 2025.

Maddy summaryHR 4645 is a Washington State House resolution honoring Harry R. Anderson for becoming the first person to both fly and sail solo to all seven continents. It recognizes his 2025 completion of a 350-day, 38,000-nautical-mile sail voyage on his boat *Phywave* and his aviation milestones, including a North Pole flight and Antarctica landing. The resolution serves as a symbolic tribute to his achievements without creating any new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 4647) is a ceremonial recognition of Inka, a German Shepherd K-9 officer who served with the Washington State Patrol. It commemorates her seven years of service, including conducting thousands of security searches at Washington State Ferries terminals and the Capitol Campus, preventing disruptions to public safety. The resolution specifically honors her contributions to protecting Washingtonians and institutions, and expresses appreciation for her role alongside handler Trooper Alishan Nomani. As a symbolic resolution (not a policy bill), it has no binding effect but formally celebrates Inka's retirement in April 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 4631) is a ceremonial measure by the Washington State House of Representatives to formally recognize the 50th anniversary of Special Olympics Washington, scheduled for June 2025. It celebrates the organization’s history since 1975, highlighting its role in providing sports opportunities to over 12,000 participants with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities across Washington state. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or direct obligations; it solely serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of the organization’s community impact. It was introduced and adopted by the House on March 25, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) honoring the Chelan High School Volleyball Team for winning their fifth consecutive Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) 1A State Championship. It directly affects the team members, coaches, and school district by formally recognizing their achievement through a vote of the Washington State House of Representatives. The resolution has no policy changes or funding; it simply commends their dedication and sends copies of the resolution to the team and school. The House adopted it unanimously on March 21, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House resolution (HR 4629), not a policy bill. It formally recognizes Ella Johnson (Queen), Daeja Carlson, and Yasmin Perez as the 2025 Apple Blossom Festival Royal Court. The resolution honors their academic achievements, community service, and extracurricular involvement in Wenatchee, Washington. It directs the House to send copies of the resolution to the three young women and the festival organizers. No policy changes or funding are involved - this is purely a symbolic gesture of appreciation.

Maddy summaryHR 4619 is a commemorative resolution adopted by the Washington State House of Representatives on February 19, 2025. It formally acknowledges the 83rd anniversary of Executive Order 9066, which led to the forced removal and internment of over 120,000 Japanese-Americans during World War II, including 12,000 from Washington State. The resolution specifically recognizes Japanese-American veterans, incarcerees, and civil rights activists from Washington who endured this injustice and served in the military while incarcerated. It directs copies to organizations like the Nisei Veterans Committee and the Wing Luke Museum, reflecting on the principle of "liberty and justice for all."

Maddy summaryHR 4617 is a ceremonial House Resolution, not a law, adopted by the Washington State House of Representatives on February 17, 2025. It formally encourages all Washington residents to celebrate Children's Day and support children's well-being through community actions. The resolution expresses the House's commitment to prioritizing children's health, safety, and education, referencing student interns and pages working in the legislature. It does not create new policies, funding, or legal requirements - only a symbolic call for public recognition of children's rights.