Rep. Chris Corry

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 1885 removes an exemption that previously allowed legislative communications to be excluded from Washington's Public Records Act. It explicitly defines internal legislative deliberations - including preliminary drafts, recommendations, and internal communications about bills - as public records subject to disclosure. This change directly affects legislative staff and members by requiring transparency in their internal communications regarding proposed legislation. The bill amends the Public Records Act to ensure all such records, including those held by legislative offices, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.

Maddy summaryHJM 4007 is a Washington State legislative memorial requesting the U.S. Attorney General to audit the state Department of Licensing's implementation of the "Motor Voter Law" (RCW 29A.08.355). It specifically asks for a review to determine if the law's automatic voter registration process - without verifying legal voter eligibility - violates constitutional protections or state voting rights laws. The memorial argues this practice risks diluting the voting power of eligible Washington voters. The request seeks a federal review, potential corrective actions, and a report back to Washington legislators. As a non-binding memorial (not a bill), it does not change state law but formally asks the federal government to investigate.

Maddy summaryHB 1778 requires Washington State to transfer 20% of monthly sales tax revenues collected to a dedicated local sales tax account starting January 1, 2026. This directly affects local governments (counties, cities, transportation authorities, and other local taxing jurisdictions) that collect sales taxes under state law. The bill mandates monthly transfers of these funds, with distributions made to local entities in proportion to their previous month's sales tax collections. It does not change existing sales tax rates but ensures a consistent revenue share from state collections. The bill amends existing law to implement this monthly distribution process beginning in 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1534 raises the minimum age to purchase tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor products from 18 to 21 in Washington State. It requires retailers to verify customers' ages using specific photo ID with signature (e.g., driver's licenses, tribal ID cards) and imposes stricter penalties for sales to minors. Violations now carry fines starting at $1,500 for first offenses and up to $15,000 for repeated violations, with license suspensions or revocations for repeated breaches. The bill directly affects retailers selling these products, targeting underage access through enhanced enforcement mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHB 1140 would create the empowerED scholarship program, allowing families to use state-funded educational savings accounts for options like private schools, homeschooling, or charter schools instead of being restricted to neighborhood public schools. It prioritizes students with special education needs, low-income families, and those in underperforming public schools. The bill shifts education funding from schools to families, requiring state funds to follow enrolled students to their chosen educational setting. This aims to address concerns about public school performance, safety, and accessibility by introducing competition into the education system.

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 summaryHJR 4205 proposes a constitutional amendment to cap Washington's total property tax levies at 1% of a property's true value annually. This would affect all Washington property owners by limiting annual tax rates, with specific exceptions allowing school/fire districts to exceed the cap for up to 4-6 years for facility projects, and taxing districts to exceed it for bond payments on capital projects. The amendment requires voter approval at the next general election and would replace the current constitutional tax limit in Article VII, section 2. It does not change current tax rates but sets a new annual ceiling for all property taxes combined.

Maddy summaryHouse Concurrent Resolution 4405 is a procedural bill that formally ends the 2025 Regular Session of the Sixty-ninth Washington State Legislature. If passed by both the House and Senate, it would declare the session "adjourned SINE DIE," meaning it concludes indefinitely without setting a date to reconvene.

Maddy summaryHouse Concurrent Resolution 4404 establishes procedural rules for managing legislative bills at the conclusion of the 2025 Regular Session of the Washington State Legislature. It directs both the House and Senate to return all unpassed bills and resolutions originating from the other chamber to their respective Rules Committees for third reading. The resolution also ensures that all legislative measures and records are retained in their current status upon adjournment and that any bills introduced in a special session continue the numbering sequence from the regular session.