Maddy summaryHB 1872 expands exemptions from certain firearm restrictions for specific groups in Washington State. It exempts current and retired peace officers, military personnel, veterans, shooting sports instructors, and concealed pistol license holders from background check waiting periods after they’ve already passed background checks. The bill also creates new exemptions for these groups regarding restrictions on "excess capacity magazines" and "assault weapons" under existing law. These changes directly affect the named groups by reducing regulatory barriers for firearm access and use while maintaining existing background checks. The bill does not change the definition of "assault weapon" but clarifies exemptions for authorized individuals under the new provisions.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 1366 allows owners of military surplus vehicles (like decommissioned military trucks) to operate them on Washington public highways for specific purposes, including parades, veterans' events, car club activities, and exhibitions. The bill requires these vehicles to pass a safety inspection verifying original or equivalent safety equipment (headlamps, brakes, seat belts, etc.), carry liability insurance meeting minimum standards, and not be used for daily commuting. Owners must obtain a special collector license plate and comply with restrictions limiting use to occasional event participation. This modifies existing vehicle laws to create a defined exception for military surplus vehicles while maintaining safety and insurance requirements.
Maddy summaryHB 1800 requires homeless housing grant recipients in Washington state to submit annual plans by December 1st, detailing projected numbers of people helped and spending per person. The state auditor must annually audit these programs to verify funds are used for authorized purposes, review administrative vs. service costs, and assess whether grantees meet their stated goals. Non-compliance - such as missing deadlines or misusing funds - can result in loss of future grant eligibility. This bill directly affects organizations receiving state homeless housing funds (grantees and subgrantees) by mandating specific reporting and accountability measures.
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 1939 requires Washington state to allocate a portion of funds spent on 2026 FIFA World Cup activities (like promotion and fan events) to provide access for low-income youth across the state, with specific emphasis on central Washington. The bill mandates that state departments ensure these funds directly support opportunities for young people from low-income backgrounds to experience the event. It expires on June 30, 2026, and applies only to state funds used for World Cup-related activities. The legislation does not change existing funding levels but directs a specific use of allocated resources.
Maddy summaryHB 1861 requires Washington's Department of Natural Resources to provide real-time smoke impact notifications for government-led and silvicultural burns. It mandates that the department post on its website: burn start times, expected smoke effects updated every 12 hours, and specific alerts when smoke may affect low-income census tracts (identified by U.S. Census poverty data or federal environmental justice criteria). The bill also prohibits burning during declared air quality emergencies and strengthens requirements for compliance with air quality standards. These changes aim to help communities, especially those in disadvantaged areas with higher health vulnerabilities, make informed decisions about outdoor activities during burns.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes amending Washington's constitution to change how state supreme court justices are elected. Currently chosen statewide, justices would instead be elected by voters within specific judicial districts under this amendment. Key provisions include creating these districts through legislation, establishing six-year terms for elected justices after the first district-based election, and requiring governors to appoint replacement justices from the affected district for vacancies until the next general election. The amendment requires voter approval at the next general election to take effect.
Maddy summaryHB 1691 extends the deadline for securing permits and funding for water supply projects under Washington's Yakima River Basin Integrated Plan from 2025 to 2035. This change affects the Department of Ecology and the Yakima River Basin water management program, which aims to provide 214,000 acre-feet of water annually for environmental, agricultural, and municipal uses. The bill amends specific state codes to update the milestone date and related funding review expiration, without altering the plan's core requirements. It provides additional time to complete projects while maintaining existing water rights and conservation goals.
Maddy summaryHB 1854, titled the "Family Housing Act," would allow counties in rural Washington to permit land subdivisions for family members outside urban growth areas under specific conditions. It directly affects rural families seeking to transfer or sell land to relatives (like parents, children, or spouses) while maintaining family ownership continuity. Key provisions require the original land to be family-owned for over five years, limit each family member to one new lot, and allow flexible lot sizes (as long as they support a home and basic infrastructure like wells), without requiring standard lot sizes. The bill aims to address restrictions under the Growth Management Act that have limited family farming and housing options in rural communities. It is currently pending in the House Local Government Committee.