Rep. Jeremie Dufault

Maddy summaryHJR 4206 proposes amending Washington's Constitution to require a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and Senate to raise taxes. It defines "raises taxes" broadly as any legislative action increasing state tax revenue deposited into any fund or account, regardless of where the funds go. The amendment would prevent tax increases from passing with a simple majority, requiring broader legislative consensus. It also maintains the existing process allowing tax increases to be referred to voters via referendum. This bill directly affects how the legislature passes tax-related measures.

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 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 1575 creates a new process for Washington property owners to quickly remove unauthorized occupants from residential properties. It allows owners (or authorized agents) to submit a verified complaint to the sheriff if the occupant entered unlawfully, wasn't a tenant or family member, and the owner previously requested departure. The sheriff must verify the complaint, serve a "vacate" notice immediately, and restore possession - potentially arresting trespassers - while charging a fee for sheriff standby during lock changes. False claims in the complaint could lead to civil liability for damages. This procedure supplements existing trespass laws but doesn't replace standard eviction processes or tenant protections.

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 1365 creates a state rental assistance program for low-income tenants in manufactured/mobile home parks who are over 55 and facing rent increases exceeding inflation. The program provides monthly assistance of up to $200 or 50% of their lot rent (whichever is lower), administered by the Department of Commerce. Tenants must reapply annually and report income or rent changes, with eligibility based on household income under 80% of local median income. The program is funded by a $2 million appropriation for fiscal year 2026, separate from existing relocation funds.

Maddy summaryHB 1665 repeals Washington State's capital gains tax, which previously taxed profits from selling investments or property. The bill removes 15 specific tax code sections (RCW 82.87.010-82.87.150) and related provisions from 2021 legislation that established the tax. This change takes effect October 1, 2025, eliminating the tax requirement for affected taxpayers.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment proposal (HJR 4207) would allow Washington voters to approve a homestead property tax exemption for primary residences. If approved, it would permit the legislature to create a tax break reducing the taxable value of qualifying homes by up to $250,000 for state taxes only. The amendment includes safeguards to prevent shifting tax burdens to other properties and allows for annual adjustments to the exemption amount. It requires voter approval at the next general election, as the proposed constitutional change is not yet law.

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 summaryHB 1225 requires Washington state agencies to prioritize essential services (like public safety, education, and healthcare) over non-essential spending when creating budgets. It mandates detailed budget documents showing how every dollar will be spent, including performance metrics for programs, and places limits on state spending and revenue proposals to prevent budget deficits. The bill directly affects state agencies and the legislature by amending budget submission rules (RCW 43.88.030 and 43.88.055) to enforce fiscal accountability and ensure taxpayer funds directly support priority services.