Rep. Jeremie Dufault

Maddy summaryHB 2094 would require all Washington counties to appoint coroners instead of holding elections for the position, affecting every county in the state. The bill amends existing laws to eliminate the requirement for counties to elect coroners, noting that this change would save taxpayer money by removing election costs for an office deemed non-political. Counties currently using appointed coroners (under 40,000 population) or medical examiners (over 250,000 population) would see no change, but counties between those thresholds would shift to appointments. The bill allows counties to continue with elected coroners until their current terms end, with new appointees taking over after that.

Maddy summaryHB 2704 requires that all "less restrictive alternatives" for sexually violent predators - treatment settings less restrictive than total confinement - must be operated directly by Washington's Department of Social and Health Services or by a provider contracted with the department. This applies to individuals convicted of or charged with sexual violence who have a mental abnormality or personality disorder making them likely to commit predatory sexual acts if not confined. The bill explicitly excludes placement in the community protection program (RCW 71A.12.230) from qualifying as a less restrictive alternative. It amends existing statutes to enforce this operational requirement, ensuring such programs meet state oversight standards. This policy change directly affects sexually violent predators under civil commitment proceedings.

Maddy summaryHB 2695 exempts seasonal agricultural workers from Washington's mass layoff notice requirements when they are hired with a written agreement specifying their employment ends after a particular harvest or seasonal activity. This applies only if the employer disclosed the estimated end date at hiring and the workers understood their job was temporary. The bill modifies existing law to clarify that employers don't need to provide 60-day advance notice for seasonal farm workers in these circumstances. It does not affect year-round farm employees or other types of layoffs. This change directly impacts agricultural employers and seasonal farmworkers in Washington.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 4675, adopted on January 28, 2026, is a ceremonial resolution expressing the Washington State House of Representatives' gratitude to the Washington National Guard for their service. It specifically acknowledges the Guard's roles in emergency response (including flood operations and search-and-rescue missions), disaster recovery efforts (like adapting from the Oso landslide), and national defense support (such as aerial refueling capabilities). The resolution directs copies to the Adjutant General, Governor, and other officials but does not create new laws or alter policies. It directly honors National Guard members, their families, and employers without imposing any financial or operational requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 2318 adjusts eligibility requirements for quality improvement awards within Washington's Early Achievers program, which rates child care and early learning programs. The bill specifies that award recipients must serve at least 5% of enrolled children receiving state subsidies, Early Childhood Education and Assistance Programs (EEAP), or Head Start funding. It maintains the program's five-tiered rating system, requires free initial ratings for participants, and mandates public reporting of ratings on a parent-friendly website. The bill also preserves provisions for professional development pathways and voluntary participation for non-subsidized providers, while keeping school-age care exempt. This change directly affects licensed child care centers, family home providers, and early learning programs receiving state funding.

Maddy summaryHB 2672 requires private organizations (like nonprofits under IRS 501(c)) receiving state-funded grants to disclose specific information on a standardized form. This includes details about high-paid employees ($100,000+), staff with past public office, board members and their compensation, political contributions from the last four election cycles, and how grant funds will be spent. State agencies must collect these disclosures during grant applications or renewals, send all completed forms to the Office of Financial Management, and ensure compliance. Noncompliance results in losing the grant and repaying all funds, while the Office will maintain a public database of all disclosures. The bill directly affects grant-seeking private entities and state agencies administering such funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires private developers using federal low-income housing tax credits to formally transfer home ownership to tenants through programs like rent-to-own or eventual tenant ownership. Developers must set aside funds, clearly inform tenants of ownership rights, and complete transfers on time per agreements. The state housing agency must monitor progress annually, investigate tenant complaints within six months, and impose penalties - including losing future tax credits - for violations. It directly affects developers participating in these federal programs and tenants seeking homeownership opportunities.

Maddy summaryHB 2649 requires school employees and contractors to immediately notify law enforcement and school administrators about specific crimes - like assaults, thefts, or property destruction - occurring on public school property. This applies to all public schools in Washington, including charter schools and state-tribal education compact schools. The bill mandates immediate reporting as a new requirement under existing school safety laws, without changing penalties or response procedures. It directly affects school staff who witness or suspect such incidents, ensuring faster police involvement. The law aims to improve safety coordination but does not alter how schools handle incidents beyond the reporting obligation.

Maddy summaryHJM 4013 is a joint memorial urging Governor Ferguson to opt Washington state into a federal tax-credit scholarship program for K-12 education. It would direct approximately $732 million annually in unused federal funds to Washington students from working-class and middle-class families (household income ≤300% of area median income) through tax credits for donors. The program requires no state funding, imposes no budget obligation, and mandates scholarship organizations to spend at least 90% of funds on student expenses like tutoring and technology while meeting strict federal accountability standards. Failure to opt in would prevent Washington families from accessing these federal resources, which would instead benefit students in states that have joined the program.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets conditions for releasing individuals classified as sexually violent predators into the community after court-ordered supervision. It requires courts to mandate electronic monitoring with real-time tracking, 500-foot distance restrictions from schools and child care facilities, and individualized supervision plans addressing specific risk factors. The law also requires the Department of Corrections to develop placements adhering to "fair share" principles to prevent disproportionate concentration of such individuals in any single county. These conditions must be documented and reviewed to ensure community safety while facilitating a person's transition to less restrictive settings.