Rep. Mark Klicker

Maddy summaryHB 2036 prohibits individuals convicted of violent offenses involving a firearm from earning early release credits under Washington's sentencing laws. It directly affects people serving sentences for violent crimes where a firearm was used or involved, as defined by existing law. The bill amends RCW 9.94A.729 to explicitly deny all "good time credits or earned release time" for sentences tied to such offenses. This change modifies current early release eligibility rules, ensuring offenders convicted of firearm-related violent crimes cannot reduce their sentences through earned credits. The policy focuses on restricting sentence reductions for specific high-risk offenses, not altering general sentencing guidelines.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 1040 allows people eligible for Washington’s property tax exemption programs (for seniors or disabled residents) to exclude up to $6,000 annually in rental income from their primary residence when calculating income eligibility for the exemption. This applies only to long-term rentals (not short-term rentals like Airbnb, which must still be reported as taxable income). The bill amends existing tax code to include rental income as part of "combined disposable income" calculations, adjusting how income thresholds are applied. It directly affects low-income homeowners in qualifying exemption programs who rent out space in their primary home.

Maddy summaryHB 1452 increases penalties for motor vehicle and retail theft in Washington. It creates new felony charges for "organized retail theft" (starting at $750 in stolen goods across multiple stores or with multiple accomplices) and adds a $50,000 fine for thefts exceeding $20,000. Drivers who flee police while suspected of vehicle theft face harsher penalties, including a more severe felony charge. The bill also directs funding for specialized prosecutors in counties with high theft rates to address these crimes.

Maddy summaryHB 1451 amends Washington state law governing the civil commitment of individuals deemed "sexually violent predators" who suffer from mental abnormalities or personality disorders making them likely to commit predatory sexual acts if not confined. The bill clarifies definitions (including "sexually violent offense," "predatory acts," and "less restrictive alternative") and establishes new requirements for conditional release, such as ensuring counties have adequate housing options for released individuals. It also restricts placement near "risk potential" locations like schools, parks, and youth facilities, while defining "secure community transition facilities" for supervised release. The changes aim to balance community safety with structured release options for those subject to civil commitment.

Maddy summaryHB 1804 amends Washington state law to make community solar projects more accessible, particularly for low-income households and smaller projects. It clarifies definitions (like "community solar company" and "project participant"), sets a maximum system size of 1,000 kilowatts, and requires projects to have at least two subscribers or one low-income service provider. Key provisions include reserving $50 million in incentives for projects under 199 kilowatts and adding labor standards - such as prevailing wages and apprenticeship requirements - for larger projects (199-999 kW). The bill directly affects community solar administrators, low-income service providers, and solar construction workers, while ensuring electric utilities can interconnect these projects.

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 1184 creates a new exemption from Washington state's overtime rules for certain nonprofit organizations and small businesses. It allows these entities to classify some salaried employees as exempt if they earn at least 1.5 times the state minimum wage for a 40-hour workweek ($30.90/hour in 2025, based on $15.45/hour minimum wage) and meet specific duties criteria. The exemption specifically covers nonprofits with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees (or those providing essential services like shelters requiring 24/7 staffing) and small businesses with 50 or fewer employees. This change aims to address concerns that the upcoming 2028 overtime salary threshold ($93,000 annually) would force these organizations to reclassify staff or increase pay, potentially jeopardizing their ability to serve communities. The bill does not alter overtime rules for most other employers or industries.

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 summaryHB 1896 authorizes counties and cities in Washington to impose a 0.1% local sales and use tax, with the revenue credited against state tax obligations, to fund hiring additional commissioned law enforcement officers. The bill requires that funds be used primarily for hiring officers to reach at least the national average of officers per capita, with limited exceptions for "criminal justice purposes" like domestic violence services or homelessness programs. It also expands the Criminal Justice Training Commission’s mandate to increase the number of basic law enforcement training courses. The legislation aims to address Washington’s low law enforcement officer-to-population ratio and rising crime rates by providing a dedicated local funding mechanism.