Rep. Skyler Rude

Maddy summaryHB 1592 shifts public defense funding responsibility in Washington State starting in 2026. The state will cover 50% of public defense costs based on counties' and cities' average spending over the previous five years, with the state paying all costs exceeding that average. Counties and cities must report case data, attorney caseloads, and training requirements for public defense attorneys to qualify for state funds. This bill directly affects local governments managing public defense systems and aims to standardize funding while requiring transparency in service delivery.

Maddy summaryHB 2528 standardizes how cities and counties under Washington’s Growth Management Act can impose a 0.25% real estate sales tax to fund capital projects. It requires tax revenue to be used exclusively for specific infrastructure like roads, parks, airports, and affordable housing projects, with limits on how much can fund homelessness housing (capped at 25% of funds or $100,000, whichever is greater). Cities must identify these projects in their budget and may need voter approval for new taxes, while ensuring funds align with comprehensive planning requirements. The bill updates existing law to create uniform rules across jurisdictions, replacing inconsistent local approaches.

Maddy summaryHB 2175 exempts nonprofit organizations that provide free durable medical equipment to patients from Washington's retail sales and use taxes on items necessary for their operations. These providers must be federally tax-exempt under 501(c), not charge patients, and be licensed in Washington. The exemption expires January 1, 2037, and includes a review clause to potentially extend it if the policy increases access to medical equipment for Washington residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits force-feeding birds (such as chickens, turkeys, or ducks) to enlarge their livers for foie gras production, and bans the sale, possession, or distribution of foie gras made through this method. It applies directly to restaurants, retailers, and producers handling foie gras, with exceptions only for veterinary care. Violations carry civil fines up to $1,000 per day, and the law takes effect January 1, 2028. The legislation targets specific production practices without restricting other bird-related activities.

Maddy summaryHB 2141 freezes new building code updates for 10 years after the 2024 adoption cycle, preventing the state council from initiating or implementing further code editions until 2034. After 2036, substantive code updates would occur no more than every six years, rather than the previous three-year cycle. The bill directly affects the State Building Code Council, local governments implementing codes, and construction professionals by altering the timeline for adopting new safety and accessibility standards. Key provisions include prohibiting local code amendments during the freeze period and requiring emergency code changes only for public health/safety emergencies or federal compliance.

Maddy summaryHB 2607 sets new standards for Washington state's child care subsidy rates, directly affecting licensed and certified child care providers who receive state-funded payments. Starting July 2026, base rates must reach the 85th percentile of local market rates (based on a pre-May 2025 survey), with regional adjustments for cost of living and economic differences like rural vs. urban areas. The law requires the state department to review and update regional rates every four years starting in 2026, ensuring no provider loses funding due to these changes. It also mandates developing a cost model to eventually cover full high-quality care costs and preserves collective bargaining rights for family child care providers.

Maddy summaryHB 2693 prohibits sexually violent predators from being placed in less restrictive community-based housing (like transitional facilities) within 500 feet of locations with a high concentration of children, such as schools, parks, or daycares. It directly affects individuals convicted of sexually violent offenses who are conditionally released under Washington state law. The bill amends state law to require that such placements must occur in areas where the adult-to-child ratio within 500 feet exceeds three adults per child. This policy change specifically restricts housing options for this group near high-risk locations, without altering eligibility for conditional release.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to change how vacancies in Washington state legislative and partisan county offices are filled. It would require appointments by county legislative authorities (or the governor if they fail to agree within 60 days) for vacancies in partisan offices, with appointees needing to match the district of the vacant seat and, if the previous officeholder declared a party preference, also match that party. County central committees would nominate candidates for party-aligned appointments, and the appointee would serve until the next general election. The amendment applies only to offices where candidates ran as part of a political party.

Maddy summaryHB 2696 requires courts to confirm that the residence where a person is placed under conditional release (a "less restrictive alternative") is owned by the same entity operating the treatment or monitoring services. This directly affects individuals under court-ordered conditional release and the service providers (e.g., treatment centers, monitoring agencies) managing their placements. The key mechanism mandates this ownership verification before approving any release to a less restrictive setting, ensuring the facility managing the placement also owns the residence. The bill aims to align placement arrangements with accountability and safety requirements under existing law (RCW 71.09.096).

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.