Rep. John Ley

Maddy summaryHB 1117 repeals Washington State's adoption of California's motor vehicle emissions standards, which had caused registration barriers for vehicles meeting federal standards. The bill directly affects vehicle owners who previously needed 407,541 exemptions to register their vehicles and government agencies managing registrations. Key provisions require the Department of Licensing to register previously prohibited vehicles (if they meet state requirements) and direct the Department of Ecology to repeal all rules implementing California standards. This eliminates administrative burdens on both the public and government, allowing vehicles to be registered without exemptions under federal standards. The bill takes immediate effect as an emergency measure.

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 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 1730 directs all tax revenue generated from aircraft fuel (as defined in state law) to be deposited into the state's aeronautics account, rather than other designated funds. This bill specifically amends existing tax code sections to mandate this funding stream for aviation-related programs and infrastructure. The change affects how Washington State allocates existing tax proceeds from aircraft fuel sales, ensuring these funds exclusively support aeronautics activities. It does not alter the tax rate or impose new taxes on aircraft fuel. The bill focuses solely on redirecting existing revenue to the aeronautics account, as specified in RCW 82.42.090.

Maddy summaryHB 1559 updates Washington state law to authorize tolls on the existing and replacement Interstate 5 bridges crossing the Columbia River between Washington and Oregon, while explicitly excluding the Washington portion of Interstate 205 from tolling. It clarifies that toll revenue from these bridges must be spent only on designated transportation projects under state law. The bill repeals outdated provisions related to previous agreements about the Columbia River crossing project and the I-5 bridge replacement, streamlining the legal framework for toll collection on this specific corridor. This affects drivers using the I-5 bridges and ensures toll funds are directed to eligible transportation uses.

Maddy summaryHB 1787 updates Washington state's involuntary treatment standards for individuals with severe substance use disorders who pose an immediate danger to themselves or others. It establishes new legal criteria for court-ordered treatment, requiring local governments to provide access to appropriate facilities. The bill mandates doubling secure withdrawal management facility beds through targeted funding incentives, specifically addressing geographic gaps in treatment access across rural and urban communities. These changes aim to implement standards previously recognized but not enacted since 2020, ensuring individuals in crisis can receive timely treatment. The policy directly affects people with severe substance use disorders meeting the danger criteria and community treatment providers.

Maddy summaryHB 1140 would create the empowerED scholarship program, allowing families to use state-funded educational savings accounts for options like private schools, homeschooling, or charter schools instead of being restricted to neighborhood public schools. It prioritizes students with special education needs, low-income families, and those in underperforming public schools. The bill shifts education funding from schools to families, requiring state funds to follow enrolled students to their chosen educational setting. This aims to address concerns about public school performance, safety, and accessibility by introducing competition into the education system.

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 1411 requires Washington's governor to base budget revenue estimates solely on the state's official economic and revenue forecast, rather than using other projections. This prevents the state from planning with assumed revenue levels higher than what the forecast council officially projects. The bill affects how the governor prepares annual and biennial budgets by mandating that all revenue estimates must align with the forecast council's approved numbers for most funds. It ensures budget planning relies on verified revenue data, not hypothetical scenarios.

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.