Rep. John Ley

Maddy summaryHB 1038 prohibits licensed health care providers in Washington from prescribing puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, or gender transition surgeries to minors (under 18) for the purpose of altering gender appearance or perception. Exceptions include treatment for medically verified disorders of sex development, tapering off existing medications, addressing complications from prior procedures, and emergency care for life-threatening conditions. The bill defines "minor" as under 18 and "sex" as biological characteristics present at birth (chromosomes, hormones, anatomy), excluding gender identity. It directly affects transgender and gender-diverse minors seeking these medical treatments, while allowing care for specific medical conditions. The bill is currently pending in the Health Care & Wellness committee after being prefaced in December 2024.

Maddy summaryHB 2058 requires private organizations receiving public grants in Washington State to hire state-approved third-party auditors to verify how public funds are spent. Audits must detail all state/federal grant money received, itemize spending, confirm proper allocation, assess program effectiveness, and verify community support (e.g., local government resolution). The bill limits administrative costs to under 15% of grant funds and mandates annual reapplication for continued funding. Audits must be submitted to the state auditor within six months and published online.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 1729 reduces Washington's state property tax levies for schools by reversing $4 billion in excess revenue collected since 2018 due to faster-than-expected property value growth. It directly lowers taxes for homeowners by setting specific annual dollar amounts ($2.79 billion for Part I and $1.32 billion for Part II) for 2026-2028, replacing percentage-based rates. This adjustment prevents future over-collection by basing levies on actual past revenue shortfalls, not outdated growth assumptions. After 2028, levies return to standard calculation methods under state law.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1371 expands eligibility for special parking privileges in Washington state. It allows veterans with a 70 percent or higher disability rating from the U.S. armed forces or Department of Veterans Affairs, who also use a service animal, to qualify for these permits. This bill amends existing law to include these specific criteria for veterans under the state's special parking privilege statute. It also details the application process for both temporary and permanent parking placards or license plates for qualifying individuals.

Maddy summaryHB 1372 modifies the responsibilities and timelines for the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC) and impacts the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). It extends the expiration date of certain statutes governing JLARC's review functions to 2045 and refines the process for conducting program and fiscal reviews of state entities. The bill specifically requires JLARC to oversee an independent review of the DNR's methodologies and data used for its sustainable harvest calculation, involving expert contractors. This review will inform the Board of Natural Resources' decision on harvest levels and removes a previous barrier related to litigation for the sustainable harvest study.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 4650 is a commemorative resolution recognizing Representative Bruce Q. Chandler for his 26 years of distinguished service to the 15th Legislative District and the State of Washington. It honors his contributions in areas such as agriculture, business, early learning, and state budgeting.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 4664 is a commemorative bill that honors the life and legacy of former Speaker Frank Chopp. It recognizes his extensive public service, advocacy for social justice and housing, and his record as the longest-serving Speaker in Washington state history.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1385 modifies the state's laws concerning fingerprint background checks for individuals working with vulnerable populations. The bill clarifies and expands definitions for who is considered an "applicant" requiring a background check, explicitly including prospective employees, volunteers, or contractors who will have access to children, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities. It also broadens the types of organizations and services covered under these background check requirements. These changes aim to refine the scope of the National Child Protection Act and Volunteers for Children's Act program.

Maddy summaryHB 1947 removes the requirement for certain small public water systems to be managed by a satellite management agency. It specifically exempts "simple" Group B water systems that do not need water treatment, provide fire flow, have atmospheric storage, or serve 10 or more connections. This change applies directly to small community water systems (serving fewer than 10 connections without the listed features) that previously faced mandatory satellite management. The law, effective July 27, 2025, streamlines regulatory requirements for these systems by allowing them to operate independently under state oversight.