Rep. Jim Walsh

Maddy summaryHB 1893 creates a new legal right for victims injured by individuals released before trial to sue judges who failed to properly assess public safety risks related to violent offenses. The bill requires judges to conduct written risk assessments analyzing the defendant’s violent history, potential victims, and alternatives to pretrial detention before releasing someone charged with a violent offense. It removes judicial immunity for such cases, making judges personally liable for damages if they recklessly ignored public harm risks, though the state may still cover defense costs unless the judge intentionally disregarded risks. The law directly affects victims of violence, judges making pretrial release decisions, and state/local governments handling legal defense costs. It applies only to cases arising after the bill’s effective date.

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 1891 allows victims injured by individuals released before trial - due to their criminal defense counsel's advocacy - to sue that counsel if the attorney failed to adequately assess public safety risks. The bill requires defense attorneys to conduct written risk assessments evaluating the client's violent history, potential victims, and alternatives to custody before seeking release. It removes legal immunity for defense counsel in such cases, making them personally liable for damages if they recklessly ignored public harm risks, while government entities generally cover defense costs unless the attorney acted intentionally or recklessly. The law applies only to cases arising after its effective date and gives victims a three-year window to file claims.

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 1890 creates a legal right for individuals injured by someone released from custody after a prosecutor declined to file reasonable charges for a violent offense. It directly affects victims of such injuries and prosecutors who make charging decisions. The bill requires prosecutors to conduct a written risk assessment analyzing evidence, criminal history, and potential harm before declining charges, and removes prosecutorial immunity for failures in this duty. If a court finds a prosecutor intentionally or recklessly disregarded public harm risks, they face personal liability for legal costs and damages, rather than the state covering expenses. The law applies only to cases arising after its effective date and sets a three-year statute of limitations for lawsuits.

Maddy summaryHB 2028 prohibits large business entities (including land trusts and private foundations) and investment entities (like real estate investment trusts) from purchasing or acquiring agricultural land in Washington state. The bill directly affects corporations, investment firms, and certain nonprofits that buy farmland, aiming to protect local farmers and stabilize food costs. Key provisions ban such purchases, impose fines up to $100,000 per violation, and require forced land sales to qualified buyers if violations occur. Exceptions apply for land classified as timberland under state law.

Maddy summaryHB 1945 creates an independent office of the crime victims ombuds to advocate for individuals impacted by crime. The office will be operated by a private, nonprofit organization selected through a competitive bidding process by the Department of Commerce, not as a state agency. Key duties include referring victims to appropriate services, investigating complaints about justice system failures, protecting victim confidentiality, and monitoring service delivery procedures. The office expires July 1, 2027, and operates outside existing state government structures.

Maddy summaryHB 1575 creates a new process for Washington property owners to quickly remove unauthorized occupants from residential properties. It allows owners (or authorized agents) to submit a verified complaint to the sheriff if the occupant entered unlawfully, wasn't a tenant or family member, and the owner previously requested departure. The sheriff must verify the complaint, serve a "vacate" notice immediately, and restore possession - potentially arresting trespassers - while charging a fee for sheriff standby during lock changes. False claims in the complaint could lead to civil liability for damages. This procedure supplements existing trespass laws but doesn't replace standard eviction processes or tenant protections.

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 1585 requires Washington counties to verify that registered voters have proof of U.S. citizenship by July 1, 2025. It directs county election offices to check if voters have submitted acceptable documentation (like a passport, naturalization certificate, or specific certified U.S. birth certificate) and to send notices if they lack it. Voters without proof face registration cancellation 14 days before the 2025 general election unless they provide documentation. The law expires January 1, 2027, and explicitly rejects birth certificates from Puerto Rico issued before July 2010 and Washington wallet-sized birth registrations as valid proof.