Rep. Matt Marshall

Maddy summaryHB 2130 repeals specific tax provisions from Senate Bill 5814 (2025 session) that imposed new taxes. It removes sections of Chapter 422, Laws of 2025 (including codified sections 101, 201, 301 and uncodified sections 1, 401-404) that affected taxpayers. The repeal takes effect April 1, 2026, and is declared an emergency to preserve public finances. This bill directly reverses the tax changes enacted by ESSB 5814.

Maddy summaryHB 2149 declares an emergency due to the April 2025 closure of the Fairfax Bridge on State Route 165. It directs the transportation department to restore access "as soon as possible" and grants the secretary emergency authority to waive specific rules - including liability agreements, inspection fees, utility regulations, and tax deadlines - to speed up rebuilding. This waiver power applies only to actions necessary for the bridge replacement and cannot override federal requirements or First Amendment rights. The bill directly affects travelers, local governments, and state agencies managing Route 165 infrastructure, with no mention of broader funding or unrelated provisions like the climate account amendment.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the official title of "physician assistants" to "physician associates" in Washington state law, administrative rules, and billing systems. It requires state agencies, health plans, and healthcare facilities to update all contracts, materials, and regulations to use the new term, while allowing both titles to be used interchangeably during a transition period. The change aligns with national professional standards and aims to better reflect the education, training, and collaborative role of these healthcare providers. The bill amends multiple sections of state law to implement this terminology shift across licensing, billing, and healthcare operations.

Maddy summaryHB 2181 allocates $690 million in excess climate commitment auction revenue to repair transportation infrastructure damaged by the December 2025 atmospheric river and winter storm event. It specifically funds cleanup, repairs, and restoration of Interstate 90, State Routes 2, 167, and 410, and other critical transportation systems affected by the emergency. The funding comes directly from the Climate Investment Account, as authorized by the Climate Commitment Act, and is tied to emergency proclamation 25-07. This bill uses existing climate revenue for immediate infrastructure recovery, without creating new taxes or altering broader climate program requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1000 expands the definition of a "major violation" under Washington's drug sentencing law (VUCSA) by adding specific scenarios that would trigger harsher penalties. It directly affects individuals convicted of drug offenses who meet new criteria, such as conducting three or more separate drug transactions, distributing large quantities beyond personal use, manufacturing drugs, or knowingly distributing fentanyl causing harm. Key provisions include listing factors like high position in drug distribution, sophisticated operations, or using professional roles (e.g., pharmacist) to facilitate drug trafficking. This bill changes sentencing guidelines - not criminal law - by clarifying when drug offenses qualify as "major" for enhanced penalties. It does not alter what constitutes illegal drug activity but affects sentencing outcomes for qualifying cases.

Maddy summaryHB 1221 changes how Washington's state of emergency declarations end. It requires that any emergency proclamation automatically terminate 60 days after the governor signs it unless the legislature passes a concurrent resolution extending it. If the legislature isn't in session, only the top four legislative leaders (senate majority/minority leaders and house speaker/minority leader) can temporarily extend the emergency for up to 60 days until the legislature acts. The bill also prevents the governor from redeclaring the same emergency after it's terminated without legislative approval. This directly affects governors' emergency powers and requires legislative action to maintain long-term emergency declarations.

Maddy summaryHB 2076 creates the Washington Department of Government Efficiency (WADOGE) to review state agency operations and identify inefficient or unnecessary policies, rules, and expenditures. Each state agency must form a team by March 2026 to assess its rules and statutes, reporting obsolete or unnecessary items to WADOGE for analysis. WADOGE will then compile recommendations and submit a final report to the legislature by January 2028, aiming to improve government efficiency and ensure agencies operate within their statutory authority. This bill directly affects all state agencies through mandatory reviews and reporting requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1929 requires Washington's Senate to confirm the governor's appointments to vacancies on the Court of Appeals. It mandates a two-thirds Senate vote for confirmation, with specific deadlines for votes during legislative sessions or the next session if the legislature is adjourned. This directly affects the governor (who makes appointments), the Senate (which must confirm), and Court of Appeals judges (who fill vacancies until the next general election). The bill also prohibits reappointing rejected candidates for two years and clarifies that this process does not apply to other judicial vacancies covered by separate law.

Maddy summaryHB 1535 prohibits dental insurers from restricting patient choice or limiting care based on network agreements, requiring dentists to make treatment decisions with patients rather than insurers. It mandates that at least 85% of dental insurance premiums be spent directly on patient care, not administrative costs, and gives patients the right to request independent reviews for denied claims. The bill directly affects dental patients (ensuring access to chosen providers and fair coverage), dentists (protecting their clinical autonomy), and dental insurers (requiring compliance with transparency and spending rules). These changes aim to create a fairer system by aligning dental insurance protections with medical insurance standards and reducing out-of-pocket costs for Washington residents.

Maddy summaryHB 1780 prohibits physician assistants and advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs) in Washington from using the title "doctor" in clinical settings without clear clarification of their credentials. The bill amends state licensing laws (RCW 18.79.030 and 18.71A.030) to make it unprofessional conduct for these providers to refer to themselves as "doctor," requiring them instead to use their licensed titles like "nurse practitioner" or "physician assistant." It directly affects these healthcare professionals by mandating transparent communication about their qualifications, aiming to prevent patient confusion about their training and scope of practice. The law ensures patients receive clear information about who is providing care, aligning with the legislature’s goal of maintaining trust and accuracy in healthcare communication.