Rep. Ed Orcutt

Maddy summaryHB 1087 expands Washington's "endangerment with a controlled substance" law to include fentanyl and other high-potency synthetic opioids, in addition to methamphetamine. It directly affects individuals who knowingly expose dependent children or adults to these substances. The bill amends the law to specifically list fentanyl (and its salts/isomers) and other defined high-potency synthetic opioids as covered substances, making such exposure a class B felony. This change explicitly excludes cases where substances are administered under a valid prescription, as outlined in chapter 69.50 RCW.

Maddy summaryHB 1797 requires Washington's Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to cooperate with all law enforcement officers during criminal investigations, including responding to requests to search facilities like child care centers. The bill mandates this cooperation as defined under state law, specifically covering investigations into criminal activity. It directly affects DCYF staff and law enforcement agencies by establishing a clear obligation to assist during searches of institutions regulated under RCW 13.40.020. This is a procedural policy change focused on interagency coordination, not new funding or penalties.

Maddy summaryHB 1374 reduces Washington State's general sales and use tax rate from 6.5% to 6% for most retail transactions, effective October 1, 2025. It directly affects consumers and businesses selling tangible goods, digital products, and most services that were previously taxed at 6.5%. The bill amends RCW 82.08.020 to lower the standard rate, while maintaining separate taxes for car rentals (5.9%) and motor vehicles (0.3%). The change applies to all retail sales covered under the current tax code, excluding specific exemptions like farm vehicles and off-road equipment.

Maddy summaryHB 1869 prohibits Washington state funds from covering capital costs - such as construction, transit vehicle purchases, or major equipment - for transit agencies created under the laws of neighboring states (e.g., Oregon or Idaho). It directly affects regional transit agencies operating across state lines, restricting state funding for capital projects but not ongoing operational expenses. The law, effective July 1, 2025, ensures Washington taxpayers’ money cannot subsidize infrastructure built by out-of-state transit entities.

Maddy summaryHB 1911 creates a new special license plate option titled "Washington state honey bees and pollinators" (plate #36) for Washington vehicle owners. This plate, costing $40 for initial registration and $30 annually, would join existing special plates like "Washington apples" and "Seattle Mariners" in the state's license plate program. The bill amends state code to add this plate type and specifies that fees support pollinator research and education efforts. It does not create new funding or policy changes beyond the plate designation and associated fees.

Maddy summaryHB 1368 creates 54 new special license plate designs for Washington vehicle owners, each supporting specific causes, organizations, or local identities (e.g., "Washington Wine," "Seattle Sounders FC," "Washington State Parks," or "Breast Cancer Awareness"). Each plate has a set initial fee ($5-$45) and renewal fee ($30 for most), with the funds distributed to designated beneficiaries as specified in the bill. The legislation amends existing statutes to add these plates to the state’s licensing system, allowing drivers to display them instead of standard plates while paying the associated fees. It does not change vehicle registration requirements or create new policy impacts beyond these cosmetic plate options.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Washington's estate tax law to allow a deduction for tangible personal property (like farm equipment or business assets) used for "qualified purposes" if owned by a "qualified nonfamilial heir." It directly affects estate tax filers who leave such property to non-family members (e.g., business partners or close associates) who meet specific usage requirements. The key change adds "qualified nonfamilial heir" to the existing deduction criteria, expanding eligibility beyond family members. This applies to property used on the decedent's death for purposes like farming or business operations. The bill does not change tax rates or create new taxes, only modifies who qualifies for an existing deduction.

Maddy summaryHB 1375 adjusts Washington's estate tax exclusion amount annually for inflation, directly affecting Washington residents whose estates exceed the exclusion threshold. Starting August 1, 2025, the exclusion amount (currently $2,959,000) will automatically increase each year based on the Seattle-area consumer price index, calculated by multiplying the base amount by (1 + inflation percentage) and rounding to the nearest $1,000. This change ensures the exclusion keeps pace with rising costs, preventing unintended tax increases for estates of decedents dying in 2026 and beyond. The bill takes effect August 1, 2025, and applies to Washington residents' taxable estates.

Maddy summaryHB 1307 would remove Washington state sales and use tax on diapers and essential child care products starting January 1, 2026. The bill specifically exempts items like car seats, baby clothing (size 5T and smaller), incontinence products for infants and adults, baby monitors, strollers, and other products designed for children under five. It defines "essential child care products" to include items commonly recognized as necessary for infant and toddler care, as well as products for adults needing incontinence supplies. This tax exemption directly affects families with young children and caregivers of vulnerable adults who face high costs for these essentials. The policy aims to reduce financial strain without altering existing tax rates for other goods.

Maddy summaryHB 1354 amends Washington state law to explicitly include temporary legislative session employees under the public employees' benefits board insurance programs. It clarifies that "employee" definitions now cover these temporary staff members (e.g., aides or support personnel hired specifically for legislative sessions), ensuring they receive the same health insurance benefits as other state employees. The bill makes this change through targeted amendments to existing statutes (RCW 41.05.011 and 41.05.065), without creating new benefits or altering coverage terms. This is a procedural clarification affecting only temporary legislative staff, not elected officials or permanent employees.