Rep. Ed Orcutt

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new business and occupation (B&O) tax deduction and increases the B&O tax rate for entities conducting payment card processing activities. It allows payment card processors, including acquirers and issuers, to deduct specific amounts like interchange fees and network fees from their taxable gross income. The legislation aims to address the unique financial structures of payment system arrangements for these processors. These changes modify existing state tax laws and are set to become effective on January 1, 2026.

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 1912 establishes a system for tracking and reporting sales of fuel used for agricultural purposes, which are exempt from the state's Climate Commitment Act. Fuel sellers, including retail stations and suppliers, can register with the Department of Ecology to track and report these exempt sales. Registered sellers must make exempt fuel available at a differential rate or credit purchasers to reflect the absence of associated compliance costs under the climate act. This ensures the agricultural exemption is properly applied and monitored, affecting fuel sellers, suppliers, and agricultural users starting January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1039 clarifies the authority for cities and tribal governments in Washington State to mutually agree to contract for urban governmental services. This allows cities to extend services to tribal lands that have urban development, even if those lands are located beyond the city's designated urban growth boundary. The bill ensures that such agreements comply with the state's Growth Management Act, facilitating coordinated planning between these governmental entities.

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 summaryHB 1389 extends the expiration date for existing reporting requirements on large timber purchases. The bill requires purchasers of over 200,000 board feet of privately owned timber to report details of their acquisitions to the state department. This information includes seller and buyer details, sale price, and estimated timber volume. Originally set to expire on September 30, 2025, these reporting requirements will now remain in effect until September 30, 2029. Failure to report can result in a $250 penalty.

Maddy summaryHJM 4002 is a joint memorial that requests the Washington State Transportation Commission to designate the Interstate 90 bridge over the Columbia River near Vantage, Washington, as the "Medal of Honor Bridge." This action aims to honor recipients of the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military award.

Maddy summaryHB 1563 establishes a prescribed fire claims fund pilot program in Washington state to provide financial loss coverage for damages resulting from prescribed fires and cultural burning. This program supports non-state and non-federal entities, such as private landowners and cultural fire practitioners, who conduct these burns according to approved plans and permits. The Office of Risk Management will administer the fund, which covers eligible property or economic damages up to $2,000,000 per claim. The intent is to reduce financial uncertainty and encourage the use of prescribed fire for forest health and wildfire prevention. This pilot program is set to expire on June 30, 2033.