Rep. Ed Orcutt

Maddy summaryHB 1121 modifies Washington state labor rules regarding the working hours of 16- and 17-year-olds. The bill allows minors enrolled in a bona fide college program or an approved career and technical education program to work the same number of hours during school weeks as they can during school vacations. For career and technical education students, this flexibility applies when the work is performed for an employer approved by their program. The Department of Labor and Industries is directed to revise its rules to implement these changes, aiming to provide equitable work hour opportunities for these student groups. These new provisions will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1606 directs the Washington state institute for public policy to conduct a study on providing state employees with electronic access to peer-reviewed journals. The study will investigate potential funding, organizational structures, and policy mechanisms to facilitate this access. Its purpose is to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness for state agencies that currently face challenges in accessing these academic, scholarly, or scientific publications. The institute must complete and submit the study to relevant legislative committees by June 30, 2026. This section of the act is set to expire on June 30, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic House resolution (HR 4651) honoring the East County Citizens' Alliance (ECCA), a community group founded in 2022. It recognizes ECCA's specific work, including organizing a cleanup of State Route 14 that removed tens of thousands of pounds of trash, planting native wildflowers along the highway, and creating a school partnership program connecting community volunteers with struggling students at Washougal High School. The resolution formally commends ECCA for its environmental stewardship, educational initiatives, and role in strengthening community engagement in East Clark County. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves as a public expression of appreciation.

Maddy summaryHB 1060 amends Washington state tax law to exempt newspaper publishers and eligible digital content providers from certain taxes. It specifically applies to businesses primarily engaged in printing/publishing newspapers or producing monthly electronic publications with identifiable authorship (e.g., news sites). To maintain the exemption, businesses must file annual tax reports and reduce the exemption by their business expenditures during the tax period. Failure to comply results in a 0.484% tax on related income, plus retroactive interest. The law took effect July 27, 2025.

Maddy summaryHR 4645 is a Washington State House resolution honoring Harry R. Anderson for becoming the first person to both fly and sail solo to all seven continents. It recognizes his 2025 completion of a 350-day, 38,000-nautical-mile sail voyage on his boat *Phywave* and his aviation milestones, including a North Pole flight and Antarctica landing. The resolution serves as a symbolic tribute to his achievements without creating any new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 4647) is a ceremonial recognition of Inka, a German Shepherd K-9 officer who served with the Washington State Patrol. It commemorates her seven years of service, including conducting thousands of security searches at Washington State Ferries terminals and the Capitol Campus, preventing disruptions to public safety. The resolution specifically honors her contributions to protecting Washingtonians and institutions, and expresses appreciation for her role alongside handler Trooper Alishan Nomani. As a symbolic resolution (not a policy bill), it has no binding effect but formally celebrates Inka's retirement in April 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (not a policy bill) passed by the Washington State House of Representatives on April 4, 2025. It honors Congresswoman Julia Butler Hansen's legacy, recognizing her as the first woman to chair a Congressional Appropriations Subcommittee, her role in building Pacific Northwest infrastructure like the Astoria-Megler Bridge, and her 21-year service in the Washington State Legislature and 14-year U.S. Congress career. The resolution specifically acknowledges her historical significance through the Julia Butler Hansen House, which contains artifacts from her public service. As a procedural resolution, it has no policy impact but formally commemorates her contributions.

Maddy summaryHR 4619 is a commemorative resolution adopted by the Washington State House of Representatives on February 19, 2025. It formally acknowledges the 83rd anniversary of Executive Order 9066, which led to the forced removal and internment of over 120,000 Japanese-Americans during World War II, including 12,000 from Washington State. The resolution specifically recognizes Japanese-American veterans, incarcerees, and civil rights activists from Washington who endured this injustice and served in the military while incarcerated. It directs copies to organizations like the Nisei Veterans Committee and the Wing Luke Museum, reflecting on the principle of "liberty and justice for all."

Maddy summaryHR 4617 is a ceremonial House Resolution, not a law, adopted by the Washington State House of Representatives on February 17, 2025. It formally encourages all Washington residents to celebrate Children's Day and support children's well-being through community actions. The resolution expresses the House's commitment to prioritizing children's health, safety, and education, referencing student interns and pages working in the legislature. It does not create new policies, funding, or legal requirements - only a symbolic call for public recognition of children's rights.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House resolution (not a law) that honors Presidents' Day. It expresses the House's recognition of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln's leadership, including Washington's precedent for peaceful power transitions and Lincoln's role in preserving the Union. The resolution has no policy impact or effect on citizens - it simply commemorates presidential legacies through symbolic language. It was introduced and adopted by the House on February 17, 2025, as a routine observance.