Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1174 updates Washington state law regarding court interpreters, aiming to secure the rights of persons with limited English proficiency in legal proceedings. It redefines key terms, including replacing "non-English-speaking person" with "person with limited English proficiency" and emphasizing "credentialed interpreters." The bill mandates the appointment of credentialed interpreters for these individuals, but allows for non-credentialed interpreters if "good cause" is found, such as their unavailability. In such cases, the judicial officer must determine the interpreter's ability to interpret accurately and ensure they will abide by the code of professional responsibility. The legislation also expands the scope of "legal proceeding" to cover a broader range of court and administrative hearings.

Maddy summaryHB 1556 expands tuition waivers at Washington community and technical colleges for students who need to complete high school while attending college. It directly affects high school completers (including nonresidents), children and surviving spouses of fallen or disabled law enforcement officers, firefighters, or state patrol officers, and up to 40% of students in deaf education programs. Key provisions require colleges to waive all tuition and fees for eligible high school completers and first responder families (with a 10-year enrollment window), and allow partial waivers for nonresidents in high school completion programs. The law, effective July 2025, also mandates annual reporting on waiver costs to the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution designates March 9 as Billy Frank Jr. Day to honor his lifelong advocacy for tribal treaty rights and salmon conservation. It commemorates his leadership in the 1970s "fish-ins" that led to the landmark U.S. v. Washington court decision affirming tribal fishing rights. The resolution recognizes his work in uniting diverse groups to protect natural resources and tribal sovereignty in Washington. It does not create new policies or affect any specific group, as it is a commemorative resolution.

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.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution formally expresses appreciation to the Washington National Guard for their service in emergencies, disaster response (like 2022 floods and 2023 wildfires), election security, and community programs such as the Youth ChalleNGe Academy. It sends copies to military leaders, the Governor, and federal officials as a symbolic gesture of recognition, with no new legal requirements or policy changes. The resolution acknowledges the Guard’s role in protecting lives, infrastructure, and community well-being across Washington state.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic House resolution (HR 4602) passed by the Washington State House of Representatives to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and legacy. It contains no new laws, funding, or policy changes - only commemorative language recognizing his civil rights work, nonviolent philosophy, and impact on the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965. The resolution has no direct effect on people, communities, or legislation; it is purely a ceremonial tribute. It was adopted on January 20, 2025, by the full House.