Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self

Maddy summaryHB 1306 creates two pathways for international medical graduates (IMGs) to obtain full medical licenses in Washington without completing standard U.S. postgraduate training. The primary pathway requires 48 months of supervised clinical practice under a licensed physician, followed by assessments and documentation to demonstrate competence. A hardship pathway also allows waivers for specific situations like refugee status or persecution, though it excludes failures in standard exams. The bill directly affects IMGs seeking to practice in Washington, modifying existing licensing rules to accommodate their credentials. It does not change requirements for U.S.-trained physicians but provides alternative routes for qualified IMGs.

Maddy summaryHB 1503 aims to further digital equity and opportunity for all residents in Washington state, particularly focusing on underserved populations. The bill intends to broaden access to the internet, appropriate devices, and digital skills by expanding state assistance and support programs. It clarifies the collaboration between the Department of Commerce, responsible for broadband infrastructure, and the Office of Equity, which focuses on providing digital devices and services to individuals. Additionally, the bill updates definitions for terms like "broadband," "digital equity," and "low-income" households to enhance these efforts.

Maddy summaryHB 1561 extends key labor protections to domestic workers in Washington state, including nannies, house cleaners, home care workers, and household managers. The bill requires employers to pay the state minimum wage, provide overtime pay for hours over 40 per week, mandate 30-minute meal breaks after 2-5 hours of work, and guarantee 10-minute rest breaks every four hours. It also mandates written employment agreements in understandable language covering pay, schedule, and benefits, while prohibiting waivers of legal rights or forced arbitration clauses. The law explicitly excludes casual babysitters, family members, and workers in certain home-sitting roles from coverage.

Maddy summaryHB 1567 requires health care administrators at Washington hospitals to obtain a state license starting January 1, 2027. It defines these roles as nonclinical managers or directors who oversee hiring, compliance, operations, or patient care policies for clinical staff, but excludes federal employees like those in the U.S. Armed Forces. The bill mandates passing a state-administered exam on health care laws and ethics, paying fees, and completing annual continuing education to maintain licensure. The Washington Department of Health will manage licensing, set fees, and enforce rules, including disciplinary actions for unprofessional conduct like unsafe fiscal decisions. This applies only to hospital employees in Washington, not to all health care workers.

Maddy summaryHB 1545 creates a statewide cardiac and stroke care system in Washington, requiring hospitals and emergency medical services (EMS) providers to submit data on patient care starting in 2027. The Department of Health will establish a registry to collect this data, analyze performance, and develop quality improvement plans focused on reducing death and disability from heart attacks and strokes. The bill mandates annual reports on system progress, with a 2028 report specifically evaluating whether on-site hospital inspections are needed. It also allocates funds to support rural hospitals in meeting data requirements and includes public education on stroke/heart attack symptoms and 911 use.

Maddy summaryHB 1450 establishes a new state "transition to kindergarten" program in Washington for 4-year-olds who need additional preparation for kindergarten or live in areas with severe child care access shortages ("extreme child care access deserts"). It directs the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to create rules for public schools to operate the program, prioritizing regions with child care deserts and limiting approved sites to ensure equitable access. The program ensures participating children aren't counted toward basic education funding, requires schools to collaborate with local child care providers, and mandates enrollment rules including need-based screening and regional needs assessments. This policy aims to strengthen coordination between public schools and early learning systems while minimizing disruption to existing child care services.

Maddy summaryHB 1090 requires health benefit plans in Washington State (effective January 1, 2026) to cover a 12-month supply of contraceptive drugs at one time, rather than requiring multiple refills. This directly affects health insurers and enrollees, mandating that plans provide this coverage unless an enrollee or provider requests a smaller supply. Key provisions include allowing on-site dispensing at providers' offices (when available) and requiring plans to follow clinical guidelines for appropriate prescribing. The bill defines "contraceptive drugs" to include all FDA-approved pregnancy prevention medications, such as oral, transdermal, and intravaginal hormonal drugs.

Maddy summaryHB 1448 establishes statewide rules for local governments adopting ranked choice voting (RCV) in elections. It allows counties, cities, school districts, fire districts, and port districts to use RCV for local offices, requiring ballots to let voters rank candidates in order of preference (with at least five rankings per office) and setting clear counting rules for single-winner (instant runoff) and multi-winner (single transferable vote) contests. The bill mandates that single-winner RCV elections must first hold a traditional primary to narrow candidates to five, while multi-winner contests skip primaries. It also requires local governments to implement RCV within two years of adoption and directs the Secretary of State to create rules for ballot design and vote tabulation by May 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1360 establishes a state advisory committee to advance quantum technology economic development, including members from the lieutenant governor's office, state agencies, higher education, aerospace companies, quantum hardware/software firms, and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The committee must produce annual reports to the legislature and a workforce development plan by June 2026, with all activities expiring June 30, 2027. It also creates a state grant program to help organizations secure federal quantum technology funding, requiring applicants to provide matching funds at a 5:1 ratio (state grant to applicant contribution). The bill directly affects state agencies, Washington-based quantum technology companies, and research institutions collaborating on federal grant applications.

Maddy summaryHB 1362 creates a pilot program allowing courts in Washington to divert eligible individuals with gambling addiction from traditional sentencing. It requires courts to hold hearings before sentencing to determine if a crime was committed due to gambling addiction, and if so, to place the person in a treatment program supervised by mental health professionals. The program mandates restitution payments, regular progress reports, and referrals to community resources, with costs covered by the participant or through community service if they cannot pay. It excludes individuals convicted of violent crimes (like assault or domestic violence) or with prior convictions for similar offenses.