Rep. Strom Peterson

Maddy summaryHB 2320 regulates firearm manufacturing using 3D printers, CNC mills, or digital code by requiring manufacturers to register these methods with the state. It directly affects individuals or entities producing firearms through digital means, including those creating undetectable or untraceable weapons. The bill amends Washington’s firearm laws to mandate registration of such manufacturing processes and explicitly targets unlicensed producers who might bypass background checks. This policy change aims to address public safety concerns by making digital firearm production subject to state oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 1909 establishes a court unification task force to study Washington’s fragmented court system. The task force will analyze disparities in local court rules, technology adoption, and funding that create barriers for people seeking legal help - especially those in rural areas, low-income communities, and underserved populations. It will identify inefficiencies and inequities in court operations and explore potential solutions through a diverse group including judges, court clerks, legal aid representatives, and community advocates with lived experience. The bill does not implement changes but directs the task force to provide recommendations for improving consistency and access to justice. This study aims to inform future policy decisions, not alter current court structures.

Maddy summaryHB 1069 amends Washington state law to allow collective bargaining between public employers and employee organizations regarding contributions for certain supplemental retirement benefits. Currently, state law prevents bargaining over retirement plans and benefits administered by the Department of Retirement Systems. This bill clarifies that employers can now negotiate over contributions for additional retirement benefits, including medical plans, as long as these benefits are administered by or on behalf of an employee organization. This change enables discussions over these specific benefit contributions, while still excluding the core state retirement plans from collective bargaining.

Maddy summaryHB 1500 requires sellers in Washington common interest communities (like condos, cooperatives, and planned developments) to provide buyers with a detailed resale certificate before closing a sale. This certificate must include current financial information such as unpaid assessments, past-due fees, the association’s reserve study status, insurance details, and any pending legal issues, all verified within 45 days. It also mandates specific disclosures about the community’s financial health and obligations, including warnings if a reserve study is missing. The bill directly affects unit owners selling properties and aims to ensure buyers fully understand financial responsibilities before purchasing.

Maddy summaryHB 2664 modifies how eviction notices (unlawful detainer notices) and similar legal notices must be delivered in Washington state. It clarifies service methods when tenants are absent or untraceable, allowing notices to be left on the property and mailed to the last known address, with a mandatory 5-day waiting period after mail delivery before eviction actions can begin. The bill directly affects tenants facing eviction, landlords seeking possession, and property management companies (including corporate owners). Key provisions specify acceptable service locations, required mailing procedures, and define how subtenants are handled in lodging situations.

Maddy summaryHB 1501 requires associations in common interest communities (like homeowners' associations and apartment buildings) to respond in writing to unit or apartment owners' written inquiries about governance or operations within 30 days. If a legal opinion is needed, the association must provide a response within 60 days. Failure to comply bars the association from recovering legal fees in related disputes. The law applies to all such associations in Washington State and expires on January 1, 2028.

Maddy summaryHB 1155 prohibits all noncompetition agreements that restrict employees or independent contractors from working for competitors or starting their own businesses in Washington State, making such agreements void and unenforceable. It directly affects workers who were subject to these agreements, including those in industries like entertainment, and requires employers to notify affected workers by October 2026 that their noncompetition clauses are invalid. The bill clarifies that nonsolicitation agreements (prohibiting poaching customers or coworkers) remain legal but must be narrowly defined, while excluding confidentiality, trade secret, and franchise agreements from the prohibition. Violations by employers carry penalties of $5,000 per violation plus legal fees, ensuring workers can pursue enforcement without restrictive contracts.

Maddy summaryHB 1128 creates a Washington state Child Care Workforce Standards Board to set minimum compensation and employment standards for child care workers. The board, composed of nine members including worker representatives (from family child care, center workers, and school-age programs), employer representatives, parent advocates, and state agency officials, will address low pay and poor working conditions that contribute to workforce instability. It requires the board to hold public hearings, establish standards with a six-member vote, and protect workers from retaliation for participating in the process. The law aims to improve child care quality and affordability by ensuring fair compensation and stable employment for workers directly serving children.

Maddy summaryHB 2452 requires landlords in manufactured and mobile home communities to provide tenants with a standardized notice for rent increases, detailing the exact percentage and dollar amount of the increase. The notice must also explain if the increase exceeds Washington’s 5% annual limit and include supporting documentation for any claimed exemptions (such as community purchases or public housing programs). This applies specifically to tenants in manufactured/mobile home communities, not all rental properties. The bill amends existing laws to ensure transparency and compliance with rent increase rules.

Maddy summaryHB 2165 makes it a gross misdemeanor to intentionally create, possess, or display fake law enforcement items (like badges, vehicle decals, or insignia) that falsely identify someone as a sworn peace officer or reserve officer, or to misrepresent ordinary items as police property. It directly affects individuals or businesses selling or using fake police gear, such as costume shops or people posing as officers. Key exceptions include items clearly marked as honorary roles, historical displays, or protected artistic/satirical works (like parodies or educational materials). The law does not prohibit legitimate uses like historical reenactments or news coverage, and it specifies that the fake item must be displayed in a way that would reasonably mislead others.