Rep. Strom Peterson

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 2081 modifies Washington's business and occupation (B&O) tax structure, affecting various businesses operating in the state. It increases B&O tax rates for several business activities, including extraction, manufacturing, retail sales, and digital goods. The bill also establishes a temporary B&O tax surcharge for large companies with annual revenues exceeding $250 million. Additionally, it clarifies the B&O tax deduction available for certain business investments.

Maddy summaryHB 1296, "Promoting a safe and supportive public education system," enacts new requirements for public schools, charter schools, and state-tribal education compact schools in Washington. The bill prioritizes student safety, access to education free of discrimination, and privacy within the school system. It expands protected characteristics to include ethnicity, gender expression, gender identity, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status, and neurodivergence in anti-discrimination policies. Furthermore, the bill mandates that schools develop and share a "Statement of Student Rights" through educational and promotional materials, including civics education, to inform students of their entitlements.

Maddy summaryHB 1163 enhances requirements for firearm purchases, transfers, and possession in Washington state. The bill mandates that individuals obtain a valid permit to purchase firearms from the Washington State Patrol firearms background check program before acquiring a firearm. It also specifies requirements for firearms safety training programs, outlines circumstances for delayed firearm transfers, and requires recordkeeping for all transfers. These changes directly affect individuals seeking to purchase or transfer firearms and licensed firearm dealers, modifying the existing background check and sales processes.

Maddy summaryHB 2049 aims to enhance funding for K-12 education and communities by modifying state and local property tax authority and adjusting the school funding formula. The bill revises the maximum dollar amount school districts can levy for enrichment, setting it as the lesser of $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed value or a per-pupil limit. This per-pupil limit is updated with specific "inflation enhancements" through 2030 and establishes a new base amount starting in 2031, impacting funding based on student enrollment. Additionally, it adjusts how the state provides local effort assistance funding to supplement these school district enrichment levies.

Maddy summaryHB 1552 extends and increases the fee assessed on real estate broker and managing broker licenses in Washington state. The bill changes the fee's expiration date from September 30, 2025, to September 30, 2035, and doubles the fee from $10 to $20 for each original and renewal license. Funds collected from this fee are deposited into the Washington real estate research account. This account supports the Washington center for real estate research, which provides studies, information, and educational services on real estate topics, including affordable housing.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1515 modernizes the regulation of alcohol service in public spaces for liquor licensees and local governments in Washington state. Until December 31, 2026, it allows local governments to request expanded outdoor alcohol service for certain licensees, offering flexibility for outdoor area enclosures and the ability for multiple businesses to share these spaces. Additionally, until December 31, 2027, the bill authorizes expanded indoor and outdoor alcohol service in designated fan zones or host cities during specific events. This enables multiple licensees to operate within a shared, approved event area, provided local governments ensure public safety and cleanliness. The bill aims to facilitate safe event experiences, particularly in preparation for a major international sports event in 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1483, also known as the "right to repair" bill, requires manufacturers of certain digital electronic products to make parts, tools, and repair documentation available to independent repair providers and product owners. This applies to consumer electronics like computers, cell phones, and appliances, aiming to increase access to affordable repair options for Washington residents. Manufacturers must offer these resources on fair and reasonable terms, with documentation and digital tools generally provided free of charge. The bill supports a competitive repair market and seeks to extend the useful life of products for consumers across the state. This legislation will become effective on July 27, 2025.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1392 establishes the Medicaid Access Program in Washington state, directly affecting health carriers and Medicaid managed care organizations. The bill implements an annual "covered lives assessment" on these entities, with specific per-member-per-month rates, to fund the program. Implementation of these assessments and the program is conditional upon federal approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, along with state appropriation certifications and contract amendments.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1774 allows the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to consider social, environmental, or economic benefits when determining lease terms for unused highway land. This applies when WSDOT leases property to public agencies, tribes, historical societies, or community-based nonprofit organizations for specific "community purposes." These purposes include providing housing, shelter programs, parks, public recreation, salmon habitat restoration, or public transportation uses. The bill outlines factors for WSDOT to evaluate such lease agreements and requires lessees to maintain the property and use it solely for the designated community purpose. WSDOT must also provide annual reports to the legislature on these active lease agreements.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1109 modifies the regulations for public facilities districts concerning their authority to impose sales and use taxes. It extends the maximum period for collecting these taxes from 40 years to 55 years when used to finance or refinance regional centers and related parking facilities. The bill also specifies the conditions under which certain public facilities districts are eligible to impose these taxes and allows them to increase their tax rates to mitigate documented revenue losses from past legislative changes.