Rep. Beth Doglio

Maddy summaryHB 1434 amends Washington State law to officially recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as state legal holidays, adding them to the existing list of recognized days. These Islamic holidays, which shift annually based on the lunar calendar, will now be included in the state's holiday schedule alongside established dates like New Year's Day and Thanksgiving. The bill affects state employees, who will be entitled to paid time off for these holidays under existing provisions for state legal holidays, as outlined in RCW 1.16.050. This change makes Washington the first U.S. state to formally recognize both Eid holidays as official state observances.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Memorial 4003 is a non-binding resolution from the Washington State Legislature urging the U.S. government to join international efforts in developing a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. It calls for ending new fossil fuel exploration and expansion, phasing out existing production in line with climate science, and prioritizing worker and community support during the transition. The memorial aligns with Washington’s existing climate laws, including the Climate Commitment Act and the HEAL Act, which aim to reduce emissions and address environmental health disparities. It directly addresses the U.S. President, Congress, and the United Nations to advance global climate action.

Maddy summaryHB 1326 requires health insurance plans in Washington State to cover obesity treatment starting January 1, 2026. It mandates coverage for three specific treatments: intensive behavioral therapy (including telemedicine), metabolic/bariatric surgery, and FDA-approved obesity medications. The law prohibits insurers from applying stricter coverage rules for obesity than for other medical conditions, ensuring equal treatment for deductibles, copays, and annual limits. This applies to all health plans issued or renewed in Washington, directly affecting millions of Washingtonians with obesity who rely on insurance for these treatments.

Maddy summaryHB 1056 empowers Washington's Attorney General to investigate and take legal action against local law enforcement and corrections agencies for systemic misconduct, such as excessive force, discriminatory practices, or inadequate detention conditions. The bill allows the AG to issue civil investigative demands, file lawsuits for systemic reforms, and seek court-ordered policy changes without addressing individual officer misconduct. It specifically applies to county and city agencies (excluding state entities like the Washington State Patrol) and requires coordination with federal investigations. The law does not replace existing legal remedies but aims to promote consistent accountability and transparency in local policing and corrections practices.

Maddy summaryHB 1882 imposes a temporary 2% state tax on short-term lodging (like hotels and vacation rentals) for stays between April 1, 2026, and September 30, 2026, affecting businesses that provide such accommodations. The tax applies to reservations made after the bill's effective date and excludes stays of one month or longer. Revenue collected will fund a new "enhanced tourism account," with 25% distributed to counties based on tax collection, 25% supporting human trafficking victim programs, and 50% for state tourism initiatives. The tax and account expire on July 1, 2027, with any remaining funds transferred to the state general fund.

Maddy summaryHB 1894 requires Washington public school districts to incorporate curriculum about the history, culture, and government of nearby federally recognized tribes into social studies by September 1, 2026, directly affecting all K-12 schools. It mandates districts to consult with tribes during curriculum updates and use the "John McCoy (lulilaš)" curriculum as a starting point. The bill creates an Office of Native Education within the superintendent’s office to support districts in developing these materials and requires annual monitoring of compliance starting in 2025-26. The law expires September 1, 2029, and requires districts to report on tribal collaborations and curriculum implementation.

Maddy summaryHB 1122 requires Washington public schools to restrict student mobile device use during instructional hours starting in the 2026-27 school year. It directs the state superintendent to report by December 2025 on successful strategies (like time limits or device storage) and exceptions (for emergencies, disabilities, or instructional needs), then mandates school districts to adopt compliant policies based on a state-developed model. The bill aims to reduce classroom distractions and support student mental health, citing research showing smartphones lower test performance by about six percent. It specifically excludes school-issued devices and applies to all public school districts, including charter and tribal schools.

Maddy summaryWashington State's HB 1862 limits the maximum length of freight, passenger, and work trains operating within the state to 8,500 feet, directly affecting all railroad carriers (including those operating through Washington) that transport freight or passengers. The bill requires trains exceeding this length to obtain specific approval from the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which may allow trains up to 10,000 feet only if equipped with additional safety measures: extra crew members, accessible air brake valves, and emergency communication systems. Violations carry fines starting at $25,000 for the first offense, doubling with each subsequent violation. The law aims to address safety risks from excessively long trains on Washington's varied terrain, particularly regarding emergency response and infrastructure safety.

Maddy summaryHB 1203 prohibits the sale of all flavored tobacco and nicotine products (including fruit, mint, or candy flavors) and entertainment vapor products with gaming features (like Pac-Man) starting January 1, 2026. It directly affects retailers who sell these products and aims to reduce youth vaping, as 88% of youth vapers use flavored products. The bill defines "flavored" broadly to include any non-tobacco taste or cooling sensation, and bans interactive devices that display games or videos. This targets products marketed to youth, such as those with cotton candy flavors or menthol cigarettes, which the bill states contribute to addiction and health disparities in Black and Hispanic communities. The law applies to all tobacco/nicotine products sold in Washington, excluding FDA-approved nicotine therapies and cannabis products.

Maddy summaryHB 1713 establishes a process for automatic voter registration of tribal members in Washington. It requires the Secretary of State to create state-tribal compacts with federally recognized tribes (whose traditional lands include Washington) to automatically register eligible tribal members. Under the bill, tribes would submit resolutions to initiate compacts, and after approval, tribes would send voter data meeting specific criteria (citizenship, address, signature) to the state for automatic registration. This would add tribal members to voter rolls without requiring separate applications, with acknowledgment notices sent within five business days.