Rep. Lisa Parshley

Maddy summaryThis bill gives Washington state agencies and local governments authority to remove abandoned or hazardous vessels (like those sunk, obstructing waterways, or endangering property) after a 7-day notice period. It directly affects vessel owners who leave boats unattended and local entities managing aquatic lands. Key provisions require authorities to prioritize environmentally sound disposal, sell vessels at auction if possible, and use sale proceeds first to cover removal costs, environmental damages, and administrative fees before addressing liens. The law also establishes clear procedures for owners to contest removal decisions or costs through hearings.

Maddy summaryHB 1687 clarifies definitions and expands support mechanisms for social housing public development authorities in Washington State. It defines "social housing" as publicly owned rental housing available to all income levels (low, moderate, and high-income households) with cross-subsidized rents, and establishes specific income thresholds based on HUD data. The bill enables state and local governments to provide property, infrastructure, or funding to these authorities without standard bidding requirements, while requiring five days of public notice for such transactions. It directly affects social housing authorities, state/local governments, and residents of subsidized housing projects across Washington. The legislation focuses on structural changes to housing authority operations, not on new funding or outcomes.

Maddy summaryHB 1859 allows Washington religious organizations to develop affordable housing on their properties with increased density allowances. To qualify, at least 50% of units must be permanently affordable for low-income households (earning at or below 80% of local median income) for 50 years, with no discrimination based on protected characteristics. Religious organizations must cover all development fees and costs, and local governments must approve such projects if requested. This applies to new construction and rehab projects on religiously owned land, amending zoning laws to support affordable housing expansion.

Maddy summaryHB 2616 creates a new "harvest assistance account" to fund rapid response to severe weather or market disruptions affecting crop harvests, managed by the Washington Department of Agriculture. It requires the Department to develop a strategy by December 2028 to expand purchases of Washington-grown food by state agencies, prisons, and public schools. The bill also amends multiple statutes to define key terms like "covered materials" and "de minimis producer" (small agricultural businesses with limited revenue). These changes aim to support local food systems and streamline agricultural supply chain responses, directly affecting Washington farmers and state purchasing entities.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes September 30, 2026, as Every Child Matters Day in the Washington State House of Representatives to honor victims and survivors of Indian boarding schools. It acknowledges the historical removal of Indigenous children from their families and communities, which aimed to assimilate them and resulted in cultural destruction and unmarked graves. The resolution also commends efforts to identify and preserve resources documenting the existence of these schools and the experiences of the children who attended them.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution that celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, a federal law ensuring students with disabilities receive appropriate public education. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves to honor the law's impact and encourage public recognition of its contributions. The resolution acknowledges the role of families, educators, and advocates in supporting students with disabilities across Washington state. It expresses the legislature's commitment to maintaining equitable educational practices and inclusive opportunities for all learners.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States founding on July 4, 2026, specifically focusing on Washington State's role in that history. The bill formally recognizes the significance of the Declaration of Independence and encourages citizens, organizations, and businesses in Washington to participate in commemorative events celebrating American heritage and federalist principles. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of the nation's founding ideals and Washington's contributions to the country's development.

Maddy summaryHB 2745 temporarily increases the insurance premium tax rate for Washington insurers to fund health insurance premium assistance. For 2026, the tax rises to 2.75% (from a base 2.0%), and for 2027 onward, it remains at 2.0%. The portion of the tax exceeding 2% must be deposited into the state health care affordability account to support a program helping residents pay health insurance premiums. The bill prohibits insurers from passing this tax increase to consumers through higher premiums or rates, unless the insurance commissioner approves it to prevent carrier insolvency or consumer harm.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HR 4697) honoring Dr. Bernal Baca, recognizing his decades of service to Washington state. It highlights his work as a 30-year Yakima Valley College professor, founder of the Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs, leader in labor and education advocacy, and executive director of a Tacoma-based Latino community nonprofit. The resolution formally acknowledges his contributions to justice, education, and community building, with no policy changes or direct effects on specific groups. As a procedural measure, it serves solely to express the House's recognition of his legacy.

Maddy summaryHR 4700 designates March 9 as "Billy Frank Jr. Day" to honor the late Nisqually Tribe leader who dedicated his life to protecting tribal treaty fishing rights and environmental conservation. The resolution commemorates his pivotal role in landmark legal cases securing tribal fishing rights and his decades-long efforts to foster collaboration on salmon habitat restoration and natural resource management. It recognizes his legacy of consensus-building between tribes, state authorities, and diverse stakeholders to uphold treaty obligations and protect Washington's ecosystems. The resolution does not create new policy but serves as a symbolic tribute to his advocacy.