Rep. Lisa Parshley

Maddy summaryHB 2463 creates two new grant programs to connect Washington farmers with hunger relief organizations. It establishes a "farm donation grant program" that provides funds to nonprofits to purchase surplus farm products (like produce, dairy, and protein) directly from Washington growers, compensating farmers for harvest and logistical costs. A second "farm-to-food pantry grant program" supports nonprofits in building direct contracts between farmers, tribes, and food hubs to supply food pantries. The bill prioritizes organizations with at least five years of experience and aims to ensure equitable access for minority, veteran, women, and tribal farmers. The law requires grant recipients to report results to the state department and is known as the "Washington Farmers Feeding Families Act."

Maddy summaryHB 2458 would expand Washington's college grant program to cover students enrolled in eligible nondegree credential programs (such as career certificates or short-term workforce training) starting in the 2027-28 academic year. It requires the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges and the Student Achievement Council to propose maximum grant amounts for these programs by December 2026. To qualify, students must still meet existing financial need criteria (e.g., public assistance program participation) and be Washington residents. This change allows students to use the grant for shorter, degree-free training without pursuing a full college credential.

Maddy summaryHB 2537 provides free emissions allowances (credits) to specific manufacturing facilities classified as "emissions-intensive and trade-exposed" under Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. It directly affects 13 manufacturing sectors, including metals, paper, aerospace, cement, and petroleum refining, as defined by North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. The bill establishes that qualifying facilities receive allowances based on historical emissions intensity or a mass-based production baseline, with the percentage of free allowances gradually decreasing from 100% (2023-2026) to 94% (2031-2034). This policy modifies how emissions credits are distributed to these facilities during compliance periods, without altering overall emissions caps.

Maddy summaryHB 2526 redefines "patronizing a person for prostitution" as a crime targeting individuals who pay for sexual activity, with penalties escalating based on prior offenses (gross misdemeanor for first offense, class C felony for two or more prior convictions after April 1, 2026). It imposes mandatory fees on convicted individuals or those entering reduced charges/diversion agreements: $3,000 for first offenses, $5,000 for one prior offense, and $10,000 for two or more prior offenses. Ninety-eight percent of these fees must fund community-based survivor-led services like mental health counseling, housing, and job training, while 2% goes to the Department of Commerce for reporting. The bill also requires courts to establish payment plans for those unable to pay in full and prohibits fee waivers without documented inability to pay.

Maddy summaryHB 2684 establishes state guidelines to define "socially disadvantaged individuals" for business certification under Washington state programs. It directly affects minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises seeking state contracts by creating a standardized certification process. The bill presumes individuals who are women, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian, Middle Eastern/North African, or LGBTQ+ qualify as socially disadvantaged, with the state office able to add other groups via rule. This centralizes certification under one state office to prevent duplication and streamline participation in state and local government contracting programs.

Maddy summaryHJR 4210 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would replace fixed session length limits for Washington's legislature with flexible rules. Currently, the constitution mandates 105-day regular sessions in odd-numbered years and 60-day sessions in even-numbered years; this amendment would allow the legislature to set session durations through regular laws instead. If approved by voters, the legislature could adjust session lengths based on evolving needs, such as addressing urgent issues or budget cycles. The amendment requires voter approval at the next general election and does not change the legislature's authority to pass laws or the structure of legislative sessions. This directly affects how Washington's state legislature organizes its annual work schedule.

Maddy summaryHB 2447 designates the bluntnose sixgill shark (Hexanchus griseus) as Washington's official state shark. The bill cites the species' unique traits - like having six gill slits instead of five, reaching over 15 feet in length, and being commonly observed in Puget Sound - as reasons for the designation. It states this will promote public awareness of Washington's marine ecosystems and support conservation efforts. The bill is purely ceremonial, with no new regulations or funding, and follows a common practice of designating state symbols.

Maddy summaryHB 2520 allows public agencies in Washington to hold emergency meetings remotely or outside regular locations when necessary for urgent action during declared emergencies. It requires agencies to provide free, real-time public access to these meetings via phone, internet, or broadcast, and to clearly state how the public can participate. The bill also updates rules for special meetings outside county seats for local concerns and joint meetings between counties. These changes ensure emergency meetings remain transparent and accessible while maintaining public accountability under state open-meeting laws.

Maddy summaryHB 2402 bans the use of DEHP (a phthalate chemical) in intravenous (IV) medical equipment in Washington state. Starting January 1, 2030, it prohibits manufacturing, selling, or distributing IV bags containing intentionally or unintentionally added DEHP above 0.1% weight per weight, with IV tubing restrictions beginning January 1, 2035. The law also forbids replacing DEHP with other phthalates and exempts certain blood collection products. It directly affects medical device manufacturers, distributors, and healthcare facilities in Washington, requiring them to transition to DEHP-free alternatives by the specified deadlines. The bill aims to reduce exposure to DEHP, linked to health risks including endocrine disruption and potential cancer concerns, through concrete phase-out timelines.

Maddy summaryHB 2545 requires Washington's Department of Health to establish rules by July 2027 allowing ambulatory surgical facilities (outpatient centers) to perform elective heart procedures called percutaneous coronary interventions. The bill directly affects patients seeking these procedures outside hospitals and ambulatory surgical facilities that may expand services. It mandates an independent review of factors like patient safety, access, and costs before creating these rules, while ensuring University of Washington's cardiac training volumes are maintained. The law aims to expand access to heart care in outpatient settings without disrupting existing hospital cardiac services.