Rep. Lisa Parshley

Maddy summaryHB 2416 adjusts Washington's climate emissions program to fairly treat the state's only waste-to-energy facility under the Climate Commitment Act. It requires the state's Department of Ecology to recognize in the emissions reporting system that this facility produces fewer greenhouse gases than landfilling its waste, as confirmed by a 2024 department study. The bill amends emissions reporting rules (RCW 70A.65.080) to create special provisions for this facility, ensuring its unique status is reflected in the state's cap-and-invest program. This directly affects the facility's municipal solid waste management system and ensures it is not unfairly burdened compared to other waste management methods under the climate law.

Maddy summaryHB 2442 allows Washington counties and cities to impose specific real estate excise taxes to fund local capital projects and affordable housing. It authorizes a 0.25% tax on real property sales for general capital projects (like streets, parks, and sewer systems), with strict usage rules requiring projects to align with comprehensive plans. Additionally, it creates a separate 0.5% tax exclusively for affordable housing development, including acquisition, construction, and maintenance for low- and moderate-income residents. Local governments must document funding plans for future projects and follow voter approval processes for new taxes, while funds must be managed through competitive grant processes for housing initiatives. The bill directly affects local governments by expanding their tax tools for infrastructure and housing priorities.

Maddy summaryHB 2251 creates a dedicated state account for climate funds generated by auctioning emissions allowances under Washington's Climate Commitment Act. The bill specifies that these funds must be used for concrete climate action programs, including reducing emissions across sectors (buildings, agriculture, industry), expanding clean energy projects, supporting environmental justice in overburdened communities (requiring at least 25% of funds for these areas), and assisting fossil fuel workers transitioning to clean energy jobs. It prohibits using these funds to replace existing state programs and mandates spending only on approved climate initiatives like wildfire-resilient forests, electric vehicle infrastructure, and clean water projects that address climate impacts. The bill directly affects state climate programs, tribal governments, and low-income communities through targeted funding streams.

Maddy summaryHB 2405 establishes a pilot program to fund workplace behavioral health initiatives focused on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment and research for workers in high-risk occupations. It directs the Department of Labor & Industries to use funds from the workers' compensation medical aid fund to support projects addressing PTSD prevention, trauma-informed reintegration, and mental health programs in workplaces with repetitive trauma exposure. The program specifically allocates resources for innovative return-to-work initiatives targeting PTSD, requiring projects to address occupational PTSD risks identified through department collaboration. This pilot is part of broader workers' compensation funding priorities and does not change existing medical coverage standards for injured workers.

Maddy summaryHB 1750 creates clear guidelines for addressing voter suppression and vote dilution claims under Washington’s Voting Rights Act. It prohibits local governments (counties, cities, school districts, etc.) from implementing election policies that create material disparate burdens on voters in protected classes (race, color, or language minorities), as defined by federal law. The bill establishes that such policies are illegal unless the government proves they are necessary to serve a compelling interest with no less burdensome alternative, and it removes the requirement to prove discriminatory intent in claims. This amendment replaces outdated provisions and aligns Washington’s standards with federal voting rights protections.

Maddy summaryHB 1710 requires certain local governments (designated as "covered jurisdictions" due to documented voting rights issues) to obtain pre-approval before implementing specific voting changes. These changes include altering election methods, redrawing district boundaries, restricting language access for voters, or modifying early voting sites. Before any such "covered practice" takes effect, the local government must either seek a court declaration or get certification from the Attorney General that the change won’t diminish minority voting access. This applies to jurisdictions with a history of voting discrimination or current disparities in voter registration, participation, or other metrics affecting protected groups. The bill aims to enforce compliance with Washington’s Voting Rights Act of 2018 by adding a pre-clearance step for high-impact voting decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 1916 updates Washington state law to improve accuracy in voter registration lists. It requires county auditors to cancel registrations of deceased voters using verified death certificates or obituaries (with identity checks), and to reactivate inactive voters who update their address, respond to a confirmation notice, or vote. The bill also sets strict rules for challenging a voter's registration: challengers must provide specific evidence (like certified mail receipts or property records) and file a signed affidavit under penalty of perjury, rather than making unsupported claims. These changes directly affect county auditors managing voter lists and voters whose registrations may be challenged or updated.

Maddy summaryHB 1941 allows licensed cannabis producers in Washington to form agricultural cooperatives, treating cannabis as an agricultural product under cooperative laws. This change directly affects licensed cannabis producers who can now pool resources with other growers through cooperative associations, similar to how farmers operate. The bill amends state law (RCW 24.34.010) to explicitly include cannabis producers in agricultural cooperative provisions, enabling them to collectively process, market, and handle cannabis products. It does not alter existing licensing fees or operational requirements for producers but expands their organizational options under agricultural cooperative rules.

Maddy summaryHB 2247 defines the legal requirements for a veterinarian-client-patient relationship in Washington State. To establish this relationship, a veterinarian must have physically examined the animal within the past year (with limited telehealth exceptions for transportation barriers or urgent cases), and must document challenges or conditions for telehealth use. The bill allows ongoing telehealth care after the relationship is established but requires veterinarians to determine if a physical exam is needed. It also creates specific rules for farm operations, mandating written agreements with a "veterinarian of record" accountable for drug oversight and treatment protocols. The law ensures clients can access telehealth for emergencies or specific needs while requiring follow-up exams within 90 days for telehealth consultations.

Maddy summaryThis Washington bill requires AI companion chatbots that simulate human relationships to clearly disclose they are artificial at the start of use, every three hours, and at new sessions. For minors (under 18), it mandates hourly reminders about the artificial nature of the chatbot, blocks sexually explicit content, and prohibits manipulative tactics like fake emotional distress or excessive praise to foster dependency. It excludes customer service bots, in-game assistants, and educational tools from these rules. The law aims to prevent emotional dependency and ensure psychological safety while allowing responsible AI development.