Rep. Lisa Parshley

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 1218 aims to improve services for individuals referred for competency evaluations and restoration within the criminal justice system, particularly those with behavioral health needs. The bill expands and clarifies the role of forensic navigators, who courts may appoint to assist these individuals. Forensic navigators help individuals access diversion programs, community outpatient competency restoration services, housing, and medication, while also providing updates to the court and legal parties. The goal is to reduce the demand on forensic mental health facilities by diverting individuals to community-based behavioral health care.

Maddy summaryHB 1129 requires most group health plans in Washington to cover fertility preservation services starting January 2026 and infertility diagnosis/treatment starting January 2027. It mandates coverage for two egg retrieval procedures with unlimited embryo transfers (per medical guidelines), prohibits different cost-sharing for fertility services compared to other pregnancy care, and ensures coverage extends to spouses and nonspouse dependents equally. The bill directly affects health insurers and enrollees seeking fertility care, including LGBTQ+ individuals and racial/ethnic minorities who face coverage disparities. Key provisions include banning restrictions on fertility medications and eliminating separate deductibles or waiting periods for these services.

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 2023 creates a work group to study how investment income is taxed under Washington's business tax code (RCW 82.04.4281), following a court decision that created uncertainty about whether investment income qualifies for a tax deduction. The bill temporarily blocks the Department of Revenue from taxing investment income for non-financial businesses (e.g., individuals, arts organizations, or pension funds) until July 2026, while requiring the work group to provide legislative recommendations by November 2025. The work group includes representatives from investment firms, arts organizations, pension funds, business associations, and accounting groups. It expires July 1, 2026, for the tax freeze and November 30, 2026, for the work group.

Maddy summaryHB 1907 classifies the rental or lease of individual storage spaces at self-service storage facilities as a "retail transaction" for tax purposes. This means self-storage facilities must collect and remit business and occupation taxes and sales taxes on these rentals, aligning them with other retail services. The bill amends Washington State law (RCW 82.04.050) to explicitly include storage rentals under the definition of taxable retail sales, affecting both the facilities (as taxpayers) and their customers (who pay the tax). It does not create new taxes but changes the tax treatment of an existing service. The bill is currently under review in the House Finance Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1383 establishes a state grant program to provide funding for diaper banks to purchase and distribute essential baby items like diapers and wipes to families in need. The program prioritizes providers serving marginalized low-income communities or communities of color, or those with proven capacity to distribute baby essentials at scale. Grant recipients must apply through the department, which will annually report awarded funds on its website. This bill directly affects families accessing baby supplies and diaper bank providers operating in Washington state.

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.