Rep. Lisa Parshley

Maddy summaryHB 1265 reclassifies buying sex as "commercial sexual exploitation" (a class C felony, up from a misdemeanor) and imposes tiered financial penalties on offenders based on prior convictions. The bill directly affects individuals who purchase sexual services, requiring fees ranging from $3,000 for first offenses to $10,000 for repeat violations. Revenue from these fees must fund local prevention efforts, including offender education programs like "john schools" and survivor support services. The bill specifically addresses exploitation of vulnerable groups, including children, LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, and those in poverty or foster care, as outlined in its legislative intent. It is currently pending in the House Committee on Community Safety.

Maddy summaryHB 1864 requires health plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, to cover ground ambulance transport to non-emergency facilities like urgent care clinics, mental health centers, or substance use disorder programs. It amends existing laws to mandate this coverage for behavioral health emergencies (effective January 1, 2025) and establishes reimbursement rules for medical assistance programs. The bill directly affects health insurers, ambulance services, and patients seeking non-emergency care. It creates a policy change ensuring coverage for transport to these facilities without requiring prior authorization for emergency situations.

Maddy summaryHB 1921 establishes a mileage-based road usage fee system to replace declining fuel tax revenue, directly affecting vehicle owners - starting with electric/hybrid vehicles in 2027 and phasing in conventional vehicles based on fuel efficiency by 2035. The bill creates a voluntary program for EVs/hybrids (2027-2029) and a mandatory program for increasingly efficient conventional vehicles (starting 2029), replacing existing registration fees like those in RCW 46.17.323/324. Fees are calculated per mile driven, with privacy protections for location data emphasized as a core requirement. The phased approach aims to maintain current transportation funding levels while adapting to fuel-efficient vehicle adoption.

Maddy summaryHB 1968 makes it a crime to knowingly expose a child or dependent adult to fentanyl, synthetic opioids, or methamphetamine precursors (like ephedrine or anhydrous ammonia). It specifically targets situations where a caregiver allows a vulnerable person to come into contact with these substances, excluding medical use. The law exempts child welfare workers and their staff from criminal liability under this provision, and violations would be charged as a class B felony. This bill directly affects parents, guardians, and caregivers who endanger vulnerable individuals through substance exposure.

Maddy summaryHB 1814 proposes to exempt certain decisions regarding the development or extension of trails and paths from the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and equivalent local environmental review requirements. This exemption applies to projects that are 10 acres or less, located on a railroad right-of-way designated for interim trail use, and situated within cities with a population of 500,000 or more. The bill requires developers to post public notice on the property for at least 30 days before final approval. Additionally, it mandates early and meaningful consultation with potentially affected federally recognized tribes to discuss impacts on cultural resources and treaty rights, including a mediation process if an agreement is not reached.

Maddy summaryHB 1557 establishes Washington's Guaranteed Admissions Program, which guarantees admission to public four-year colleges for eligible high school seniors meeting specific criteria. It requires participating colleges (including tribal institutions and state universities) to simplify application processes starting in 2026-27, and mandates high schools to share student data with colleges to identify qualified applicants. The bill also requires all high schools to provide annual notifications to students in grades 9-12 about this program, the Washington College Grant, dual credit options, and other college pathways. Institutions may opt out of the program by reporting their reasons to the legislature, but must still pursue alternative access initiatives.

Maddy summaryHB 1153 creates a framework for cities to use "tree banks" that allow developers to remove trees in one area if they plant or pay to add trees elsewhere in neighborhoods needing greater canopy coverage - such as those facing environmental inequality, urban heat islands, or areas critical for salmon/orca recovery. It requires the Department of Natural Resources to develop voluntary model regulations for local governments, emphasizing the protection of "vital trees" first while enabling housing development. The bill amends state law to define key terms like "tree bank," "highly impacted community," and "urban forest," ensuring local rules balance tree preservation with housing needs. It does not mandate adoption of the model rules, leaving implementation decisions to individual cities and counties.

Maddy summaryHB 1588 creates a state action plan to help Washington farmers transition to organic and regenerative farming by identifying certification barriers, expanding markets, and supporting job creation - especially for youth and underrepresented communities. It also establishes a $25,000 microgrant program for farmers using climate-smart practices (like cover cropping or soil health improvements), prioritizing projects in overburdened communities and those measuring environmental benefits like carbon sequestration. The action plan must be submitted by June 2027, and the microgrants program expires June 2028. These provisions directly affect agricultural producers, processors, and distributors seeking to adopt sustainable practices while addressing certification costs and infrastructure gaps.

Maddy summaryHB 1915 strengthens tenant protections by restricting no-cause evictions and setting specific notice requirements for landlords. It mandates 60 days' written notice for ending 6-12 month leases without cause, and requires 30 days' notice for nonpayment evictions in "covered" housing (federally assisted properties or those with federally backed mortgages). Tenants in these properties can defend against evictions if landlords failed to maintain habitable conditions, with courts able to award damages and attorney fees. The bill directly affects renters in Washington State, particularly those in subsidized housing, by limiting landlord flexibility and reinforcing habitability standards.

Maddy summaryHB 1914 updates fees for Washington State Parks' Discover Pass and day-use permits, raising the annual Discover Pass from $30 to $45 and day-use permits from $10 to $15. It requires the Office of Financial Management to review and adjust these fees every four years to account for inflation, ensuring they keep pace with rising costs of maintaining parks. The bill directly affects all visitors and residents using Washington's state parks by vehicle or for day visits. These changes implement the original 2011 law's provision for periodic fee adjustments due to inflation.