Rep. Lisa Parshley

Maddy summaryHB 1062 requires all health plans in Washington (including commercial plans, public employee coverage, and state Medicaid) to cover biomarker testing starting January 1, 2026. This applies to tests that measure biological markers in tissue or blood (like gene mutations) when used for diagnosis, treatment, or monitoring of a patient’s condition, provided the test is supported by FDA approvals, Medicare guidelines, clinical practice standards, or expert consensus. Plans must ensure coverage without causing unnecessary disruptions, such as requiring multiple biopsies. The bill mandates this coverage uniformly across all plan types under specific evidence-based criteria.

Maddy summaryHB 1725 requires health plans in Washington to streamline access to biosimilar medicines (safe, effective, lower-cost alternatives to brand-name biologics) by mandating clear exception processes for coverage denials. It directly affects patients, doctors, and health insurance companies by requiring health plans to: (1) post plain-language exception rules online, (2) approve exceptions meeting specific medical criteria (like drug ineffectiveness or adverse reactions), and (3) follow strict timelines (1-3 business days) for urgent/non-urgent requests. The bill eliminates barriers by ensuring health plans must cover biosimilars when clinical evidence supports them, with automatic approval if deadlines are missed. This aims to reduce prescription drug costs without altering drug approval standards.

Maddy summaryHB 1856 creates an alternative pathway for small municipal gas utilities (those with pre-2022 emissions under 27,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent) to meet climate goals under Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. These utilities can opt out of standard compliance by submitting a plan by September 1, 2025, demonstrating they will reduce emissions below 22,500 tons annually by 2030 while spending funds equivalent to their standard compliance costs. If they miss the 2030 target, they revert to full compliance and pay penalties for each ton of emissions exceeding the threshold from 2026-2030. The bill adjusts the state’s emissions program rules for 2026 onward if utilities choose this pathway, ensuring continued emissions accountability.

Maddy summaryHB 1768 restricts large corporations and investment firms from purchasing additional manufactured housing communities to prevent displacement of low-income and senior residents. It prohibits business entities owning five or more communities (or 200+ lots) and bans all investment entities from acquiring such properties. The law aims to stop sharp rent hikes and community displacement by limiting corporate ownership, with violations carrying civil penalties up to $100,000 per violation. This directly affects existing manufactured housing communities, where residents often face affordability challenges due to corporate takeovers.

Maddy summaryHB 1398 amends state law to update rules for interest arbitration panels deciding wages and working conditions for employees at adult family home providers (facilities caring for elderly or disabled individuals). The bill requires panels to consider West Coast wage comparisons for similar workers, regional cost-of-living differences, and the state's financial ability to pay. It also mandates panels to weigh factors like reducing reliance on public assistance programs (e.g., food stamps, housing aid) and promoting workforce stability in long-term care. These changes directly affect arbitration outcomes for caregivers in adult family homes across Washington. The bill does not create new funding but guides how existing resources are allocated during wage negotiations.

Maddy summaryHB 1674 requires Washington state primary care health care entities to offer hepatitis B and hepatitis C screening during annual visits, wellness checkups, or a new patient's first visit, following CDC guidelines. It allows entities to comply through direct patient offers, EHR prompts, or patient mailers, with exceptions for emergencies, prior screening, or lack of patient consent. If screening is positive, providers must offer follow-up care or referrals per clinical guidelines, and all providers must complete required hepatitis training by January 1, 2026. The bill emphasizes culturally appropriate screenings and clarifies it doesn’t change existing provider responsibilities or impose licensure penalties for non-compliance.

Maddy summaryHB 2068 prohibits the sale of all flavored tobacco and nicotine products (including menthol cigarettes, flavored vapes, cigars, and hookah) and entertainment vapor products with gaming features. It increases taxes on all tobacco products to reduce youth access and addiction, directly affecting retailers who must stop selling these items and youth who use them. The bill targets products marketed with kid-friendly flavors like cotton candy or bubble gum, which the legislature cites as driving youth initiation. Key provisions include banning flavored products, raising tobacco excise taxes, and requiring retailers to verify ages for all tobacco sales.

Maddy summaryHB 2043 addresses Washington's transportation funding challenges by creating new revenue sources to replace declining fuel tax income. It responds to rising construction costs and reduced fuel tax revenue caused by more fuel-efficient vehicles. The bill aims to ensure reliable funding for roads, transit, and infrastructure that support residents' mobility and the state's economic growth. It does not specify exact funding methods but targets multiple revenue streams to maintain transportation system service levels.

Maddy summaryHB 1639 requires Medicare Advantage insurance providers operating in Washington to disclose three specific details to current and potential enrollees: their claims denial rate (as a percentage), the percentage of denied claims later approved on appeal, and the appeals process. These disclosures must be provided before enrollment and upon request after enrollment. The bill states that failing to provide these disclosures violates Washington’s Consumer Protection Act (Chapter 19.86 RCW), classifying such failures as unfair or deceptive practices. This legislation directly affects Medicare Advantage entities serving Washington residents, aiming to increase transparency in coverage decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 2082 aims to increase funding for public K-12 education, early learning, child care, and higher education in Washington state. The bill proposes to do this by modifying the state's capital gains tax and estate tax. It introduces an additional 2.90% excise tax on an individual's Washington capital gains that exceed $1,000,000, effective January 1, 2025. For the estate tax, it increases the exclusion amount to $3,000,000 for estates of decedents dying on or after January 1, 2025, and intends to raise the top-tier rates up to 35 percent. Revenues generated from these changes would be dedicated to the education legacy trust account.