Rep. Lisa Parshley

Maddy summaryHB 1567 requires health care administrators at Washington hospitals to obtain a state license starting January 1, 2027. It defines these roles as nonclinical managers or directors who oversee hiring, compliance, operations, or patient care policies for clinical staff, but excludes federal employees like those in the U.S. Armed Forces. The bill mandates passing a state-administered exam on health care laws and ethics, paying fees, and completing annual continuing education to maintain licensure. The Washington Department of Health will manage licensing, set fees, and enforce rules, including disciplinary actions for unprofessional conduct like unsafe fiscal decisions. This applies only to hospital employees in Washington, not to all health care workers.

Maddy summaryHB 1989 amends Washington State law to make assaults against transit employees a class C felony. The bill specifically targets assaults occurring while transit workers - such as operators, drivers, supervisors, mechanics, or security personnel - perform their official duties for public or private transit companies. This expands existing assault penalties to include these workers, increasing the offense level from a gross misdemeanor to a felony. The law applies directly to anyone committing such assaults, with no mention of exceptions or additional requirements beyond the worker's duty status.

Maddy summaryHB 1817 requires Washington public schools to implement trauma-informed training for all staff on responding to sexual assault disclosures, including mandatory bystander intervention. It mandates that school staff receive this training during hiring and every three years, starting August 2027. The bill also directs the state superintendent to create a culturally responsive, translated student and family guide to school policies on sexual harassment and assault by November 2026. These provisions directly affect school employees, students, and families in public elementary and secondary schools across Washington.

Maddy summaryHB 1855 amends Washington state law to prohibit public school discrimination based on additional protected categories, directly affecting students and schools statewide. It adds specific definitions for terms like gender identity, gender expression, neurodivergence, immigration status, and homelessness, then updates the existing anti-discrimination statute (RCW 28A.642.010) to explicitly include these categories. The law expands protections beyond current federal standards, ensuring schools cannot discriminate on these grounds in educational settings. It focuses on creating inclusive environments by addressing barriers to learning for marginalized students, including LGBTQ+ youth and neurodivergent students. The policy change is a direct update to school anti-discrimination rules, not a new program or funding measure.

Maddy summaryHB 1495 establishes a two-year pilot program in eastern Washington to provide financial support for college and career training. It directly affects high school graduates in 10 counties east of the Cascade Mountains who meet income limits (150% of state median family income), enroll in local postsecondary programs within a year of graduation, and apply for federal/state aid. The program offers up to $5,000 annually for tuition and fees (after other aid is applied) to 100 students yearly, plus a separate high school component providing full community college tuition for two years at three selected schools. Funding comes from state matching funds (up to $500,000 for 2026 and $1 million for 2027) paired with private contributions, with reporting required on student outcomes by December 2028. The program expires August 1, 2029.

Maddy summaryHB 1430 requires health carriers in Washington state to reimburse advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants at the same rate as physicians for providing identical health care services. This mandate applies to health plans issued or renewed starting January 1, 2026, excluding those offered to public employees. Health carriers are prohibited from decreasing physician reimbursement rates to meet this requirement. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner will collect data on the implementation, including rate changes and costs, and report to the legislature by July 1, 2027. This section does not apply to advanced practice registered nurses or physician assistants who are employees of a health maintenance organization.

Maddy summaryHB 1545 creates a statewide cardiac and stroke care system in Washington, requiring hospitals and emergency medical services (EMS) providers to submit data on patient care starting in 2027. The Department of Health will establish a registry to collect this data, analyze performance, and develop quality improvement plans focused on reducing death and disability from heart attacks and strokes. The bill mandates annual reports on system progress, with a 2028 report specifically evaluating whether on-site hospital inspections are needed. It also allocates funds to support rural hospitals in meeting data requirements and includes public education on stroke/heart attack symptoms and 911 use.

Maddy summaryHB 1672 restricts how Washington employers can use technology to monitor employees, requiring clear notice and limiting monitoring to specific, necessary purposes. Employers must provide 15 days' written notice detailing the monitoring method, purpose, data usage, and access rules before implementation, and can only use electronic monitoring for essential job functions, safety, production tracking, or compensation calculation. The law explicitly protects sensitive employee data, including health information like gender-affirming care, reproductive health, and biometric details, preventing misuse for employment decisions. It directly affects all Washington employees subject to workplace technology monitoring, ensuring transparency and limiting invasive practices.

Maddy summaryHB 1866 creates a pilot program allowing Washington state agencies to provide one-time advance funds to eligible nonprofits that have received state grants. Nonprofits must have a recent grant (within six months), a strong performance history, a budget under $5 million, and work in areas like public health, safety, or welfare. Advances are capped at 25% of the grant amount or $100,000 (whichever is lower) and must be repaid from future grant funds. The program expires June 30, 2028, requiring a 2027 report evaluating its effectiveness and recommending future action.

Maddy summaryHB 1534 raises the minimum age to purchase tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor products from 18 to 21 in Washington State. It requires retailers to verify customers' ages using specific photo ID with signature (e.g., driver's licenses, tribal ID cards) and imposes stricter penalties for sales to minors. Violations now carry fines starting at $1,500 for first offenses and up to $15,000 for repeated violations, with license suspensions or revocations for repeated breaches. The bill directly affects retailers selling these products, targeting underage access through enhanced enforcement mechanisms.