Rep. Lisa Parshley

Maddy summaryHB 1012 explicitly authorizes the Washington State Women's Commission to solicit gifts, grants, and endowments from public or private sources. This bill amends current law to empower the commission to actively seek and accept financial contributions. These funds are designated for the commission's projects and functions that are not funded by the legislature. The commission's executive director is required to report any private funds received to the office of financial management.

Maddy summaryHB 1644, "Concerning the safety and health of working minors," aims to strengthen protections for young workers in Washington state. The bill amends the criteria for "responsible bidders" on public works contracts, requiring that contractors not have a revoked minor work permit to be eligible for these projects. It also modifies the process for issuing citations to employers who violate requirements related to minor work permits. These provisions are intended to promote adherence to safety and health standards for minors in the workplace.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 4650 is a commemorative resolution recognizing Representative Bruce Q. Chandler for his 26 years of distinguished service to the 15th Legislative District and the State of Washington. It honors his contributions in areas such as agriculture, business, early learning, and state budgeting.

Maddy summaryEngrossed Substitute House Bill 1875 expands the reasons for which employees in Washington state can use their accrued paid sick leave. It allows employees to use this leave to prepare for or participate in judicial or administrative immigration proceedings for themselves or a family member. For absences exceeding three days for this purpose, employees can provide verification through documentation from an immigration advocate, attorney, or clergy, or a written statement from the employee, without disclosing sensitive immigration status details. The bill ensures that employees can attend these proceedings without losing pay.

Maddy summaryHB 1971 requires health plans to provide reimbursement for a 12-month refill of covered prescription hormone therapy, obtained at one time, for their enrollees. This aims to increase access to these medications for patients of all ages. Starting January 1, 2026, health plans must comply, unless the enrollee requests a smaller supply, the provider instructs a smaller supply, or the therapy is a controlled substance. The 12-month supply applies to medications that can be safely stored at room temperature, while controlled substances must be covered for the maximum refill allowed by law. Prescription hormone therapy is defined as FDA-approved drugs that medically adjust hormone levels, excluding certain glucagon-like peptide-1 medications.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1494 modifies existing property tax exemptions for new and rehabilitated multiple-unit dwellings in urban centers. The bill clarifies definitions related to "affordable housing" and the population requirements for cities to qualify for these exemptions. A key provision expands the definition of "rehabilitation improvements" to include modifications to occupied buildings that increase the number of multi-family housing units. These changes do not extend the duration of the exemptions or expand them to include conversions of market-rate buildings to affordable housing. The bill primarily affects property owners, developers, and residents involved with multi-unit housing projects in designated urban areas.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 4664 is a commemorative bill that honors the life and legacy of former Speaker Frank Chopp. It recognizes his extensive public service, advocacy for social justice and housing, and his record as the longest-serving Speaker in Washington state history.

Maddy summarySubstitute House Bill 1899 modifies the requirements for the Washington State homelessness point-in-time count. The bill removes the mandate for the Department to conduct this count annually, instead allowing the Department to establish a schedule and determine the data to be collected in consultation with local governments. It also eliminates previous requirements for the Department to implement an online information and referral system and an organizational quality management system. However, provisions protecting the confidentiality of personal information collected during the count and specific protections for victims of domestic violence or sexual assault remain in effect.

Maddy summaryHB 1389 extends the expiration date for existing reporting requirements on large timber purchases. The bill requires purchasers of over 200,000 board feet of privately owned timber to report details of their acquisitions to the state department. This information includes seller and buyer details, sale price, and estimated timber volume. Originally set to expire on September 30, 2025, these reporting requirements will now remain in effect until September 30, 2029. Failure to report can result in a $250 penalty.

Maddy summaryHB 1183 reforms building codes and development regulations for cities and counties in Washington to encourage affordable and sustainable building practices. The bill mandates that cities allow for increased housing density, reduced parking requirements, and streamlined permitting when adding residential units within existing commercial or mixed-use buildings. It also provides flexibility in setback and roof height rules for existing buildings undergoing residential retrofits and for new construction or retrofits meeting "passive house" energy efficiency standards. These changes aim to reduce regulatory barriers for converting existing structures into homes and promote energy-efficient construction.