Rep. Greg Nance

Maddy summaryHB 2455 creates a two-year housing assistance pilot program for up to 50 youth in Washington's extended foster care system who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness. The program provides rental assistance covering up to 24 months (until age 21), with participants paying no more than 30% of their income toward rent, based on local fair market rent. It requires the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to conduct transition planning for youth turning 21 and mandates a 2029 report detailing program outcomes, participant demographics, and costs by county. The bill directly affects youth aged 18-21 in extended foster care who face housing instability while navigating federal housing programs.

Maddy summaryHB 2697 expands eligibility for a property tax break that helps owners maintain historic properties by allowing two additional 7-year extensions (totaling 24 years) for properties in cities under 20,000 population, removing the prior requirement for "distressed area" designation. It requires owners to apply 90 days before expiration for extensions, which local review boards may approve or deny at their discretion. The bill directly affects owners of qualifying historic properties in smaller cities, aiming to promote revitalization of historic districts. Extensions cannot be granted after January 1, 2057, and the tax break ends with the property's cost considered as new construction upon termination.

Maddy summaryHB 2529 reconstitutes Washington's existing oversight board into a new Department of Children, Youth, and Families Accountability Board with clarified authority and updated responsibilities. The bill establishes a 19-member board with diverse representation - including tribal leaders, foster parents, child welfare experts, youth advocates, and community stakeholders - to independently monitor the Department of Children, Youth, and Families' (DCYF) performance, policies, and outcomes. Key provisions require the board to review DCYF data, request investigations, and hold public meetings twice yearly to ensure transparency and accountability. This is a procedural change to strengthen oversight structure, not a direct service or funding measure affecting families.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 4675, adopted on January 28, 2026, is a ceremonial resolution expressing the Washington State House of Representatives' gratitude to the Washington National Guard for their service. It specifically acknowledges the Guard's roles in emergency response (including flood operations and search-and-rescue missions), disaster recovery efforts (like adapting from the Oso landslide), and national defense support (such as aerial refueling capabilities). The resolution directs copies to the Adjutant General, Governor, and other officials but does not create new laws or alter policies. It directly honors National Guard members, their families, and employers without imposing any financial or operational requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires financial institutions to notify charitable organizations within 10 business days when they are named as beneficiaries in life insurance policies, retirement accounts, or other nonprobate transfers. Charities can claim property using a simplified affidavit (requiring basic documents like an IRS letter and death proof) without providing personal details about staff, such as Social Security numbers or home addresses. Institutions are barred from delaying transfers, demanding unnecessary account openings, or requiring simultaneous claims from multiple beneficiaries. The law ensures prompt, secure property transfers to charities while allowing them to sue for penalties if institutions fail to comply.

Maddy summaryHB 1809 requires Washington state to develop and implement a standardized 9-hour training program for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics on responding to behavioral health emergencies, such as overdoses and suicidal crises, by July 2026. It creates a voluntary "behavioral health endorsement" for EMTs who complete the training, allowing them to better connect individuals in crisis to community services instead of emergency departments. The bill mandates the Department of Health to adopt rules integrating this training into existing certification programs by January 2027. This aims to reduce reliance on emergency rooms for behavioral health crises while improving first responder preparedness and collaboration with co-response teams.

Maddy summaryHB 2227 would exempt sales of "qualified affordable housing" from Washington's real estate excise tax. This bill amends the state's tax code (RCW 82.45.010) to create this specific exemption for qualifying affordable housing properties. The exemption directly affects sellers of eligible affordable housing units, reducing their tax burden when selling such properties. The bill is currently pending in the House Finance Committee after being prefaced in December 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2318 adjusts eligibility requirements for quality improvement awards within Washington's Early Achievers program, which rates child care and early learning programs. The bill specifies that award recipients must serve at least 5% of enrolled children receiving state subsidies, Early Childhood Education and Assistance Programs (EEAP), or Head Start funding. It maintains the program's five-tiered rating system, requires free initial ratings for participants, and mandates public reporting of ratings on a parent-friendly website. The bill also preserves provisions for professional development pathways and voluntary participation for non-subsidized providers, while keeping school-age care exempt. This change directly affects licensed child care centers, family home providers, and early learning programs receiving state funding.

Maddy summaryHB 2117 adds a seventh member to Washington's Board of Natural Resources, specifically a tribal representative appointed by the governor from federally recognized tribes in the state. The bill amends the board's composition to include this position, requiring the governor to consult with tribes during appointments and ensuring the representative serves a four-year term starting July 1, 2026. This change directly affects the board's decision-making process on natural resource management and requires collaboration with tribal nations. The bill aims to incorporate tribal perspectives and expertise into state forestland and natural resource policies.

Maddy summaryHB 2099 expands Washington State's early childhood education and childcare assistance program to include military-connected children who don't qualify under standard eligibility rules. It creates a new pathway for children from military families (active duty, reserves, or National Guard members stationed or residing in Washington) with family incomes above 50% but below the maximum for Working Connections childcare, as long as space and funding are available. The bill requires prioritization of these children using the same existing risk-factor system that considers income, child welfare involvement, domestic violence, and other factors linked to school readiness. This new category does not count toward the state's existing entitlement program, and the changes expire on August 1, 2030.