Rep. Tarra Simmons

Maddy summaryHB 2132 protects student privacy for Washington state financial aid applications by making personally identifying and financial information exempt from public records requests. It limits how long institutions and the state council retain application records (one year after the award year ends, unless an audit or appeal is pending) and restricts sharing this data with other entities, including the federal government, without a court order or specific data-sharing agreements. The bill directly affects students applying for state financial aid (excluding the federal FAFSA) and state agencies handling these applications. Key provisions include strict privacy safeguards for sensitive data and clear limits on data sharing to prevent unauthorized disclosure.

Maddy summaryHB 2536 allows Washington wineries to operate restaurants that serve spirits, beer, and wine on their own premises or on adjacent property they own or lease. This bill amends state licensing rules to let domestic wineries hold "spirits, beer, and wine restaurant" licenses at their primary manufacturing sites or authorized additional locations. Previously, wineries could only sell wine at their facilities, but this change permits them to serve all three beverage types in a full-service restaurant setting. The policy directly affects Washington wineries, particularly those with multiple locations seeking to expand on-site dining options.

Maddy summaryHB 2705 amends Washington state campaign finance laws to allow candidates and their committees to use surplus campaign funds for legal expenses related to ethics complaints, investigations, or hearings. Specifically, it permits holding surplus funds in a separate account to cover eligible legal fees incurred after January 1, 2025, such as those from investigations under Chapter 42.52 RCW or local ethics codes. Candidates must document these expenses and report them per existing campaign finance rules. This change clarifies that such disbursements do not count as campaign contributions.

Maddy summaryHB 2217 creates a rehabilitative pathway for individuals in Washington state charged with certain non-violent, non-sex felony offenses who have no prior felony convictions. Eligible defendants may request a court to defer conviction and sentencing for up to one year, during which they must comply with conditions like community service or treatment. If they successfully complete the deferral period, the charges are dismissed; if not, they face sentencing for the original offense. The bill excludes violent offenses, most drug crimes, and certain DUI charges from eligibility.

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 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 summaryHB 2243 adds physical and occupational therapists to the list of authorized "attending providers" for workers' compensation claims in Washington State. The bill amends statutes (RCW 51.08.200, 51.28.010, and others) to explicitly include these professionals, alongside physicians and other licensed providers, when treating injured workers. This change directly affects injured workers who require physical or occupational therapy, allowing them to receive care from these specialists under workers' compensation. The law updates provider eligibility requirements and reporting procedures to reflect this expansion, ensuring therapists are recognized in the claims process.

Maddy summaryThis bill would change Washington state law to reduce the standard workweek from 40 to 32 hours for most private-sector employees. It amends overtime rules to require 1.5x pay for hours worked beyond 32 per week, replacing the current 40-hour threshold. Specific exemptions apply to certain industries, including agriculture, transportation (like truck drivers), seamen, and public safety roles, as detailed in the bill text. The change directly affects most non-exempt workers in Washington’s private sector, excluding those covered under the listed exemptions.

Maddy summaryThis Washington state House resolution (HR 4670) formally recognizes May as Arthritis Awareness Month in Washington. It acknowledges the widespread impact of arthritis, citing statistics such as over 54 million affected Americans, $304 billion in annual economic costs, and specific local data including 634,000 Washington adults with arthritis-related activity limitations. The resolution does not create new programs or funding but symbolically affirms the state's recognition of arthritis as a leading cause of disability and its significant health and economic burden. It follows the federal designation of May as National Arthritis Month established in 1972.

Maddy summaryHB 2542 requires Washington-based animal testing facilities, contract testing facilities, and drug manufacturers to use non-animal test methods for drug development when scientifically valid alternatives are available. It prohibits the use of animal test methods in the drug development process (including discovery and preclinical research) if equivalent or better alternatives exist, defined as methods validated by federal bodies that don’t involve animals. The law does not apply if federal regulations mandate animal testing, and violations are treated as unfair trade practices under Washington’s consumer protection law. This directly affects entities conducting drug safety and efficacy testing within the state, aiming to align with federal policy supporting non-animal testing methods.