Rep. Tarra Simmons

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.

Maddy summaryHB 2182 authorizes Washington's Department of Health to directly acquire, distribute, and dispense abortion medications (like mifepristone and misoprostol) to healthcare providers and entities offering reproductive care, including abortion services. The bill creates a state-run program to prioritize bulk distribution to clinics and hospitals, allowing the department to sell medications at cost (plus a $5 per dose fee for secure handling) or free in 2025, with revenues going to the general fund. This directly affects healthcare providers who can now receive these medications through the state program and patients seeking abortion care. The law exempts the department from needing a wholesaler's license for these activities under specific state laws.

Maddy summaryHB 2190 grants language access providers (like interpreters for state agencies) the right to collectively bargain with the governor as their employer, but only for specific services. It creates three statewide bargaining units: one for health/social services appointments, one for workers' compensation/crime victims, and one for other state agency services. Bargaining is limited to pay, training, grievance procedures, and benefits - excluding retirement - and requires the governor to request funding approval from the legislature for any agreement. The bill clarifies these providers are not state employees for other purposes and includes strict budget processes for implementing agreements.

Maddy summaryHB 2662 requires Washington's state investment board to integrate environmental, social, and governance principles into managing public retirement and trust funds. It prohibits investments in companies involved in forced labor, coal production, tobacco manufacturing, severe environmental harm, or violations of international humanitarian law, while still prioritizing strong financial returns. The board must annually report on how these principles guide investment decisions and develop proxy voting guidelines to address related risks. This directly affects the board’s management of billions in state funds, including retirement accounts and public trust assets.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires private developers using federal low-income housing tax credits to formally transfer home ownership to tenants through programs like rent-to-own or eventual tenant ownership. Developers must set aside funds, clearly inform tenants of ownership rights, and complete transfers on time per agreements. The state housing agency must monitor progress annually, investigate tenant complaints within six months, and impose penalties - including losing future tax credits - for violations. It directly affects developers participating in these federal programs and tenants seeking homeownership opportunities.

Maddy summaryHB 2122 requires Washington hospitals to offer annual flu vaccinations to two specific patient groups: adults 65 or older, and any patient (regardless of age) with a chronic health condition. This applies each year from October 1 to March 1, beginning July 1, 2027, unless the vaccine is unavailable at the hospital or the immunization is medically unsafe for the patient. Hospitals are exempt during declared state emergencies or disasters, and critical access hospitals certified under federal law are also excluded. The law focuses on expanding access to flu shots for high-risk patients during peak flu season through a straightforward hospital offering requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 2644 requires all Washington state law enforcement officers to activate body-worn cameras during every public interaction or incident starting July 1, 2027, with limited exceptions for undercover operations or personal breaks (requiring verbal justification for deactivation). It mandates secure digital storage of recordings, minimum 90-day retention for routine incidents, and three-year retention for use-of-force cases, arrests, or complaints. Law enforcement agencies must update policies by July 2027 to cover activation rules, public notification, deactivation documentation, officer training, and data security. The bill also grants citizens the right to request recordings at no cost, while preempting local laws inconsistent with these statewide standards.

Maddy summaryHB 2651 allows Washington's Attorney General or county prosecutors to direct the state patrol to collect and securely retain digital evidence identifying federal agents accused of misconduct, such as location data, cell tower records, or facial recognition information. It applies to federal law enforcement officers and Department of Homeland Security contractors accused of misconduct like excessive force, assault, or constitutional rights violations. Complainants can only access this digital evidence through a court order in a related civil rights or criminal case. The bill establishes a clear process for gathering and limiting access to this data, focusing on factual evidence for accountability.

Maddy summaryHB 2643 protects peace officers from disciplinary action solely based on being listed on prosecutor-maintained "Brady and Giglio lists" (which flag officers with potential impeachment evidence). It requires law enforcement agencies to base discipline on the underlying misconduct, not the list placement itself. The bill grants officers a due process right to challenge their listing in superior court, where evidence is reviewed confidentially under seal, with a preponderance-of-evidence standard. This ensures officers can contest their inclusion without public disclosure, while preserving prosecutors' legal duty to share impeachment evidence under Brady/Giglio.