Rep. Tarra Simmons

Maddy summaryHB 1642 allows specific retirement system members who were never given a choice between two plan options to transfer to plan 2. It applies to teachers who joined Teachers' Retirement System plans 2/3 between 1996-2007, school employees who joined School Employees' Retirement System plans 2/3 between 2000-2007, and public employees starting after 2025 (effective January 2026). Members must make an irrevocable January transfer choice for future service, but retirees cannot transfer. The legislature reserves the right to modify this provision.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Memorial 4003 is a non-binding resolution from the Washington State Legislature urging the U.S. government to join international efforts in developing a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. It calls for ending new fossil fuel exploration and expansion, phasing out existing production in line with climate science, and prioritizing worker and community support during the transition. The memorial aligns with Washington’s existing climate laws, including the Climate Commitment Act and the HEAL Act, which aim to reduce emissions and address environmental health disparities. It directly addresses the U.S. President, Congress, and the United Nations to advance global climate action.

Maddy summaryHB 1927 creates a temporary pilot program (running until 2028) allowing tenants to voluntarily request that their on-time rent payments be reported to credit bureaus. Landlords must agree in writing to participate, and tenants must provide written consent to have their credit scores tracked before and after reporting. The program initially targets up to 100 tenants, prioritizing underserved communities, and only reports rent payments (not fees or other charges). Participation is entirely voluntary for both tenants and landlords, with no cost to tenants and potential reimbursement for landlords' administrative expenses.

Maddy summaryHB 1218 aims to improve services for individuals referred for competency evaluations and restoration within the criminal justice system, particularly those with behavioral health needs. The bill expands and clarifies the role of forensic navigators, who courts may appoint to assist these individuals. Forensic navigators help individuals access diversion programs, community outpatient competency restoration services, housing, and medication, while also providing updates to the court and legal parties. The goal is to reduce the demand on forensic mental health facilities by diverting individuals to community-based behavioral health care.

Maddy summaryHB 1129 requires most group health plans in Washington to cover fertility preservation services starting January 2026 and infertility diagnosis/treatment starting January 2027. It mandates coverage for two egg retrieval procedures with unlimited embryo transfers (per medical guidelines), prohibits different cost-sharing for fertility services compared to other pregnancy care, and ensures coverage extends to spouses and nonspouse dependents equally. The bill directly affects health insurers and enrollees seeking fertility care, including LGBTQ+ individuals and racial/ethnic minorities who face coverage disparities. Key provisions include banning restrictions on fertility medications and eliminating separate deductibles or waiting periods for these services.

Maddy summaryHB 1056 empowers Washington's Attorney General to investigate and take legal action against local law enforcement and corrections agencies for systemic misconduct, such as excessive force, discriminatory practices, or inadequate detention conditions. The bill allows the AG to issue civil investigative demands, file lawsuits for systemic reforms, and seek court-ordered policy changes without addressing individual officer misconduct. It specifically applies to county and city agencies (excluding state entities like the Washington State Patrol) and requires coordination with federal investigations. The law does not replace existing legal remedies but aims to promote consistent accountability and transparency in local policing and corrections practices.

Maddy summaryHB 1127 clarifies when money in prearranged funeral service contracts becomes unclaimed property, changing the abandonment timeline from 50 years to a 3-year presumption. It specifies that funds are presumed abandoned three years after the beneficiary's death (using death certificates or social security records), when the beneficiary would turn 107, or 50 years after the contract was signed. The bill modifies reporting requirements for funeral establishments and defines key terms like "contract beneficiary" and "funeral establishment" to streamline the process. This directly affects funeral service providers, the Department of Revenue, and families seeking unclaimed funds from prearranged contracts.

Maddy summaryHB 1955 reduces financial barriers for youth by increasing the age at which a fishing license is required in Washington State. The bill directly affects young people (likely under 16 or 18, though the exact age isn't specified in the text) who currently face license fees as a barrier to participating in fishing and shellfishing. Key provisions amend existing statutes to adjust the age threshold for license requirements, aligning with the legislature's finding that these activities boost youth self-esteem and environmental appreciation. The policy change aims to make recreational fishing more accessible for young residents without altering other fishing regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 1492 requires Washington public colleges and universities to offer early course registration to students with dependents starting in the 2025-26 academic year. It directly affects students who are parents or caregivers for children under 18, or individuals with disabilities/elderly relatives dependent on them. Institutions must create processes to prioritize these students for early registration - new students must complete admission, while continuing students must meet current enrollment requirements. The law defines "dependents" as children under 18 or those requiring the student's care due to disability, age, or health needs.

Maddy summaryHB 1383 establishes a state grant program to provide funding for diaper banks to purchase and distribute essential baby items like diapers and wipes to families in need. The program prioritizes providers serving marginalized low-income communities or communities of color, or those with proven capacity to distribute baby essentials at scale. Grant recipients must apply through the department, which will annually report awarded funds on its website. This bill directly affects families accessing baby supplies and diaper bank providers operating in Washington state.