Rep. Tarra Simmons

Maddy summaryHB 1645 requires Washington auto insurance policies covering car damage (physical damage coverage) to include a mandatory appraisal process for resolving disputes over repair costs. If insurers and policyholders disagree on the value of damage, they must use this process: each selects an appraiser, then an umpire if needed, with clear rules for cost-sharing. Policyholders get reimbursed for appraisal costs if the final valuation exceeds the insurer’s initial offer by $500 or more. This applies to all policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1535 prohibits dental insurers from restricting patient choice or limiting care based on network agreements, requiring dentists to make treatment decisions with patients rather than insurers. It mandates that at least 85% of dental insurance premiums be spent directly on patient care, not administrative costs, and gives patients the right to request independent reviews for denied claims. The bill directly affects dental patients (ensuring access to chosen providers and fair coverage), dentists (protecting their clinical autonomy), and dental insurers (requiring compliance with transparency and spending rules). These changes aim to create a fairer system by aligning dental insurance protections with medical insurance standards and reducing out-of-pocket costs for Washington residents.

Maddy summaryHB 1057 creates a state fund to help Washington communities secure federal economic development grants by providing matching dollars. It directly affects local governments, rural areas, tribes, nonprofits, and businesses seeking federal funds for projects like broadband, housing, infrastructure, and workforce training. Key mechanisms include establishing scoring criteria prioritizing rural counties and job creation, setting grant tiers (up to 100% matching for most entities), and requiring the state to provide a template letter supporting federal applications. The bill mandates annual reporting on fund usage and expands online resources to track available federal opportunities.

Maddy summaryHB 1322 in Washington State changes how courts handle juvenile sentencing for youth under 18 found responsible for offenses. It requires courts to make a stronger, evidence-based case before sending youth to confinement for more than 30 days, instead of community-based options. Courts must now consider factors like the youth's age, mental health, developmental needs, criminal history, and whether community supervision could safely meet rehabilitation goals. The bill expands community placement opportunities and limits confinement, directing courts to prioritize less restrictive dispositions unless clear evidence shows community safety would be at risk.

Maddy summaryHB 1867 allows Washington counties or cities to impose a real estate excise tax of up to 0.5% on home sales, with proceeds dedicated exclusively to developing affordable housing for very low, low, and moderate-income residents and those with special needs. Local governments must first gain voter approval through a majority vote in an election, either via a resolution from local officials or a petition signed by 10% of eligible voters. The tax revenue must be managed through a competitive grant process for nonprofit housing providers, housing authorities, or public agencies, with spending plans requiring public hearings. Counties and cities cannot levy this tax if the county has already implemented a similar tax under prior law. This bill directly affects local governments and homebuyers/sellers in communities that choose to adopt the tax.

Maddy summaryHB 1278 requires community college district governing boards to include one student trustee appointed by the governor from a list provided by student governments. The student trustee serves a one-year term as a full-time student in good academic standing, with voting rights except on faculty hiring or collective bargaining matters. The bill also mandates that student government representatives provide in-person reports at all regular board meetings across Washington’s community colleges and four-year institutions. This policy directly affects community college governance by institutionalizing student voice in decision-making processes.

Maddy summaryHB 1482 creates a state-funded Apple Health Expansion program to provide no-cost health coverage to Washington residents ineligible for federal health programs due to immigration status. It directly affects over 1 million immigrants in Washington who face structural barriers to coverage, including undocumented individuals with incomes at or below 138% of the federal poverty level. Key provisions include establishing a Medicaid-equivalent program with identical benefits to federal coverage (excluding long-term services), extending financial assistance for health/dental plans to match Affordable Care Act subsidies, and requiring a community accountability committee with immigrant representation to monitor service quality. The bill also mandates culturally appropriate outreach and requires annual reports to the legislature on program implementation and costs.

Maddy summaryHB 1487 establishes guaranteed annual state funding levels for crime victim services in Washington, starting at $50 million annually for 2025-2027 and increasing to $70 million annually by 2033. It requires the state legislature to appropriate funds each year that, combined with prior-year federal Victims of Crime Act (VICA) funding, meet these specific annual totals. The bill ensures state funds supplement, rather than replace, existing federal or other funding sources and prohibits using these funds for capital projects. It directly affects victim services programs in every Washington county, which provide trauma-informed, culturally relevant support to crime victims. The Office of Crime Victims Advocacy must submit periodic reports on service needs and funding recommendations starting in 2039.

Maddy summaryHB 1049 creates a state-funded stipend program to help registered nurses cover costs for training as specialized sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs). The program reimburses up to $2,500 per nurse for training fees, materials, travel, lodging, and meals. It applies to nurses seeking certification for adult/adolescent or pediatric care, subject to available state funding. The stipend aims to increase the number of qualified SANEs by reducing financial barriers to training.

Maddy summaryHB 1577 creates a work group to develop a palliative care benefit model for Washington state health plans, with a specific requirement that its recommendations must allow volunteer hospice organizations (those operating without compensation under RCW 70.127.050) to provide palliative care without needing a license or meeting standard benefit requirements. The work group, including representatives from volunteer hospice groups, health plans, and medical organizations, must submit recommendations by November 2025. This bill directly affects volunteer hospice organizations and aims to integrate their services into state palliative care frameworks. It does not change current laws but sets a requirement for future policy design.