Rep. Tarra Simmons

Maddy summaryHB 2539 is a definitional bill that amends Washington State's RCW 72.09.015 to clarify terms related to inmate funds and correctional services. It defines key terms such as "indigent inmate" (with less than $100 in an institutional account), "privilege" (earned through good conduct/performance), and "community custody." The bill does not create new policies or change existing laws - it solely establishes standardized definitions for use across correctional facility operations. This procedural bill directly affects the Washington Department of Corrections and inmates by providing clear terminology for managing funds and services.

Maddy summaryHB 2239 allows Washington property owners to establish family burial grounds on their private land for interring remains of family members. It requires a 25-foot setback from property lines, prohibits burial within 150 feet of critical areas or 50 feet of public rights-of-way, and limits burial areas to 10% of the parcel. The bill prohibits selling burial plots or charging fees for interments, mandates reporting each burial to the state and county with specific details, and sets rules for relocating remains with family consent. This directly affects private landowners and families seeking burial options on their own property, while ensuring environmental and community safeguards.

Maddy summaryHB 2114 changes Washington's license plate replacement policy for defective plates. It eliminates all fees and taxes for replacements within 24 months of original issuance when plates become illegible due to manufacturing defects (e.g., peeling paint or unreadable numbers). For replacements requested between 24 months and five years after issuance, only the cost of the plate itself is charged - not full fees or taxes. This directly affects Washington drivers who receive faulty plates that deteriorate faster than expected, ensuring they aren't charged for the same fees paid at initial purchase.

Maddy summaryHB 2110 establishes minimum personnel requirements for ambulance services during interfacility specialty care transports, which are transfers of critically ill or injured patients between medical facilities. The bill requires ambulances providing specialty care transport - defined as care needing physician, registered nurse, or specially trained paramedic-level personnel - to have sufficient staff, including at least one emergency medical technician (EMT) under secretary-promulgated standards. It amends existing Washington state law (RCW 18.73.030 and 18.73.150) to clarify definitions and standards for these specialized transports, ensuring consistent protocols for patient safety during critical transfers. This directly affects ambulance services, EMTs, and hospitals coordinating patient transfers.

Maddy summaryHB 2091 requires public employers covered under chapter 41.80 RCW (specifically Western Washington University, Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, and The Evergreen State College) to provide employee information to exclusive bargaining representatives. The bill amends RCW 41.80.075 to expand the list of covered employers to include these four public universities. This means union representatives at these institutions would gain access to employee data previously not required to be shared under the existing law. The change directly affects these universities' labor relations by mandating information sharing with their recognized employee unions.

Maddy summaryHB 1909 establishes a court unification task force to study Washington’s fragmented court system. The task force will analyze disparities in local court rules, technology adoption, and funding that create barriers for people seeking legal help - especially those in rural areas, low-income communities, and underserved populations. It will identify inefficiencies and inequities in court operations and explore potential solutions through a diverse group including judges, court clerks, legal aid representatives, and community advocates with lived experience. The bill does not implement changes but directs the task force to provide recommendations for improving consistency and access to justice. This study aims to inform future policy decisions, not alter current court structures.

Maddy summaryHB 1069 amends Washington state law to allow collective bargaining between public employers and employee organizations regarding contributions for certain supplemental retirement benefits. Currently, state law prevents bargaining over retirement plans and benefits administered by the Department of Retirement Systems. This bill clarifies that employers can now negotiate over contributions for additional retirement benefits, including medical plans, as long as these benefits are administered by or on behalf of an employee organization. This change enables discussions over these specific benefit contributions, while still excluding the core state retirement plans from collective bargaining.

Maddy summaryHB 1295 requires Washington public school districts to implement evidence-based reading and writing literacy programs for kindergarten through fourth grade students. These programs must include phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension instruction, and be fully operational by the 2027-28 school year. The bill also mandates revised teacher training standards for educators to deliver these programs, with new certification requirements by 2026 and educator preparation programs updated by 2027. This directly affects elementary schools, teachers, and students, particularly those identified as reading below grade level, with specific attention to improving equity in dyslexia screening and support.

Maddy summaryHB 1500 requires sellers in Washington common interest communities (like condos, cooperatives, and planned developments) to provide buyers with a detailed resale certificate before closing a sale. This certificate must include current financial information such as unpaid assessments, past-due fees, the association’s reserve study status, insurance details, and any pending legal issues, all verified within 45 days. It also mandates specific disclosures about the community’s financial health and obligations, including warnings if a reserve study is missing. The bill directly affects unit owners selling properties and aims to ensure buyers fully understand financial responsibilities before purchasing.

Maddy summaryHB 2339 amends Washington State's nursing regulations to clarify and standardize definitions for nursing roles and titles. It updates terms like "advanced registered nurse practitioner" to "advanced practice registered nurse" and specifies exact titles and abbreviations (e.g., "C.N.P." for certified nurse practitioners) that licensed professionals may use. The bill directly affects registered nurses, nurse practitioners, midwives, anesthetists, and clinical specialists by defining their authorized titles and preventing unauthorized use of nursing designations. It does not create new requirements but ensures consistent terminology across state law for licensing and practice. The bill is currently in committee review with no votes recorded.