Rep. Adam Bernbaum

Maddy summaryThis Washington state joint memorial (HJM 4017) urges the U.S. federal government to take specific actions regarding Iran, directly affecting U.S. agencies and policymakers. It requests the U.S. refrain from military intervention, strengthen targeted sanctions against Iranian officials violating human rights, minimize harm from broad sanctions on civilians, and support Iranian democracy movements through diplomatic and humanitarian means. The resolution emphasizes prioritizing Iranian-led democratic processes and includes nine specific policy requests, such as expanding internet access and halting deportations to Iran. As a symbolic state resolution - not a binding law - it has no legal effect but formally expresses Washington’s position to federal authorities.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 4692) acknowledges the 84th anniversary of Executive Order 9066, which led to the forced relocation and internment of over 120,000 Japanese Americans during WWII, including 12,000 from Washington State. It recognizes Japanese American veterans, incarcerees, and civil rights activists from Washington, and urges reflection on the principle "with liberty and justice for all," without creating new policies or requiring government action.

Maddy summaryHB 2281 strengthens Washington State's government-to-government relationship with federally recognized tribes by requiring state agencies to consult with tribes before actions affecting tribal cultural sites or practices. It defines "tribal traditional cultural places" and prohibits agencies from imposing "undue burdens" on tribal traditions without proving a compelling government need and using the least restrictive approach. Tribes can seek legal remedies in court if agencies violate these protections, with specific burden-of-proof rules for cases involving sacred tribal knowledge. The bill directly affects tribes whose cultural sites or practices may be impacted by state projects like construction or land management.

Maddy summaryHB 2297 creates incentives to support grocery stores in underserved communities across Washington, directly affecting low-income residents, communities of color, rural populations, immigrants, refugees, and people with limited transportation access. The bill requires cities to adopt model tax ordinances that reduce structural cost barriers for grocery retailers through mechanisms like tax credits and standardized small business thresholds. It aims to preserve existing stores and encourage new development in areas where market forces have failed to provide adequate food access, with the goal of strengthening local jobs and neighborhood stability. The legislation focuses on concrete policy changes to address food access barriers, not on speculative outcomes.

Maddy summaryHB 2401 establishes the Washington State Boys and Men Commission to address systemic challenges faced by boys and men, particularly those who are boys of color, in rural areas, identifying as LGBTQ+, or socioeconomically disadvantaged. The commission will identify needs, recommend policy changes, and coordinate with state agencies on issues like mental health access, education pathways, and vocational opportunities. Crucially, the commission’s creation is contingent on securing non-state funding (grants or private contributions) sufficient to cover operational costs through December 2029, with the Office of Financial Management required to identify funding needs by June 2026. It will consist of nine appointed members (including tribal representation and a majority identifying as male) and operate under an executive director appointed by the governor. The commission’s duties include serving as a policy information hub and producing biennial reports with recommendations to the legislature and governor.

Maddy summaryHB 2388 allows solar and small-scale wind energy projects to be built on agricultural lands without disrupting farming operations. It specifically defines "agrivoltaic facilities" (solar panels paired with crop production or grazing) and "pivot corner facilities" (solar next to irrigated fields) as acceptable uses, requiring projects to maintain soil productivity, allow farm machinery access, and not degrade land after decommissioning. The bill amends zoning laws to permit these projects on farmland while requiring counties to prioritize agricultural use and limit nonfarm development on suitable land. It directly affects farmers, landowners, and energy developers by creating clear rules for coexisting energy and agriculture.

Maddy summaryHB 1443 would require Washington cities and counties to allow at least one mobile dwelling (such as tiny homes on wheels or recreational vehicles) on residential lots that already have an existing home, provided the lot is in an urban growth area and not in protected shorelines or critical areas. It mandates specific utility connections for these dwellings, including dedicated electrical circuits and plumbing links to the main home's systems, while prohibiting property associations (like HOAs) from banning them on qualifying lots. The bill applies to lots zoned for residential use and expires January 1, 2028. This directly affects local governments, property associations, and residents seeking to add mobile dwellings to existing residential properties.

Maddy summaryHB 1834 requires businesses providing online services likely accessed by minors (under 18 in Washington) to estimate users' ages with reasonable accuracy or apply full minor protections to all users. It prohibits using collected personal information for age estimation beyond that purpose and bans retaining such data longer than needed. The bill defines "addictive feeds" (algorithm-driven content streams) and "dark patterns" (manipulative interfaces) to restrict how platforms design features targeting minors. It also sets standards for determining if a service is "likely accessed by minors," including audience composition and design elements appealing to children. These provisions aim to limit data collection and addictive features on platforms used by Washington's youth.

Maddy summaryHB 1104 updates Washington's Professional Engineers' Registration Act by modernizing definitions and board procedures. It revises key terms like "practice of engineering," "significant structures," and "professional engineer" to remove outdated language and clarify requirements. The bill also updates board composition rules, requiring members to have at least 10 years of active practice (including 5 years immediately prior to appointment) and adjusting membership terms. This affects licensed engineers, land surveyors, and the state board overseeing their registration. The changes focus on administrative clarity without altering licensing standards or fees.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 4677) declares the Washington State House of Representatives' recognition of the elevated behavioral health challenges faced by construction workers, including higher suicide rates, substance use disorders, and stress linked to job demands. It does not create new rules or funding but formally acknowledges these issues through a series of "WHEREAS" statements highlighting the industry's unique risks. The resolution calls for reducing stigma and promoting collaboration to improve access to behavioral health resources tailored for construction workers. It directly affects construction workers across Washington by affirming their health needs without implementing concrete policy changes.