Rep. Steve Tharinger

Maddy summaryHB 1906 requires water systems in Washington to share detailed capital improvement plans and cost information with the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) when seeking rate increases. This ensures the UTC can better review whether proposed costs are properly justified and rates are fair, while also mandating that consumers receive clearer notice about planned investments and their expected rate impacts. The bill directly affects water utilities, the UTC (the regulatory agency), and ratepayers (water customers). It amends state law to create structure for rate reviews, addressing gaps where current processes lacked standards for evaluating capital costs tied to public health requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1345 restricts detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs) - separate small homes on the same lot as a main house - outside urban growth areas in Washington counties. It requires counties to limit each parcel to one ADU, set size limits (max 1,296 sq ft), mandate water metering and sewage capacity documentation, and require ADUs to be within 150 feet of the main home. Counties must enforce penalties for unpermitted ADUs (including $1,000 fines, removal orders, and 3-year permit bans) and track ADU permits for land-use planning updates. The bill applies only to counties allowing such ADUs outside urban areas, not affecting existing urban or rural ADU rules.

Maddy summaryHB 2442 allows Washington counties and cities to impose specific real estate excise taxes to fund local capital projects and affordable housing. It authorizes a 0.25% tax on real property sales for general capital projects (like streets, parks, and sewer systems), with strict usage rules requiring projects to align with comprehensive plans. Additionally, it creates a separate 0.5% tax exclusively for affordable housing development, including acquisition, construction, and maintenance for low- and moderate-income residents. Local governments must document funding plans for future projects and follow voter approval processes for new taxes, while funds must be managed through competitive grant processes for housing initiatives. The bill directly affects local governments by expanding their tax tools for infrastructure and housing priorities.

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 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 summaryHouse Bill 1983 amends the definition of "timberland" for purposes of calculating the real estate excise tax. The bill expands this definition to include land transferred or sold to a governmental entity. For such land to qualify, the governmental entity must manage it in a manner consistent with designated forestland or classified timberland, and adhere to specific state law requirements. This change allows these governmental land transactions to be subject to the special 1.28 percent tax rate applicable to timberland, rather than potentially higher general rates.

Maddy summaryHB 2165 makes it a gross misdemeanor to intentionally create, possess, or display fake law enforcement items (like badges, vehicle decals, or insignia) that falsely identify someone as a sworn peace officer or reserve officer, or to misrepresent ordinary items as police property. It directly affects individuals or businesses selling or using fake police gear, such as costume shops or people posing as officers. Key exceptions include items clearly marked as honorary roles, historical displays, or protected artistic/satirical works (like parodies or educational materials). The law does not prohibit legitimate uses like historical reenactments or news coverage, and it specifies that the fake item must be displayed in a way that would reasonably mislead others.

Maddy summaryHB 2420 increases the dollar limit for state and local government contracts using simplified "small works roster" procedures, which allow direct contracting without full competitive bidding for minor construction projects. It phases in higher limits starting at $350,000 (through 2026) and rising to $650,000 by 2030. The bill also requires state agencies and local governments to prioritize contracting with small, minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses when the project cost is under $150,000, while documenting annual efforts to meet this goal. These changes apply to construction, renovation, or repair work on real property valued under the new thresholds.

Maddy summaryHB 2429 establishes a Children and Youth Behavioral Health Work Group to address barriers in accessing care for children, youth, and young adults in Washington State. The work group, composed of diverse stakeholders including providers, families, youth representatives, tribal leaders, and agency officials, will monitor existing programs, improve coordination between education and health systems, and recommend strategies to expand access to services - particularly for young children (prenatal to age 5) and underserved communities. Key provisions include advising on implementing a statewide strategic plan, removing systemic barriers, and promoting equal insurance coverage for behavioral health compared to physical health. The bill directly affects children and families seeking mental health support by aiming to create a more integrated, equitable system.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that formally recognizes Representative Virginia "Jenny" Graham for her public service in the Washington State House of Representatives. It highlights her eight-year tenure, her advocacy for public safety, and her work on community safety and veterans' issues. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as an official acknowledgment of her contributions and legacy.