Rep. Cyndy Jacobsen

Maddy summaryHB 2153 prohibits homebuyers from receiving more than one state-funded down payment assistance loan or grant from Washington's housing programs. It directly affects first-time homebuyers who might apply for multiple assistance programs, ensuring they can only accept one offer. The bill amends state law to state that applicants applying for multiple programs (or multiple offers from one program) are eligible for only a single loan or grant. This change aims to fairly distribute limited public funds to more qualified homebuyers instead of concentrating benefits on a single buyer.

Maddy summaryHB 2150 requires Washington's Department of Ecology to publish a complete greenhouse gas emissions inventory by January 1, 2027, and update it quarterly thereafter. If the department misses these deadlines, certain climate policies that impose costs on consumers or businesses (like utility or fuel regulations) will no longer be enforced. The bill directly affects households and businesses bearing higher energy costs from existing climate programs. It aims to ensure state climate policies are data-driven and accountable by linking their enforcement to timely emissions reporting. This change focuses on transparency, requiring measurable proof that policy costs actually reduce emissions.

Maddy summaryHB 2138 requires Washington public schools to implement evidence-based reading programs by the 2028-29 school year, focusing on foundational literacy skills for students in grades K-4. It mandates schools to hire reading coaches, adopt structured literacy approaches aligned with research (emphasizing phonics, fluency, and comprehension), and provide targeted support for students with dyslexia. The bill also creates READ grants of up to $75,000 annually per elementary school to fund literacy initiatives, requires the state to publish 10 years of school performance data online, and directs a review comparing Washington’s math standards to Singapore’s method (with a 2026 report deadline). These changes directly affect elementary schools, teachers, and students, particularly those struggling with early literacy and math proficiency.

Maddy summaryHB 2115 restores a 1985 tax exemption that removes sales tax from transactions involving precious metal bullion (like gold, silver, platinum, and palladium) and monetized bullion (coins or money made from precious metals). It directly affects businesses selling these items by exempting the bullion itself from state sales tax, though tax applies only to commissions earned on transactions. The bill defines "precious metal bullion" as refined metals (not items like jewelry) and excludes such sales from tax calculations under Washington’s tax code. It applies retroactively from January 1, 2026, to correct a 2025 repeal of the original exemption.

Maddy summaryHB 2208 exempts health care continuing education courses from Washington State's retail sales and use tax. This bill directly affects licensed health professionals (such as nurses, doctors, and therapists) who must complete these courses to maintain their licenses. The key mechanism removes the tax on these required courses, reducing costs for professionals who otherwise face increased expenses under the state's new service tax. The exemption aims to address workforce shortages by making professional development more affordable and accessible, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

Maddy summaryHB 2093 would remove precious metals and bullion from taxable sales under Washington's business and occupation tax code. It specifically excludes "precious metal bullion" (refined gold, silver, platinum, etc.) and "monetized bullion" (coins used as currency) from definitions of taxable "retail" or "wholesale" sales. Businesses selling these items would no longer pay tax on the full sale amount, though tax would still apply to commissions earned. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and directly affects dealers and sellers of precious metals.

Maddy summaryHB 2121 exempts nonprofits and schools from paying state sales and use taxes on specific services they purchase, such as repairs, cleaning, installation, and maintenance. The bill amends Washington's tax code (RCW 82.04.050) to clarify that these entities are not subject to tax on qualifying services used for their operations. This directly affects organizations like schools, charities, and community groups that previously paid tax on services like building repairs or landscaping. The policy change creates a clear exemption by updating tax definitions to exclude these services for eligible nonprofits and schools.

Maddy summaryHB 2126 would exempt school districts in Washington state from paying taxes on fuel used in school buses. The bill amends state tax codes to specifically add school buses (operated per education laws) to the list of exempt fuel uses, directly affecting public school districts. This change would reduce operating costs for schools by eliminating a tax on fuel for all school bus operations within the state.

Maddy summaryHB 2167 would automatically reduce Washington’s state sales tax rate if the legislature ever passes an income tax or tax on individual earnings. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Revenue to lower the sales tax rate by an amount matching the projected revenue increase from such a new tax. This measure directly affects all Washington residents and businesses that pay sales tax, aiming to offset potential new tax burdens. The bill is conditional - it only triggers if a future income tax is enacted - and does not change current tax rates.

Maddy summaryHB 2101 exempts services involving live animals, birds, and insects from Washington's retail sales tax. This directly affects businesses like petting zoos, animal shows, and educational programs that provide live animal demonstrations. The bill amends the state tax code to explicitly exclude these services from the definition of "retail sale" under RCW 82.04.050. As a result, businesses offering such services will no longer be required to charge customers sales tax on these specific activities.