Rep. Adison Richards

Maddy summaryHB 2209 amends Washington State's sentencing guidelines to add mandatory additional prison time for certain theft, robbery, and stolen property offenses when a firearm or deadly weapon is used. It requires judges to add 5 years for class A felonies, 3 years for class B felonies, or 18 months for class C felonies involving firearms, with similar but shorter additions for deadly weapons (not firearms). These enhancements must be served consecutively to other sentences and are mandatory, with limited exceptions for specific weapon-related crimes. The bill is currently in committee review and has not yet been enacted into law.

Maddy summaryHB 2699 changes Washington's landlord-tenant laws by requiring landlords to provide 60 days' written notice before ending fixed-term leases without cause (for leases between 6-12 months). It also extends notice periods to 30 days for nonpayment evictions in federally subsidized housing or properties with federally backed mortgages. The bill affects landlords and tenants statewide, particularly those in federally assisted housing programs or properties with federal loans. Key mechanisms include stricter notice requirements for evictions, clearer definitions of "covered" properties, and new rules for lease terminations without cause. These changes aim to provide greater stability for tenants while clarifying landlord obligations under state law.

Maddy summaryHB 2631 requires three specific state agencies - the Secretary of State, Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Office of the Insurance Commissioner - to adopt customer service standards similar to those in Governor’s Executive Order 25-06. These agencies must track service metrics, designate liaisons to coordinate with "Your Washington," create process maps for key services, and submit regular reports on customer feedback, digital accessibility, and plain language use. By mid-2026, they must develop and implement customer experience improvement plans focused on reducing service steps, shortening timelines, and enhancing digital self-service. The pilot program runs through 2029, with quarterly progress reports to be compiled by "Your Washington" for legislative review. The bill aims to expand statewide customer service improvements beyond cabinet agencies to agencies with significant public interaction.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 4675, adopted on January 28, 2026, is a ceremonial resolution expressing the Washington State House of Representatives' gratitude to the Washington National Guard for their service. It specifically acknowledges the Guard's roles in emergency response (including flood operations and search-and-rescue missions), disaster recovery efforts (like adapting from the Oso landslide), and national defense support (such as aerial refueling capabilities). The resolution directs copies to the Adjutant General, Governor, and other officials but does not create new laws or alter policies. It directly honors National Guard members, their families, and employers without imposing any financial or operational requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 2243 adds physical and occupational therapists to the list of authorized "attending providers" for workers' compensation claims in Washington State. The bill amends statutes (RCW 51.08.200, 51.28.010, and others) to explicitly include these professionals, alongside physicians and other licensed providers, when treating injured workers. This change directly affects injured workers who require physical or occupational therapy, allowing them to receive care from these specialists under workers' compensation. The law updates provider eligibility requirements and reporting procedures to reflect this expansion, ensuring therapists are recognized in the claims process.

Maddy summaryHB 2099 expands Washington State's early childhood education and childcare assistance program to include military-connected children who don't qualify under standard eligibility rules. It creates a new pathway for children from military families (active duty, reserves, or National Guard members stationed or residing in Washington) with family incomes above 50% but below the maximum for Working Connections childcare, as long as space and funding are available. The bill requires prioritization of these children using the same existing risk-factor system that considers income, child welfare involvement, domestic violence, and other factors linked to school readiness. This new category does not count toward the state's existing entitlement program, and the changes expire on August 1, 2030.

Maddy summaryHB 2349 requires Washington state agencies to provide written community notification 3 months before releasing or discharging individuals classified as sexually violent predators. It mandates that agencies share detailed records (including institutional history, mental health evaluations, and criminal history) with local law enforcement, county officials, legislators, and victims (if they request it) prior to release. The bill directly affects counties, law enforcement, and victims by requiring timely disclosure of release dates and relevant background information. Key provisions include standardized notification to sheriffs, county administrators, legislators, and law enforcement via the Washington Crime Information Center, ensuring consistent community awareness. This focuses on procedural transparency rather than altering commitment standards or penalties.

Maddy summaryHB 2646 modifies Washington's rules for resolving disputes between homeowners and their neighborhood associations (HOAs) under the Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act. It requires homeowners to give associations 21 days to fix violations before suing, and mandates courts to award winning homeowners actual damages plus attorney fees. The bill also allows parties to voluntarily use mediation or other dispute resolution methods. These changes directly affect homeowners and HOAs by clarifying legal processes and increasing accountability for associations.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House resolution (not a policy bill) introduced on January 19, 2026, by multiple Washington State Representatives. It formally recognizes Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life, legacy of nonviolent activism, and contributions to civil rights, including his role in the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965. The resolution expresses the House's commitment to upholding Dr. King's ideals of equality, justice, and opportunity for all. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws, allocate funds, or affect any specific individuals or groups.

Maddy summaryHB 2112 requires commercial websites and social media platforms that publish or distribute online content where over one-third qualifies as "sexual material harmful to minors" to verify users are 18 or older before access. This applies to entities like adult content platforms, using methods such as government ID checks or digital identification, while prohibiting retention of personal data. The bill mandates clear health notices about youth risks on content pages and exempts news organizations, internet service providers, and constitutionally protected activities. Violations could trigger daily penalties up to $10,000 per day, plus up to $250,000 if minors access restricted content.