Rep. Michelle Valdez

Maddy summaryHB 1179 would allow Washington seniors aged 61+ and disabled veterans with VA disability ratings of 80% or higher to freeze their property tax valuation. Qualifying residents would pay no tax on a portion of their home's value based on income: lower-income households get full relief on all taxes, while others receive partial relief up to $70,000 of home value. The exemption uses "combined disposable income" to determine eligibility and applies the frozen valuation (based on 1995 or qualification year) to reduce taxes. This law would take effect for property taxes collected starting in 2026.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment proposal (HJR 4207) would allow Washington voters to approve a homestead property tax exemption for primary residences. If approved, it would permit the legislature to create a tax break reducing the taxable value of qualifying homes by up to $250,000 for state taxes only. The amendment includes safeguards to prevent shifting tax burdens to other properties and allows for annual adjustments to the exemption amount. It requires voter approval at the next general election, as the proposed constitutional change is not yet law.

Maddy summaryHB 1225 requires Washington state agencies to prioritize essential services (like public safety, education, and healthcare) over non-essential spending when creating budgets. It mandates detailed budget documents showing how every dollar will be spent, including performance metrics for programs, and places limits on state spending and revenue proposals to prevent budget deficits. The bill directly affects state agencies and the legislature by amending budget submission rules (RCW 43.88.030 and 43.88.055) to enforce fiscal accountability and ensure taxpayer funds directly support priority services.

Maddy summaryHB 1108 proposed establishing a legislative task force on housing cost driver analysis in Washington state. This task force would have included legislators, economists, and representatives from various housing sectors, such as developers, landlords, tenants, realtors, and city/county officials. Its main purpose was to research and identify the primary factors contributing to the cost of homeownership and rental housing. The task force was intended to report its findings and recommendations to the legislature by December 1, 2026. However, the Governor vetoed this bill on May 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill, HB 1427, is titled "Concerning certified peer support specialists." The provided text details amendments to state contracting for behavioral health services, affecting Medicaid recipients and other eligible individuals. It mandates the state's health authority to adopt statewide network adequacy standards for behavioral health providers within managed care organizations, ensuring timely access to mental health and substance use disorder treatments. The bill also outlines criteria for selecting managed care organizations, emphasizing experience with low-income populations and integrated care.

Maddy summaryHB 1293 aims to reduce litter and plastic waste across Washington State, affecting individuals and retail establishments. The bill enhances penalties for littering, reclassifying offenses and establishing mandatory clean-up restitution payments based on the volume of litter. It also delays the requirement for reusable plastic carryout bags to be thicker and increases the pass-through charge for these bags. Furthermore, the bill imposes a new penalty on retailers for selling thicker plastic bags, directing these funds to a waste reduction and litter control account.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1874 requires licensed cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians, and hair designers in Washington State to receive training on the care, styling, and treatment of textured hair. The bill addresses a gap in current training standards, which often do not fully cover diverse hair textures like curly, coiled, coarse, and thick hair. It aims to integrate this specialized knowledge into the required curriculum for these professionals. The goal is to ensure stylists have the skills and confidence to work with a broad range of hair types while upholding industry health and safety standards.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 4650 is a commemorative resolution recognizing Representative Bruce Q. Chandler for his 26 years of distinguished service to the 15th Legislative District and the State of Washington. It honors his contributions in areas such as agriculture, business, early learning, and state budgeting.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 4664 is a commemorative bill that honors the life and legacy of former Speaker Frank Chopp. It recognizes his extensive public service, advocacy for social justice and housing, and his record as the longest-serving Speaker in Washington state history.

Maddy summarySubstitute House Bill 1669 mandates that health plans offered in Washington's large and small group markets must provide coverage for medically necessary prosthetic limbs and custom orthotic braces. This directly affects individuals enrolled in these plans by ensuring access to devices needed for daily living, job-related tasks, and various physical activities. The bill requires coverage for materials, instruction, and reasonable repair or replacement, including replacements due to changes in a patient's condition or significant device damage. It also prohibits denying coverage to enrollees with disabilities if similar services would be covered for non-disabled individuals, while allowing for standard utilization management. These requirements apply to plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026.