Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1531 establishes a state policy that public health responses to communicable diseases must be guided by the best available science and evidence-based measures, including immunizations and vaccines. It requires state and local health officials to implement and promote these measures within available resources. The bill also prohibits the state or any local government from enacting laws or policies that forbid the implementation and promotion of such measures, declaring any existing prohibitive policies null and void. This legislation clarifies the ability of public health officials to use scientifically proven methods to control disease spread, without creating new requirements for individuals to receive vaccines.
Rep. Dan Bronoske
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1201 requires political subdivisions in Washington state to address accommodations for companion animals in emergency shelters. It mandates that local emergency management plans, to the extent practicable, include strategies for "cosheltering," which allows individuals to stay with their pets during disasters or extreme weather events. The bill also directs political subdivisions to identify and provide information on emergency shelters that can accommodate pets on their websites, along with general pet emergency preparedness guidance.
Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1650 expands the allowable uses of local real estate excise tax (REET) revenues for counties and cities. It permits these local governments to fund certain airport capital projects through REET. Specifically, eligible airport projects are those included in the Washington aviation system plan or national plan of integrated airport systems with fewer than 10,000 annual enplanements. However, the bill explicitly prohibits using these funds for installing or improving leaded fuel systems at airports.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the process for identifying and evaluating individuals who may be classified as sexually violent predators for potential civil commitment. It affects individuals nearing release from confinement for sexually violent offenses and the various state agencies involved in their assessment. The bill updates the requirements for agencies, such as the Department of Corrections, to refer these individuals to prosecuting attorneys and to provide comprehensive records for review. Crucially, it grants prosecuting agencies new authority to issue "civil investigative demands" to any public agency to obtain documents and information relevant to determining if civil commitment is warranted.
Maddy summaryHB 1640 places professional licenses issued under chapters 18.71B and 18.71C RCW under the authority of the state's Uniform Disciplinary Act. This means that licenses overseen by the Washington Medical Commission, as specified in these chapters, will now follow the standardized procedures for professional discipline outlined in the Act. The Uniform Disciplinary Act provides a consistent framework for regulatory bodies to grant, deny, or impose conditions on professional licenses. This bill directly affects professionals holding licenses under these specific chapters and the Washington Medical Commission's regulatory authority over them.
Maddy summaryHB 1172 allows fire protection districts to dissolve their civil service systems for firefighters if the district board of fire commissioners adopts a resolution and a majority of civil service employees vote to end it within 60 days. This affects fire districts currently operating under civil service rules, which protect employees from being fired for living outside the district. The bill amends Washington State law (RCW 52.30.040) to establish this dissolution process while maintaining existing protections like residence restrictions. It became law on April 11, 2025, and takes effect July 27, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 1054 allows counties operating ferry systems to enter into longer-term contracts (up to 10 years) for the maintenance and repair of county ferry vessels, specifically exempting these contracts from standard annual competitive bidding requirements. This change directly affects counties with ferry operations under Chapter 36.54 RCW, streamlining procurement for essential vessel upkeep. The bill amends existing law to permit "unit priced contracts" for ferry maintenance with extended terms, while keeping all other public works projects subject to standard competitive bidding rules. This policy adjustment aims to provide stability for ongoing ferry maintenance without altering general county purchasing procedures.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 4658) expresses the Washington State House of Representatives' appreciation for existing ties between Washington and Denmark. It acknowledges strong economic partnerships (including Maersk shipping and 3,000 Danish jobs), educational exchanges (University of Washington collaborations), cultural connections (Danish artists and festivals), and scientific research (Arctic climate studies). The resolution does not create new laws or obligations but formally reiterates support for strengthening these ongoing relationships. It was adopted unanimously on April 8, 2025, as a symbolic gesture of endorsement.
Maddy summaryThis non-binding resolution designates November 22nd as "Kimchi Day" in Washington state. It recognizes the cultural significance of kimchi, its history in Korean cuisine, and the contributions of Washington's Korean American community to the state's cultural diversity. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally celebrates this cultural observance.
Maddy summaryHR 4659 is a symbolic House resolution that reaffirms Washington state's relationship with Canada. It highlights the strong economic ties, including $2.7 billion in daily trade across sectors like agriculture and manufacturing, and notes shared challenges like disaster response (e.g., Nooksack floods, wildfires) and cross-border cooperation in places like Point Roberts. The resolution emphasizes collaboration on climate change, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and mutual respect for Indigenous partnerships. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but formally expresses support for the longstanding partnership.