Rep. Melanie Morgan

Maddy summaryHB 2087 creates a new legal framework for travel insurance sales in Washington State, directly affecting insurers, travel agencies, and group organizers (like schools, employers, or tour operators) selling policies to Washington residents. It defines key terms like "group travel insurance" (policies covering predefined groups without individual charges) and "aggregator sites" (websites comparing insurance), while explicitly excluding cancellation fee waivers and travel assistance services from its rules. The bill requires clear disclosure of coverage details to buyers and clarifies that group policies must follow specific rules, such as defining eligible groups (e.g., students, employees, or sports teams). This ensures consistent regulation for travel insurance sold within the state, aligning with existing insurance laws where not superseded.

Maddy summaryHB 1932 creates a new "cannabis consumption event organizer license" allowing businesses to host limited, regulated events where adults 21+ can legally consume cannabis products on-site. The bill permits licensed organizers to sell single-use and ready-to-consume cannabis products at events held indoors (with ventilation requirements for smoking/vaping) or outdoors, with strict limits of one event per month (max 3 days) and no alcohol or tobacco sales. It directly affects cannabis businesses seeking to operate consumption events and adult consumers who lack legal options for public consumption outside their homes. The policy requires organizers to hold specific licenses, comply with board rules, and ensure consumption occurs out of public view, following Washington’s existing cannabis regulatory framework.

Maddy summaryHB 2324 creates a mandatory tuition and fee waiver for children of veterans who died or became totally disabled in active federal military service, as well as for their surviving spouses or domestic partners. To qualify, recipients must be Washington domiciliaries aged 17-26 (for children) or Washington residents (for survivors), with survivors having up to 10 years to use benefits. The waiver covers all tuition and fees (including a $500 annual stipend for textbooks), but is limited to 250 quarter credits per recipient and requires satisfactory academic progress. This policy directly affects dependents of veterans meeting specific service criteria, such as combat deployment or service-connected disability, as defined by federal standards.

Maddy summaryHB 2038 creates a "youth behavioral health account" funded by a 0.4% tax on the gross income of social media platforms operating in Washington, starting January 2026. The tax applies to platforms defined as services allowing social interaction (like Facebook or TikTok), excluding email, gaming, or review sites. Funds will support telebehavioral health services for school-aged youth, a state coordinator for youth behavioral health, and implementation of a statewide strategic plan for prenatal through age 25 care. The bill explicitly states the tax does not apply to 501(c)(3) non-profits.

Maddy summaryHB 2705 amends Washington state campaign finance laws to allow candidates and their committees to use surplus campaign funds for legal expenses related to ethics complaints, investigations, or hearings. Specifically, it permits holding surplus funds in a separate account to cover eligible legal fees incurred after January 1, 2025, such as those from investigations under Chapter 42.52 RCW or local ethics codes. Candidates must document these expenses and report them per existing campaign finance rules. This change clarifies that such disbursements do not count as campaign contributions.

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 2170 would authorize Washington’s Department of Natural Resources to generate revenue from state lands and waters through carbon credit programs and other ecosystem service projects, such as reforestation, kelp restoration, and water purification. The bill directly affects the department (which manages 6 million acres of state lands) and trust beneficiaries by enabling it to enter carbon markets like private landowners already do, with contracts lasting up to 125 years. Key provisions include requiring board approval for minimum payments, allowing sales of ecosystem service credits to markets, and directing proceeds to state accounts for environmental projects like salmon habitat improvement. The bill aims to diversify state revenue streams while leveraging natural climate solutions, aligning with Washington’s existing cap-and-invest climate program. It remains a proposed bill (prefiled but not yet enacted).

Maddy summaryHB 2313 authorizes Washington cities to establish publicly owned grocery stores in underserved areas with food access gaps. Cities can acquire property (including via eminent domain), apply for state capital grants covering building rehabilitation and 24-hour "food locker systems," and use tax increment financing to fund store development and infrastructure. The bill requires annual reporting on financial status, community access, jobs created, and for third-party operated stores, sales data and compliance with contractual benchmarks like local produce sourcing. This directly affects cities seeking to address food insecurity through municipal grocery initiatives.

Maddy summaryHB 2662 requires Washington's state investment board to integrate environmental, social, and governance principles into managing public retirement and trust funds. It prohibits investments in companies involved in forced labor, coal production, tobacco manufacturing, severe environmental harm, or violations of international humanitarian law, while still prioritizing strong financial returns. The board must annually report on how these principles guide investment decisions and develop proxy voting guidelines to address related risks. This directly affects the board’s management of billions in state funds, including retirement accounts and public trust assets.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Washington's Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to form a work group that identifies existing African American studies curricula used in high schools and colleges nationwide. The work group must review prior education reports, consult with historically Black colleges, and survey current programs to compile a list of approved materials. By December 2027, the office must submit this list to the legislature for school districts to consider adopting in grades 7-12. The requirement expires July 1, 2028.