Rep. Sharlett Mena

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1609 amends RCW 43.30.205, a state law that defines the composition of a specific six-member board. This board includes the Governor, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, a Commissioner, and representatives from university forest and agricultural science programs. The bill also outlines the selection process for a county representative on this board, chosen by legislative authorities

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1631 designates bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana) forests as the official state marine forest of Washington. This designation aims to raise awareness of bull kelp's vital role in the state's marine ecosystems, culture, and economy, and its deep cultural significance for tribal nations.

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.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (not a policy bill) honoring Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi, a Seattle-raised activist and University of Washington psychology graduate. It recognizes her work as a community organizer, advocate for refugees and immigrants, and environmental justice supporter who was tragically killed in September 2024. The resolution posthumously commends her legacy of activism and encourages continued efforts for social and environmental justice. It has no policy impact or direct effect on any group, as it solely serves to honor her life and work.

Maddy summaryHB 1209 regulates the sale and transfer of sodium nitrite (a chemical used in food preservation and industry) by requiring warning labels on products containing over 10% sodium nitrite and restricting sales to commercial businesses. It mandates that sellers verify a buyer’s commercial need using an employer ID number, banning sales to individuals or non-verified entities. The law requires labels stating "WARNING: Deadly if ingested. Seek immediate medical attention..." to alert users about severe health risks, including methemoglobinemia. The bill, effective April 7, 2025, directly affects retailers, online sellers, and commercial users of sodium nitrite while aiming to reduce suicide-related deaths linked to its misuse.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 4635) is a ceremonial House measure celebrating Nowruz, the Persian New Year, and recognizing its cultural significance to communities in Washington state and globally. It acknowledges the holiday's 3,000-year history, its celebration by over 1 million Americans - including tens of thousands in Washington - and the contributions of Middle Eastern and Central Asian communities. The resolution formally urges the House to celebrate Nowruz, recognize its values of renewal and community, and stand with those who observe it. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution designates March 9 as Billy Frank Jr. Day to honor his lifelong advocacy for tribal treaty rights and salmon conservation. It commemorates his leadership in the 1970s "fish-ins" that led to the landmark U.S. v. Washington court decision affirming tribal fishing rights. The resolution recognizes his work in uniting diverse groups to protect natural resources and tribal sovereignty in Washington. It does not create new policies or affect any specific group, as it is a commemorative resolution.

Maddy summaryHR 4619 is a commemorative resolution adopted by the Washington State House of Representatives on February 19, 2025. It formally acknowledges the 83rd anniversary of Executive Order 9066, which led to the forced removal and internment of over 120,000 Japanese-Americans during World War II, including 12,000 from Washington State. The resolution specifically recognizes Japanese-American veterans, incarcerees, and civil rights activists from Washington who endured this injustice and served in the military while incarcerated. It directs copies to organizations like the Nisei Veterans Committee and the Wing Luke Museum, reflecting on the principle of "liberty and justice for all."

Maddy summaryHR 4617 is a ceremonial House Resolution, not a law, adopted by the Washington State House of Representatives on February 17, 2025. It formally encourages all Washington residents to celebrate Children's Day and support children's well-being through community actions. The resolution expresses the House's commitment to prioritizing children's health, safety, and education, referencing student interns and pages working in the legislature. It does not create new policies, funding, or legal requirements - only a symbolic call for public recognition of children's rights.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House resolution (not a law) that honors Presidents' Day. It expresses the House's recognition of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln's leadership, including Washington's precedent for peaceful power transitions and Lincoln's role in preserving the Union. The resolution has no policy impact or effect on citizens - it simply commemorates presidential legacies through symbolic language. It was introduced and adopted by the House on February 17, 2025, as a routine observance.