Maddy summaryHB 2637 expands exemptions under Washington state law to protect specific sensitive personal information from public disclosure. It directly affects students, healthcare patients, taxpayers, and individuals using public services by exempting data like student records, medical information, financial details (e.g., credit card numbers), geolocation data, driver's license records, and utility account information. Key provisions clarify that agencies cannot release this information unless required by other law, with limited exceptions for emergencies or legal mandates. The bill updates existing privacy protections to cover new data types, such as precise location coordinates and consumer utility data, while maintaining transparency requirements for certain disclosures like total license plate numbers.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 2333 protects elected officials, candidates, election officials, and criminal justice staff (like police, prosecutors, and court personnel) from threats by expanding access to address confidentiality and increasing penalties for harassment targeting them in their official roles. The bill amends Washington’s harassment law to make threats against these groups a class C felony if the threat relates to their duties, and updates the address confidentiality program to include them. This allows eligible individuals to keep their home addresses private (using a state-designated address for official mail) and qualifies them for enhanced security measures. The law directly affects public servants who face threats due to their work, not general public safety. It focuses on concrete policy changes: stronger legal penalties for threatening officials and simplified access to address protection.
Maddy summaryHB 1574 expands "Good Samaritan" protections for individuals seeking or experiencing medical assistance during a drug-related overdose. The bill prevents these individuals from being arrested, charged, or prosecuted for drug possession if the evidence was obtained due to the overdose. It also protects them from civil forfeiture of property (with exceptions) and penalties for certain violations, such as probation or restraining orders, if these were discovered as a result of the overdose. Furthermore, it clarifies that these overdose protections can override mandatory arrest requirements for other offenses when the evidence is linked to the overdose and the need for medical assistance.
Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1759 designates December 12th as "the day of the 12s" in Washington state. This bill adds the designation to a list of recognized days within state law that are not considered legal holidays for any purpose.
Maddy summaryHB 2367 eliminates special reporting exemptions for coal-fired power plants in Washington State's emissions tracking system. It amends reporting thresholds to remove preferential treatment, requiring coal plants to follow the same emissions reporting rules as other large emitters (like natural gas suppliers or railroads) once they exceed 25,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent annually. The bill repeals previous sections (RCW 82.08.811 and 82.12.811) that provided this preferential treatment, directly affecting coal-fired electricity generators by ending their distinct reporting pathway. This change ensures coal plants are subject to the same compliance obligations as other covered entities under the state's emissions program.
Maddy summaryHB 2632 requires Washington state and local government agencies to replace the term "alien" with "noncitizen" in all new statutes, codes, and official documents enacted after July 1, 2026. The bill directly affects state agencies, courts, and local governments that draft or update legal documents, ensuring consistent terminology for individuals who are not U.S. citizens or nationals. Key provisions mandate this terminology shift unless federal law requires otherwise, while also urging review of existing documents to remove "alien" references. The bill focuses solely on updating government language, with no new rights or obligations for residents.
Maddy summaryHB 2355 establishes minimum wage, overtime, and written contract requirements for domestic workers in Washington State, directly affecting nannies, home care aides, housekeepers, and similar workers employed in private residences. The bill requires employers to pay at least the state minimum wage (including overtime after 40 hours), provide a written agreement detailing pay, hours, benefits, and termination notice (2 weeks for non-live-in workers, 4 weeks for live-in), and prohibits wage theft like withholding pay. It excludes family members, casual labor (e.g., irregular babysitting), and home care provided through state-funded agencies. The law aims to bring domestic workers under standard labor protections while clarifying exemptions for certain informal or family-based arrangements.
Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HR 4697) honoring Dr. Bernal Baca, recognizing his decades of service to Washington state. It highlights his work as a 30-year Yakima Valley College professor, founder of the Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs, leader in labor and education advocacy, and executive director of a Tacoma-based Latino community nonprofit. The resolution formally acknowledges his contributions to justice, education, and community building, with no policy changes or direct effects on specific groups. As a procedural measure, it serves solely to express the House's recognition of his legacy.
Maddy summaryHB 1873 expands Washington State’s Working Connections Child Care program to include graduate and professional students enrolled full-time at higher education institutions. It sets eligibility at household income of 85% or less of the state median income (adjusted for family size), requires children to be under 13 or under 19 with a verified special need, and waives copayments where federal law allows (capping at $15). The bill also clarifies that two-parent households cannot be denied care based on the other parent’s availability and ensures graduate students qualify for full-time child care assistance under the program. These changes apply immediately upon enactment, with income thresholds and copayment rules adjusted to align with existing program tiers.
Maddy summaryThis Washington state joint memorial (HJM 4017) urges the U.S. federal government to take specific actions regarding Iran, directly affecting U.S. agencies and policymakers. It requests the U.S. refrain from military intervention, strengthen targeted sanctions against Iranian officials violating human rights, minimize harm from broad sanctions on civilians, and support Iranian democracy movements through diplomatic and humanitarian means. The resolution emphasizes prioritizing Iranian-led democratic processes and includes nine specific policy requests, such as expanding internet access and halting deportations to Iran. As a symbolic state resolution - not a binding law - it has no legal effect but formally expresses Washington’s position to federal authorities.