Rep. Natasha Hill

Maddy summaryHB 2502 removes sales tax exemptions for certain products and services that currently only exclude state sales tax but not local sales tax. This change will increase revenue for local governments (cities and counties) by requiring these items to pay both state and local sales taxes. The bill specifically targets exemptions listed in the tax code that previously allowed businesses to avoid paying local taxes on qualifying purchases. As a result, local governments will gain additional funding to support essential services like roads, public safety, and community programs.

Maddy summaryHB 2494 updates Washington’s asbestos worker and supervisor certification requirements under RCW 49.26.110. It mandates that certified asbestos workers complete a four-day training course and supervisors a five-day course, both approved by the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). The bill explicitly limits L&I’s rulemaking authority to adopting rules only "specifically required" to meet federal standards for asbestos work, preventing stricter state rules than federal law. This directly affects asbestos workers, supervisors, and contractors needing certification for state-regulated asbestos removal or encapsulation projects.

Maddy summaryWashington State's HJM 4010 is a formal request to the U.S. government to investigate the killing of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a University of Washington psychology graduate and Seattle resident. The memorial, addressed to President Trump, the Secretary of State, and the Department of Justice, asks for a "transparent, thorough, and independent investigation" into her death by an Israeli military sniper in the West Bank on September 6, 2024. It specifically cites her peaceful activism, including organizing protests for Palestinian rights and supporting displaced communities, and draws parallels to the unresolved death of another Washingtonian, Rachel Corrie. As a non-binding memorial resolution, it does not create new law but formally urges federal action. The request is directed at U.S. executive and legislative branches to pursue accountability for Eygi's death.

Maddy summaryHB 1608 bans the sale, possession, transport, or distribution of farmed octopus in Washington State, targeting commercial aquaculture operations. The bill directly affects businesses and individuals involved in octopus farming, as it prohibits these activities under new provisions in Title 19 RCW. Key mechanisms include a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per violation for noncompliance, enforceable by the attorney general. The legislation is based on the legislature’s findings that octopuses are highly intelligent, sentient creatures requiring protection from farming practices. It expands existing 2024 restrictions on octopus aquaculture by eliminating the commercial market for farmed octopus.

Maddy summaryWashington State's HJM 4011 is a joint memorial requesting Congress to call a constitutional convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. It seeks to propose an amendment addressing concerns about campaign finance influence, specifically following the *Citizens United* Supreme Court decision (2010), which removed limits on independent political spending. The memorial asks Congress to convene the convention once two-thirds of states have similarly applied, and specifies that Washington’s delegates should be selected from state/local officeholders (not current/federal officials). This is a procedural request, not a policy change, aimed at initiating a state-led effort to amend the Constitution.

Maddy summaryHB 2106 requires health insurance carriers to provide healthcare providers and facilities with clear, 90-day advance notice of major contract changes that affect payments or services. The notice must detail the specific financial impact, exact language of the change, and allow providers to accept or reject it without disrupting their existing contracts. If carriers fail to follow these rules, the proposed changes become void, and providers can reject modifications without penalty. This bill directly affects insurers and healthcare facilities by mandating transparency for significant changes like payment rate cuts, new billing rules, or service restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 2434 requires all Washington hospitals with emergency departments to maintain a supply of rabies medication for postexposure prophylaxis starting January 1, 2027. This ensures patients can receive the first dose immediately upon arrival after a potential rabies exposure, as medically needed. Hospitals must also arrange for all subsequent doses required to complete the full treatment course, either by keeping additional stock on-site or establishing timely access to the medication. The bill directly affects hospitals operating emergency departments across Washington State.

Maddy summaryHB 2407 establishes the "Strengthen Washington Homes Program," a grant initiative to help homeowners, contractors, and nonprofits retrofit homes to meet wildfire preparedness standards set by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). The program provides financial grants for wildfire risk mitigation, requiring properties to achieve IBHS certification (like "Wildfire Prepared Home" status) and secure necessary permits before receiving funding. It also prohibits insurers from denying coverage based solely on wildfire risk if a property holds IBHS certification. The bill creates a dedicated program account for funding, funded by state appropriations and eligible grants, with implementation overseen by the Insurance Commissioner.

Maddy summaryHB 2293 prohibits Washington state law enforcement agencies, including the Washington State Patrol and peace officer training commissions, from participating in or funding training, exchanges, or travel with foreign military forces, intelligence agencies, or security services. The bill directly affects all Washington law enforcement officers and agencies by banning partnerships, programs, or travel for foreign military/intelligence training. Key provisions require agencies to cease any existing arrangements and prevent future funding or facilitation of such international training activities. This policy change aims to restrict state law enforcement collaboration with foreign security entities, with no exemptions specified.

Maddy summaryHB 2312 authorizes Washington state employees to take unpaid "shared leave" when they or a covered family member face immigration enforcement actions like detention, court appearances, or deportation proceedings. It defines "family member" broadly to include household members relying on the employee for care, and requires employers to protect immigration status details when verifying leave. Employees can provide documentation from advocates/attorneys or a written statement without revealing sensitive information, and employers must redact any immigration data in verification. This leave is only available after employees exhaust other leave options, and it applies to state employees covered under existing shared leave policies.