Rep. Natasha Hill

Maddy summaryHB 1218 aims to improve services for individuals referred for competency evaluations and restoration within the criminal justice system, particularly those with behavioral health needs. The bill expands and clarifies the role of forensic navigators, who courts may appoint to assist these individuals. Forensic navigators help individuals access diversion programs, community outpatient competency restoration services, housing, and medication, while also providing updates to the court and legal parties. The goal is to reduce the demand on forensic mental health facilities by diverting individuals to community-based behavioral health care.

Maddy summaryHB 1129 requires most group health plans in Washington to cover fertility preservation services starting January 2026 and infertility diagnosis/treatment starting January 2027. It mandates coverage for two egg retrieval procedures with unlimited embryo transfers (per medical guidelines), prohibits different cost-sharing for fertility services compared to other pregnancy care, and ensures coverage extends to spouses and nonspouse dependents equally. The bill directly affects health insurers and enrollees seeking fertility care, including LGBTQ+ individuals and racial/ethnic minorities who face coverage disparities. Key provisions include banning restrictions on fertility medications and eliminating separate deductibles or waiting periods for these services.

Maddy summaryHB 1056 empowers Washington's Attorney General to investigate and take legal action against local law enforcement and corrections agencies for systemic misconduct, such as excessive force, discriminatory practices, or inadequate detention conditions. The bill allows the AG to issue civil investigative demands, file lawsuits for systemic reforms, and seek court-ordered policy changes without addressing individual officer misconduct. It specifically applies to county and city agencies (excluding state entities like the Washington State Patrol) and requires coordination with federal investigations. The law does not replace existing legal remedies but aims to promote consistent accountability and transparency in local policing and corrections practices.

Maddy summaryHB 1127 clarifies when money in prearranged funeral service contracts becomes unclaimed property, changing the abandonment timeline from 50 years to a 3-year presumption. It specifies that funds are presumed abandoned three years after the beneficiary's death (using death certificates or social security records), when the beneficiary would turn 107, or 50 years after the contract was signed. The bill modifies reporting requirements for funeral establishments and defines key terms like "contract beneficiary" and "funeral establishment" to streamline the process. This directly affects funeral service providers, the Department of Revenue, and families seeking unclaimed funds from prearranged contracts.

Maddy summaryHB 1882 imposes a temporary 2% state tax on short-term lodging (like hotels and vacation rentals) for stays between April 1, 2026, and September 30, 2026, affecting businesses that provide such accommodations. The tax applies to reservations made after the bill's effective date and excludes stays of one month or longer. Revenue collected will fund a new "enhanced tourism account," with 25% distributed to counties based on tax collection, 25% supporting human trafficking victim programs, and 50% for state tourism initiatives. The tax and account expire on July 1, 2027, with any remaining funds transferred to the state general fund.

Maddy summaryHB 1505 corrects outdated or inaccurate references in Washington state insurance laws administered by the Insurance Commissioner. The bill repeals obsolete statutes and reports, aligns existing rules with current federal law and interpretations, and adjusts timelines. It specifically protects patient data by maintaining exemptions for confidential health claim information (under RCW 48.140.020) and ensures technical accuracy in insurance regulations. This bill directly affects insurance companies operating in Washington and the Insurance Commissioner's office, which administers these laws.

Maddy summaryHB 1894 requires Washington public school districts to incorporate curriculum about the history, culture, and government of nearby federally recognized tribes into social studies by September 1, 2026, directly affecting all K-12 schools. It mandates districts to consult with tribes during curriculum updates and use the "John McCoy (lulilaš)" curriculum as a starting point. The bill creates an Office of Native Education within the superintendent’s office to support districts in developing these materials and requires annual monitoring of compliance starting in 2025-26. The law expires September 1, 2029, and requires districts to report on tribal collaborations and curriculum implementation.

Maddy summaryHB 1907 classifies the rental or lease of individual storage spaces at self-service storage facilities as a "retail transaction" for tax purposes. This means self-storage facilities must collect and remit business and occupation taxes and sales taxes on these rentals, aligning them with other retail services. The bill amends Washington State law (RCW 82.04.050) to explicitly include storage rentals under the definition of taxable retail sales, affecting both the facilities (as taxpayers) and their customers (who pay the tax). It does not create new taxes but changes the tax treatment of an existing service. The bill is currently under review in the House Finance Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1383 establishes a state grant program to provide funding for diaper banks to purchase and distribute essential baby items like diapers and wipes to families in need. The program prioritizes providers serving marginalized low-income communities or communities of color, or those with proven capacity to distribute baby essentials at scale. Grant recipients must apply through the department, which will annually report awarded funds on its website. This bill directly affects families accessing baby supplies and diaper bank providers operating in Washington state.

Maddy summaryHB 1126 standardizes and clarifies notification procedures for local governments and public facilities districts regarding changes to local sales and use tax rates. The bill requires these entities to provide written notice to the Department of Revenue within specific timelines, generally 75 days for most changes and 30 days for certain tax credits, with designated effective dates. It also specifies the documentation needed for these notifications, such as ordinances or, in the case of annexation, maps and parcel numbers. Additionally, the bill updates notification requirements for public facilities districts concerning the retirement of bonds funded by these taxes.