Maddy summaryThis bill requires Washington healthcare providers to inform patients about available pain control options before scheduling or during appointments for intrauterine device (IUD) placement or removal. It directly affects patients seeking IUDs - particularly those who have never given birth, who often experience more pain - and healthcare providers who perform these procedures. The key provision mandates that providers notify patients about pain management choices (beyond just over-the-counter medications) at the time of scheduling, aligning with updated CDC guidelines. The bill does not change medical practices but ensures patients receive clear information about pain control options before the procedure. It is pending review in the Health Care & Wellness committee.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 1653 creates a state program to reimburse registered tow truck operators for releasing vehicles owned by indigent citizens who cannot afford towing costs. It applies to vehicles impounded on private property or by law enforcement (excluding those impounded after an arrest), requiring applicants to self-certify as indigent and owners, and operators to verify eligibility before submitting forms to the Department of Licensing. Reimbursement uses existing funds from towing service payments, with priority given to applications based on submission order if funds are limited. The bill requires annual reporting on program usage and prohibits tow operators from claiming liens on released vehicles.
Maddy summaryHB 2012 allocates $16.2 million for the 2024-25 school year and $4.7 million for 2025-26 to fund Washington's "transition to kindergarten" program, which helps children needing extra preparation before kindergarten. It directly affects public school districts, charter schools, and state-tribal education compact schools operating the program. Key provisions include requiring schools to prioritize low-income families for enrollment, prohibiting tuition fees or disability-based exclusions, mandating developmental assessments, and establishing a funding formula based on eligible student counts. The bill also sets standards for program eligibility (children age 4 by August 31 who need additional kindergarten preparation) and requires schools to adopt policies meeting state guidelines.
Maddy summaryHB 1547 creates a coordinated statewide network to improve school-based mental and behavioral health services for Washington K-12 students. It directs the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to lead strategic planning and coordination with state agencies, school districts, and regional programs, replacing fragmented existing efforts. Key provisions include establishing regional student assistance programs to provide evidence-based screening, prevention, and intervention services - especially in underserved areas - and requiring schools to align with the Washington Integrated Student Supports protocol. The bill aims to streamline access to mental health resources, reduce barriers to care, and support school staff through technical assistance, without creating new standalone programs. This directly affects all public school students and districts across Washington, particularly those in communities with limited behavioral health access.
Maddy summaryHB 1182 grants certain parks and recreation commission employees the right to use interest arbitration - a formal dispute resolution process - to settle disagreements over wages, hours, and working conditions when negotiations stall. It directly affects non-confidential park and recreation staff (excluding internal auditors) in Washington state, specifically those covered under chapter 41.06 RCW. The bill requires employers and unions to begin negotiations at least five months before the state budget is submitted, and if unresolved after 60 days, either party can request mediation or appoint an arbitrator by mutual agreement from a federal list. The arbitrator must consider factors like the agency’s budget, similar state employee pay, and retention needs, with decisions becoming binding unless appealed under existing law.
Maddy summaryHB 1199 strengthens consumer protections by increasing penalties for insurance companies that violate Washington's insurance code. It amends statutes to allow the Insurance Commissioner to impose fines of $250-$10,000 per violation (up from $250), require insurers to pay restitution with 8% interest within 30 days, and issue cease-and-desist orders. The bill directly affects insurers found liable for code violations, mandating financial accountability for harms caused to policyholders. Key provisions include streamlined restitution orders for funds owed to consumers and automatic certificate revocation for unpaid fines.
Maddy summaryHB 1072 requires Washington's Department of Health to review health care mergers, acquisitions, or joint ventures that could affect access to reproductive, end-of-life, or gender-affirming care. Health care entities must submit applications 60 days before such transactions, detailing how access to these services will be maintained or improved in affected communities. The Department of Health can approve transactions, approve them with conditions, or deny them based on their impact on protected services. This law aims to prevent disruptions to critical care types while requiring transparency in transaction planning.
Maddy summaryHB 1093 amends Washington state law to require medical assistance plans (Medicaid) to cover massage therapy as a "related service" under existing coverage for physical and occupational therapy. This change directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries who need massage therapy for medical conditions, such as chronic pain or injury rehabilitation. The bill updates RCW 74.09.520 to explicitly include massage therapy within covered services, aligning it with other therapeutic treatments. Coverage remains subject to available funding, as specified in other sections of the bill.
Maddy summaryHB 1499 eliminates enforcement of certain court-imposed costs, fees, and interest on legal financial obligations for people convicted of crimes. It automatically nullifies these debts after the effective date, prohibits courts from accepting payments for them, and creates a new process for courts to waive uncollectible portions upon offender request. The bill specifically excludes restitution from these changes but allows clerks to seek judicial orders waiving costs, fees, and accrued interest. This applies to existing debts eliminated by the law, directly affecting individuals with outstanding criminal justice-related financial obligations.
Maddy summaryHB 1569 requires Washington state to include tax exemptions and preferences in the regular biennial budget process, ending their automatic continuation without legislative review. The bill mandates that all tax exemptions without expiration dates must be reviewed, assigned performance measures, and reauthorized every two years or expire, with a maximum 10-year term for new exemptions. It also requires the Department of Revenue to estimate the annual revenue impact of each exemption and include these details in the budget. This affects all taxpayers by ensuring tax preferences are transparently evaluated for their revenue impact, rather than reducing state funds for services like education without oversight.