Maddy summaryHB 1881 requires health care entities to notify Washington’s attorney general and health care authority about major mergers, acquisitions, or contracting affiliations that could impact competition or access to care. It mandates review of these transactions to ensure they maintain or improve access to emergency, primary, reproductive, end-of-life, and gender-affirming care - specifically addressing concerns that past deals reduced access to these services. The bill supplements federal antitrust laws by covering transactions below federal reporting thresholds and giving state agencies tools to investigate potential anticompetitive harm. It directly affects health care providers, insurers, and hospital systems entering significant ownership changes. The law aims to prevent price hikes and limited provider choices, particularly in rural areas, while protecting access to medically necessary care for vulnerable communities.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 1560 imposes a 7.5% tax on the portion of annual compensation exceeding 10 times the state's average wage for the five highest-paid hospital employees without direct patient care, plus the hospital's lead administrator if not included. It directly affects nonprofit hospitals in Washington that pay certain executives excessive compensation, as defined by the bill. The tax revenue will fund programs to improve healthcare access, particularly for vulnerable populations and reproductive care. The tax applies to compensation reported under state health reporting rules, beginning in 2027 for the 2026 tax year.
Maddy summaryHB 1581 increases a tax on communication services to fund Washington's 988 behavioral health crisis line. It raises the tax rate to 70 cents per month for radio access lines, VoIP services, and switched access lines starting in 2026, up from current rates of 40 cents (2023-2025). The tax applies to subscribers and providers of these services within Washington, with proceeds deposited into a dedicated crisis response account. The funding supports suicide prevention and crisis care services, aiming to reduce reliance on emergency rooms and law enforcement for mental health emergencies. The bill does not change existing services but adjusts tax rates to sustain and expand the 988 system.
Maddy summaryHB 1567 requires health care administrators at Washington hospitals to obtain a state license starting January 1, 2027. It defines these roles as nonclinical managers or directors who oversee hiring, compliance, operations, or patient care policies for clinical staff, but excludes federal employees like those in the U.S. Armed Forces. The bill mandates passing a state-administered exam on health care laws and ethics, paying fees, and completing annual continuing education to maintain licensure. The Washington Department of Health will manage licensing, set fees, and enforce rules, including disciplinary actions for unprofessional conduct like unsafe fiscal decisions. This applies only to hospital employees in Washington, not to all health care workers.
Maddy summaryHB 1301 requires Washington state facilities to provide free communication services (including voice calls, video, and messaging) to people confined in state custody, eliminating fees for these services. It mandates that facilities maintain existing access to communication devices (like wall phones) and provide free tablets to incarcerated individuals. The bill prohibits facilities from charging fees or generating revenue from these services and explicitly states communication services cannot replace in-person visitation. It also requires transparency by making provider contracts and fee structures publicly available on facility websites and tablets. This law applies to both the Department of Corrections and Department of Children, Youth, and Families facilities.
Maddy summaryHB 1470 requires Washington's developmental disabilities administration to hire two permanent full-time staff members to manage its "no-paid services" caseload. This caseload includes individuals eligible for services but not currently receiving paid support. The staff will update the caseload to track current eligible individuals, identify those interested in services within the next year, and report this data annually to the governor and legislature. The bill also mandates that individuals on this caseload receive case resource management services, including outreach about available support options. These changes aim to improve caseload accuracy and client outreach without altering eligibility criteria or funding.
Maddy summaryHB 1495 establishes a two-year pilot program in eastern Washington to provide financial support for college and career training. It directly affects high school graduates in 10 counties east of the Cascade Mountains who meet income limits (150% of state median family income), enroll in local postsecondary programs within a year of graduation, and apply for federal/state aid. The program offers up to $5,000 annually for tuition and fees (after other aid is applied) to 100 students yearly, plus a separate high school component providing full community college tuition for two years at three selected schools. Funding comes from state matching funds (up to $500,000 for 2026 and $1 million for 2027) paired with private contributions, with reporting required on student outcomes by December 2028. The program expires August 1, 2029.
Maddy summaryHB 1430 requires health carriers in Washington state to reimburse advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants at the same rate as physicians for providing identical health care services. This mandate applies to health plans issued or renewed starting January 1, 2026, excluding those offered to public employees. Health carriers are prohibited from decreasing physician reimbursement rates to meet this requirement. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner will collect data on the implementation, including rate changes and costs, and report to the legislature by July 1, 2027. This section does not apply to advanced practice registered nurses or physician assistants who are employees of a health maintenance organization.
Maddy summaryHB 1545 creates a statewide cardiac and stroke care system in Washington, requiring hospitals and emergency medical services (EMS) providers to submit data on patient care starting in 2027. The Department of Health will establish a registry to collect this data, analyze performance, and develop quality improvement plans focused on reducing death and disability from heart attacks and strokes. The bill mandates annual reports on system progress, with a 2028 report specifically evaluating whether on-site hospital inspections are needed. It also allocates funds to support rural hospitals in meeting data requirements and includes public education on stroke/heart attack symptoms and 911 use.
Maddy summaryHB 1534 raises the minimum age to purchase tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor products from 18 to 21 in Washington State. It requires retailers to verify customers' ages using specific photo ID with signature (e.g., driver's licenses, tribal ID cards) and imposes stricter penalties for sales to minors. Violations now carry fines starting at $1,500 for first offenses and up to $15,000 for repeated violations, with license suspensions or revocations for repeated breaches. The bill directly affects retailers selling these products, targeting underage access through enhanced enforcement mechanisms.