Rep. Timm Ormsby

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Washington's workers' compensation benefits, primarily affecting injured workers and their families. For claims with an injury date on or after July 1, 2026, it updates how permanent total disability benefits are calculated. These changes include adding the employer's health care contributions to benefits and adjusting the percentage of a worker's wages received based on marital status and the number of children. Additionally, the bill ensures that child-related compensation payments are made directly to the person with legal custody of a child, rather than to an injured worker or surviving spouse who does not have custody. The act takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 4664 is a commemorative bill that honors the life and legacy of former Speaker Frank Chopp. It recognizes his extensive public service, advocacy for social justice and housing, and his record as the longest-serving Speaker in Washington state history.

Maddy summarySubstitute House Bill 1899 modifies the requirements for the Washington State homelessness point-in-time count. The bill removes the mandate for the Department to conduct this count annually, instead allowing the Department to establish a schedule and determine the data to be collected in consultation with local governments. It also eliminates previous requirements for the Department to implement an online information and referral system and an organizational quality management system. However, provisions protecting the confidentiality of personal information collected during the count and specific protections for victims of domestic violence or sexual assault remain in effect.

Maddy summaryHB 1141 grants agricultural workers involved in cultivating, growing, harvesting, or producing cannabis the right to collective bargaining. It places these workers and their employers under the jurisdiction of the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC). PERC will oversee the process for employees to organize, elect bargaining representatives, and engage in good faith negotiations with employers on wages, hours, and working conditions. The bill also defines and prohibits unfair labor practices by employers related to these organizing rights.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Washington's covenant homeownership program, which provides down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers from historically marginalized communities. It raises the household income eligibility threshold for participants from 100% to 140% of the area median income. The bill also introduces a provision allowing for full loan forgiveness after five years for participants whose household income is at or below 80% of the area median income at the time of the loan. Additionally, it adjusts the membership of the program's oversight committee.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1355 modifies existing retail tax compacts between the state of Washington and federally recognized tribes within the state. It increases the revenue-sharing percentages for state sales and use taxes collected on qualified transactions if a compacting tribe completes a "qualified capital investment." Specifically, for tribes making such an investment, the state's share of sales and use tax revenue above an initial $500,000 threshold will be 100% for both new and existing developments. The bill also outlines required provisions for these compacts, such as processes for verifying compliance and resolving disputes.

Maddy summaryHB 1755 exempts certain hospitals that are owned or operated by a state entity from needing a "certificate of need" (CON) for elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures. A CON is a regulatory approval often required for healthcare facilities to offer new services or expand existing ones. This bill allows these specific state-affiliated hospitals to provide a type of heart procedure without going through that particular state approval process. The change directly affects these hospitals and the patients who receive elective PCI services there.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1531 establishes a state policy that public health responses to communicable diseases must be guided by the best available science and evidence-based measures, including immunizations and vaccines. It requires state and local health officials to implement and promote these measures within available resources. The bill also prohibits the state or any local government from enacting laws or policies that forbid the implementation and promotion of such measures, declaring any existing prohibitive policies null and void. This legislation clarifies the ability of public health officials to use scientifically proven methods to control disease spread, without creating new requirements for individuals to receive vaccines.

Maddy summaryHB 1393 requires public school districts in Washington state to permit students to wear items or objects of cultural significance with their gowns at high school commencement ceremonies and other official graduation events. This policy applies to all public schools, including charter and state-tribal education compact schools. Students' cultural items must be appropriate for the ceremony and adhere to school district decorum requirements. However, school districts retain the authority to prohibit items that would cause a substantial disruption or material interference with the event.

Maddy summaryHB 1540 expands eligibility for the "students experiencing homelessness and foster youth program" to include accredited public tribal colleges in Washington. This program, previously available only at public four-year institutions, provides assistance to students experiencing homelessness and those who were in the foster care system when they graduated high school. Support services can include access to laundry, storage, reduced-price meals, technology, housing assistance, and case management. Participating institutions are also enabled to develop affordable housing from surplus property and are required to submit annual reports to the legislature on the program's impact.