Rep. Jamila Taylor

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 1338 revises Washington state's formula for distributing basic education funding to school districts. It establishes specific per-pupil funding levels based on "prototypical" school models (e.g., 600 students for high schools, 432 for middle schools, 400 for elementary schools), setting minimum class size requirements (like 17 students per teacher in K-3) and staff ratios for roles including teachers, librarians, paraeducators, and support staff. The bill mandates transparency by requiring the superintendent to publish per-pupil funding data online and school districts to link to it on their websites. This directly affects all public school districts in Washington, determining how state funds are allocated for core instructional programs and operational costs.

Maddy summaryHB 1257 extends special education services for students with disabilities until the end of the school year in which they turn 22, instead of ending at age 21. This change directly affects students with disabilities aged 16-22 who require transition planning to move from school to postsecondary life. The bill amends state education statutes to align with a federal court ruling finding Washington’s prior policy violated the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. It also requires state agencies to update transition planning by October 2026, ensuring services supplement rather than replace other support programs.

Maddy summaryHB 1057 creates a state fund to help Washington communities secure federal economic development grants by providing matching dollars. It directly affects local governments, rural areas, tribes, nonprofits, and businesses seeking federal funds for projects like broadband, housing, infrastructure, and workforce training. Key mechanisms include establishing scoring criteria prioritizing rural counties and job creation, setting grant tiers (up to 100% matching for most entities), and requiring the state to provide a template letter supporting federal applications. The bill mandates annual reporting on fund usage and expands online resources to track available federal opportunities.

Maddy summaryHB 1487 establishes guaranteed annual state funding levels for crime victim services in Washington, starting at $50 million annually for 2025-2027 and increasing to $70 million annually by 2033. It requires the state legislature to appropriate funds each year that, combined with prior-year federal Victims of Crime Act (VICA) funding, meet these specific annual totals. The bill ensures state funds supplement, rather than replace, existing federal or other funding sources and prohibits using these funds for capital projects. It directly affects victim services programs in every Washington county, which provide trauma-informed, culturally relevant support to crime victims. The Office of Crime Victims Advocacy must submit periodic reports on service needs and funding recommendations starting in 2039.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment (HJR 4204) proposes adding a new section to Washington’s Constitution to authorize the legislature to create a property tax exemption for a primary residence. If approved by voters, it would allow the legislature to pass laws granting this exemption, with the ability to set specific rules, restrictions, or eligibility conditions. The amendment requires voter approval at the next general election, as mandated by the bill’s process for constitutional changes. It directly affects future legislative action on property tax policy but does not establish the exemption itself.

Maddy summaryHB 2025 adds a new $300 annual tax credit for low-income renters in Washington who pay sales or use tax. Eligible residents must have rented their primary residence for at least 183 days during the year and meet existing credit requirements. The credit, effective starting in 2026, will be adjusted annually for inflation based on the Seattle consumer price index. This directly supports residential tenants whose rent includes property tax costs, expanding the existing working families' tax credit program.

Maddy summaryHB 1756 sets a limit of 5 parts per million for lead in cookware and cookware components that touch food, effective January 1, 2026. It applies to manufacturers, retailers, and wholesalers selling cookware in Washington, prohibiting products exceeding this lead level. The law exempts secondhand sales (like casual or nonprofit transactions) and includes definitions for terms like "cookware" (e.g., pots, pans, utensils) and "vulnerable populations." After 2034, the Department of Ecology may lower the limit if feasible and necessary for health protection. This directly affects cookware producers and sellers while prioritizing safety for consumers, especially those in vulnerable groups.

Maddy summaryHB 1111 allows individuals convicted of crimes before age 18 to petition the indeterminate sentence review board for early release after turning 24, provided they have no recent convictions or serious infractions. The bill requires a department assessment 5 years before eligibility, a dangerousness evaluation within 180 days of petition, and sets conditions for release, including victim input and potential rental assistance. It limits annual petitions to 70, prioritizing those under 25 or recently transferred from juvenile custody, and expires July 2035. The policy aims to align with brain development science by creating rehabilitation incentives for youth offenders.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1402 makes it an unfair practice for Washington state employers to include a driver's license requirement in job advertisements or applications unless the position's core functions genuinely necessitate operating a motor vehicle. This bill clarifies that transportation to and from the job site does not constitute a job function requiring a driver's license. Individuals harmed by a violation can pursue civil action to stop the practice and recover damages and attorney's fees.