Rep. Kristine Reeves

Maddy summaryHB 2209 amends Washington State's sentencing guidelines to add mandatory additional prison time for certain theft, robbery, and stolen property offenses when a firearm or deadly weapon is used. It requires judges to add 5 years for class A felonies, 3 years for class B felonies, or 18 months for class C felonies involving firearms, with similar but shorter additions for deadly weapons (not firearms). These enhancements must be served consecutively to other sentences and are mandatory, with limited exceptions for specific weapon-related crimes. The bill is currently in committee review and has not yet been enacted into law.

Maddy summaryHB 2455 creates a two-year housing assistance pilot program for up to 50 youth in Washington's extended foster care system who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness. The program provides rental assistance covering up to 24 months (until age 21), with participants paying no more than 30% of their income toward rent, based on local fair market rent. It requires the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to conduct transition planning for youth turning 21 and mandates a 2029 report detailing program outcomes, participant demographics, and costs by county. The bill directly affects youth aged 18-21 in extended foster care who face housing instability while navigating federal housing programs.

Maddy summaryHB 2697 expands eligibility for a property tax break that helps owners maintain historic properties by allowing two additional 7-year extensions (totaling 24 years) for properties in cities under 20,000 population, removing the prior requirement for "distressed area" designation. It requires owners to apply 90 days before expiration for extensions, which local review boards may approve or deny at their discretion. The bill directly affects owners of qualifying historic properties in smaller cities, aiming to promote revitalization of historic districts. Extensions cannot be granted after January 1, 2057, and the tax break ends with the property's cost considered as new construction upon termination.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 4675, adopted on January 28, 2026, is a ceremonial resolution expressing the Washington State House of Representatives' gratitude to the Washington National Guard for their service. It specifically acknowledges the Guard's roles in emergency response (including flood operations and search-and-rescue missions), disaster recovery efforts (like adapting from the Oso landslide), and national defense support (such as aerial refueling capabilities). The resolution directs copies to the Adjutant General, Governor, and other officials but does not create new laws or alter policies. It directly honors National Guard members, their families, and employers without imposing any financial or operational requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 2512 prohibits Washington real estate brokers from marketing residential properties exclusively to a limited group of potential buyers or other brokers. Instead, brokers must market properties to the general public and all other brokers simultaneously, unless health or safety concerns of the owner or occupant require an exception. The bill directly affects residential real estate brokers by requiring public marketing access and banning targeted marketing practices. It amends existing laws to enforce this standard and aligns with broader requirements for transparent broker conduct under Washington’s real estate regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 2170 would authorize Washington’s Department of Natural Resources to generate revenue from state lands and waters through carbon credit programs and other ecosystem service projects, such as reforestation, kelp restoration, and water purification. The bill directly affects the department (which manages 6 million acres of state lands) and trust beneficiaries by enabling it to enter carbon markets like private landowners already do, with contracts lasting up to 125 years. Key provisions include requiring board approval for minimum payments, allowing sales of ecosystem service credits to markets, and directing proceeds to state accounts for environmental projects like salmon habitat improvement. The bill aims to diversify state revenue streams while leveraging natural climate solutions, aligning with Washington’s existing cap-and-invest climate program. It remains a proposed bill (prefiled but not yet enacted).

Maddy summaryHB 2682 requires Washington state environmental agencies (including departments of Ecology, Health, Natural Resources, and Transportation) to integrate environmental justice principles into major decisions. It defines "overburdened communities" and "vulnerable populations" and mandates that covered agencies conduct environmental justice assessments before implementing significant actions like major rules, large projects ($12M+), or new grant programs. The bill also requires the Forest Practices Board and Board of Natural Resources to comply with these standards for all future actions and submit a 2027 report comparing past decisions to the new requirements. This law aims to ensure state environmental policies address disproportionate pollution impacts on marginalized communities through standardized analysis.

Maddy summaryHB 2511 amends Washington State law to provide a specific definition for "imminent physical harm" within child welfare proceedings, though the exact definition isn't included in the provided text. The bill reenacts and amends RCW 13.34.030, which establishes definitions used across child welfare statutes. It directly affects child welfare cases, including dependency proceedings, foster care placements, and decisions about child safety. The amendment aims to clarify legal standards for determining when immediate intervention is necessary to protect children from physical harm.

Maddy summaryHB 2327 directs the joint legislative audit committee to review Washington's trust structure for 21 counties that transferred timberlands to the state in 1935 under an agreement guaranteeing perpetual revenue from timber harvests. The audit will examine how the Department of Natural Resources manages these lands (now called "state forestlands"), including timber harvest volumes and revenue over 30 years, and compare the trust model to other similar arrangements. It requires the committee to analyze whether current management aligns with the 1935 trust terms and common law trust principles, then propose adjustments to protect county beneficiaries' revenue rights. The committee must submit findings by December 31, 2027, with the bill expiring June 30, 2028. This affects counties that transferred land under the 1935 agreement, seeking to address reduced timber harvests and revenue due to environmental restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 2292 changes Washington state tax rules to include gains from federally designated small business stock in state capital gains calculations. It affects Washington residents who sell qualifying small business stock after January 1, 2026, by requiring these gains to be taxed under state law. The bill adds these gains to Washington’s adjusted capital gain calculation, which previously excluded them. This means more small business investment profits will now be subject to Washington’s capital gains tax starting in 2026.