Rep. Josh Penner

Maddy summaryHB 1241 requires Washington school districts to improve transparency and timeliness in special education evaluations for students with disabilities. It mandates that districts provide parents with clear, translated information about evaluation processes and timelines (including a 22-day decision window after referrals and a 60-day evaluation window after consent), track and publicly report processing times by disability category, and use standardized templates for parent communications. The bill also ensures parents receive language-accessible materials and quarterly service reports for quantifiable special education services, while prohibiting multitiered systems from delaying evaluations. These changes directly affect students with disabilities, their families, and school districts across Washington State.

Maddy summaryHB 2060 (Washington State) prohibits elected officials and their spouses from holding employment, entering contracts, or having financial interests in private entities that receive state funding. This applies to private businesses, nonprofits, and other non-government organizations. The bill explicitly excludes public agencies (like state or local government jobs) from this restriction. It defines "beneficial interest" broadly to include any financial gain from a private entity’s contracts or transactions. The law aims to prevent conflicts of interest by restricting officials’ ties to entities receiving public money.

Maddy summaryHB 1585 requires Washington counties to verify that registered voters have proof of U.S. citizenship by July 1, 2025. It directs county election offices to check if voters have submitted acceptable documentation (like a passport, naturalization certificate, or specific certified U.S. birth certificate) and to send notices if they lack it. Voters without proof face registration cancellation 14 days before the 2025 general election unless they provide documentation. The law expires January 1, 2027, and explicitly rejects birth certificates from Puerto Rico issued before July 2010 and Washington wallet-sized birth registrations as valid proof.

Maddy summaryHB 2058 requires private organizations receiving public grants in Washington State to hire state-approved third-party auditors to verify how public funds are spent. Audits must detail all state/federal grant money received, itemize spending, confirm proper allocation, assess program effectiveness, and verify community support (e.g., local government resolution). The bill limits administrative costs to under 15% of grant funds and mandates annual reapplication for continued funding. Audits must be submitted to the state auditor within six months and published online.

Maddy summaryHB 1108 proposed establishing a legislative task force on housing cost driver analysis in Washington state. This task force would have included legislators, economists, and representatives from various housing sectors, such as developers, landlords, tenants, realtors, and city/county officials. Its main purpose was to research and identify the primary factors contributing to the cost of homeownership and rental housing. The task force was intended to report its findings and recommendations to the legislature by December 1, 2026. However, the Governor vetoed this bill on May 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1648 modifies the professional qualification requirements for licensed child care providers in Washington state. The bill extends the deadline for providers to comply with professional education requirements, such as certificates or community-based training, from 2026 to August 1, 2032. It also introduces a new pathway for providers to qualify by demonstrating experience-based competency after working in a licensed child care setting for at least five years. Additionally, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families will convene a stakeholder group to identify strategies for improving staff qualification requirements and verification processes.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1106 expands eligibility for property tax relief to more disabled military veterans in Washington state. It lowers the required combined service-connected disability rating from 80% to 40% or higher for veterans to qualify for property tax exemptions on their primary residence. This change allows a broader group of disabled veterans to receive a reduction in their annual property tax obligations, provided they meet other existing criteria related to residency, ownership, and income thresholds. The bill aims to recognize the sacrifices of veterans by making property tax relief more accessible.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 4650 is a commemorative resolution recognizing Representative Bruce Q. Chandler for his 26 years of distinguished service to the 15th Legislative District and the State of Washington. It honors his contributions in areas such as agriculture, business, early learning, and state budgeting.

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 summaryHouse Bill 1414 aims to improve career access for 16 and 17-year-old students involved in preparatory secondary career and technical education (CTE) programs. The bill expands the statewide career and technical education task force within the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. This task force is directed to review existing laws, rules, and state agency policies that create age-based barriers for students to begin coursework, test for licenses, or work in professions after completing CTE programs. The task force will then develop recommendations, including draft legislation, to remove these restrictions and enhance work-integrated learning opportunities and career entry for these students.