Rep. Cindy Ryu

Maddy summaryHB 2470 changes how Washington state funds school construction projects for schools physically located on military bases. It requires excluding these on-base facilities from a school district's total available instructional space when calculating state funding assistance. Instead of using the standard formula, state aid equals the total approved project cost minus any federal funds already received for the construction. This directly affects school districts with schools on military installations, ensuring their funding needs are calculated separately from other district facilities.

Maddy summaryHB 2640 prohibits unauthorized filings of financing statements under Washington’s Uniform Commercial Code with the intent to harass or defraud debtors. It creates a process where debtors can submit a notarized affidavit to the filing office to trigger a 30-day termination of wrongful filings, without fees for the debtor. Violators face penalties: a gross misdemeanor for first offenses and a class C felony for repeat violations. The bill also establishes procedures for creditors to challenge wrongful terminations through court action within six months. It directly affects debtors targeted by improper filings and creditors who may file incorrectly.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 2278) allows Washington counties or cities to continue imposing an additional $3 per night charge on hotel stays within designated tourism promotion areas. It directly affects lodging businesses operating in these areas, requiring 60% of local businesses to sign off on the fee before implementation. The legislation amends RCW 35.101.057 to permit this charge (on top of an existing $2 fee), mandates that proposed revenue uses be detailed, and specifies the fee expires July 1, 2027. The bill aims to sustain tourism sector growth by enabling continued funding for tourism promotion projects through this lodging fee.

Maddy summaryHB 2365 establishes Washington's governor's statewide broadband office to improve affordable broadband access and digital equity across the state. The bill defines key terms like "broadband" (requiring minimum 100 Mbps download/20 Mbps upload speeds) and "digital inclusion" (ensuring access to reliable internet, devices, and digital literacy training). It directly affects underserved populations including low-income households, rural residents, seniors, people with disabilities, and others as defined in section (21). The law mandates the office to drive broadband adoption and address gaps in unserved areas, focusing on concrete standards rather than speculative outcomes. The bill is currently pending in the House Appropriations Committee after failing committee passage.

Maddy summaryHB 2186 creates a state program to help Washington communities access federal economic development funds by providing matching state dollars. It requires the Department of Commerce to develop scoring criteria prioritizing applications based on job creation, federal funding amount, and rural/districted area impact, while setting limits on matching funds (up to 100% for nonprofits and rural projects, 50% for utilities). The bill mandates reporting on jobs created and federal funds secured, and directs the department to expand a public website with federal grant opportunities by 2028. It directly affects local governments, nonprofits, economic development organizations, and tribes seeking federal grants for projects like housing, infrastructure, and workforce training.

Maddy summaryHB 2145 prohibits drug manufacturers from restricting how 340B-covered safety net providers (like community health centers, HIV clinics, and tribal health centers) access discounted medications. It specifically bans manufacturers from denying or limiting delivery of 340B drugs to these providers or their contracted pharmacies, and prevents them from requiring data sharing as a condition for drug access. The law allows covered entities to sue violators for up to $5,000 per day per violation and requires penalties for noncompliance. This directly protects low-income patients who rely on affordable medications through Washington's safety net providers.

Maddy summaryHB 2210 authorizes Washington state local governments (counties, cities, towns, school districts, fire districts, and port districts) to adopt ranked choice voting (RCV) or proportional representation for elections. It requires jurisdictions choosing RCV to implement it by December 31, 2032, with specific rules for ballot design, candidate ranking, and election types (e.g., single-winner contests use instant runoff voting). The bill creates legal clarity for these election methods during a six-year period, reducing litigation risk while federal voting rights standards evolve, and allows jurisdictions to continue using approved systems beyond the six years. It does not alter existing voting rights protections under state law.

Maddy summaryHB 2481 bans grocery stores from using computer systems to charge different prices based on personal data like shopping habits, location, or inferred characteristics (e.g., income or race). It also requires a four-year temporary pause on all electronic shelf label systems that could collect consumer data from devices to adjust prices. The law directly affects grocery retailers using dynamic pricing technology, exempting small businesses. It aims to ensure prices remain fair and transparent, preventing personalized pricing without clear disclosure. The bill defines key terms like "inferred data" and "electronic shelf label systems" to clarify these prohibitions.

Maddy summaryThis is a House Resolution (not a law), introduced and adopted by the Washington State House of Representatives. It formally recognizes the importance of reflecting on the history of Chinese American exclusion in Washington state, including the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, the Tacoma and Seattle riots of 1885-1886, and ongoing discrimination. The resolution aims to promote education about this history and honor the contributions of Chinese Americans to Washington's cultural and civic life. It serves as a symbolic commitment to remembering this chapter of state history for public awareness and remembrance.

Maddy summaryHB 2483 creates a state registry requiring data brokers in Washington to register with the Department of Licensing by May 2028. It applies to businesses that collect and sell personal information like names, addresses, Social Security numbers, or biometric data (e.g., fingerprints) without consumer consent. The law defines "data broker" broadly but excludes credit bureaus, financial institutions under federal law, and businesses collecting data from customers or employees. The registry aims to increase transparency about who collects and sells Washington residents' personal data, without regulating how data is handled.