Rep. Cindy Ryu

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Memorial 4003 is a non-binding resolution from the Washington State Legislature urging the U.S. government to join international efforts in developing a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. It calls for ending new fossil fuel exploration and expansion, phasing out existing production in line with climate science, and prioritizing worker and community support during the transition. The memorial aligns with Washington’s existing climate laws, including the Climate Commitment Act and the HEAL Act, which aim to reduce emissions and address environmental health disparities. It directly addresses the U.S. President, Congress, and the United Nations to advance global climate action.

Maddy summaryHB 1595 establishes a 16-member advisory committee to develop a five-year statewide economic development plan, directly affecting Washington state government and economic sectors. The committee must include diverse representation from communities, industries (like tech, agriculture, and tourism), state agencies, and commissions focused on minority and women's business development. Key mechanisms require the committee to hold public meetings, provide input on plan priorities, and submit the first proposal with recommended legislation by November 2025, with updates every five years. The plan must include measurable goals and policy recommendations to guide state economic strategy.

Maddy summaryHB 1882 imposes a temporary 2% state tax on short-term lodging (like hotels and vacation rentals) for stays between April 1, 2026, and September 30, 2026, affecting businesses that provide such accommodations. The tax applies to reservations made after the bill's effective date and excludes stays of one month or longer. Revenue collected will fund a new "enhanced tourism account," with 25% distributed to counties based on tax collection, 25% supporting human trafficking victim programs, and 50% for state tourism initiatives. The tax and account expire on July 1, 2027, with any remaining funds transferred to the state general fund.

Maddy summaryHB 1268 regulates virtual currency transaction kiosks in Washington State by requiring operators to obtain a money transmission license, treating kiosk operations as money transmission under state law. It mandates clear disclosures to users about risks (including irreversible transactions, lack of government insurance, fraud vulnerabilities, and price volatility) displayed prominently before each transaction. The bill also requires licensees to create detailed winding-down plans for business closures, ensuring consumer funds are protected and accessible. These provisions directly affect kiosk businesses and consumers using virtual currency services in Washington.

Maddy summaryHB 1492 requires Washington public colleges and universities to offer early course registration to students with dependents starting in the 2025-26 academic year. It directly affects students who are parents or caregivers for children under 18, or individuals with disabilities/elderly relatives dependent on them. Institutions must create processes to prioritize these students for early registration - new students must complete admission, while continuing students must meet current enrollment requirements. The law defines "dependents" as children under 18 or those requiring the student's care due to disability, age, or health needs.

Maddy summaryHB 1126 standardizes and clarifies notification procedures for local governments and public facilities districts regarding changes to local sales and use tax rates. The bill requires these entities to provide written notice to the Department of Revenue within specific timelines, generally 75 days for most changes and 30 days for certain tax credits, with designated effective dates. It also specifies the documentation needed for these notifications, such as ordinances or, in the case of annexation, maps and parcel numbers. Additionally, the bill updates notification requirements for public facilities districts concerning the retirement of bonds funded by these taxes.

Maddy summaryHB 1203 prohibits the sale of all flavored tobacco and nicotine products (including fruit, mint, or candy flavors) and entertainment vapor products with gaming features (like Pac-Man) starting January 1, 2026. It directly affects retailers who sell these products and aims to reduce youth vaping, as 88% of youth vapers use flavored products. The bill defines "flavored" broadly to include any non-tobacco taste or cooling sensation, and bans interactive devices that display games or videos. This targets products marketed to youth, such as those with cotton candy flavors or menthol cigarettes, which the bill states contribute to addiction and health disparities in Black and Hispanic communities. The law applies to all tobacco/nicotine products sold in Washington, excluding FDA-approved nicotine therapies and cannabis products.

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 1528 requires Washington's Superintendent of Public Instruction to create a free, statewide online system for managing individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with disabilities. The system must provide a uniform platform for schools, ensure compliance with federal and state special education laws, and include features like secure access, privacy protections, translation services, and tools to align IEP goals with grade-level standards. It mandates that the system support family engagement with progress data, incorporate evidence-based practices, and meet accessibility standards. The bill also requires statewide training for educators, administrators, and families to implement the system effectively.

Maddy summaryHB 1284 eliminates a tax deduction that allowed corporations and other business entities to exclude investment income from Washington's business and occupation tax. This affects companies earning income from investments (like stocks or loans), particularly those investing outside Washington, which previously avoided tax on that income. The bill amends tax code to remove this deduction, with a small exception allowing deductions for investment income under 5% of annual gross receipts. The legislature states this change aims to close a perceived tax loophole, increase revenue for public schools, and create fairness by requiring all businesses to pay tax on investment income earned within the state.