Rep. Cindy Ryu

Maddy summaryHB 1292 establishes an ongoing annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for retirees in Plan 1 of Washington's Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) and Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), starting July 2026. The bill uses the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to calculate annual increases, capping the first adjustment at 3% and limiting yearly changes to no more than a 3% difference from the prior year. It consolidates the costs of past COLA increases over a 15-year period while requiring new benefit improvements to be paid over a 10-year amortization. The bill directly affects current and future retirees in both systems who qualify under Plan 1, excluding those covered by specific exception provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 1132 updates Washington's firearm dealer licensing rules to enhance safety. It requires dealers to implement strict security measures, including alarms monitored by law enforcement, locked storage for firearms during non-business hours, and digital surveillance systems covering all sales areas. The bill mandates annual background checks for all employees selling firearms and prohibits temporary sales outside licensed locations except at designated gun shows. It also requires dealers to annually certify compliance with all licensing conditions and face permanent license loss for violations. These provisions directly affect licensed firearm dealers operating in Washington state.

Maddy summaryHB 2064 authorizes Washington's Secretary of State to develop and test a secure electronic portal for specific voters who cannot use standard mail to return ballots. It directly affects service members, overseas voters, disabled voters (per RCW 29A.04.037), and eligible incarcerated voters (excluding those with revoked voting rights). The bill requires the portal to ensure voter secrecy, prevent duplicate voting, and restrict usage to only these covered groups, with counties reporting all portal activity. The Secretary of State must submit annual progress reports to the legislature, starting December 1, 2025, and complete a final report by December 1, 2028.

Maddy summaryHB 1138 requires Washington law enforcement officers to stop using deceptive tactics (like falsely claiming evidence exists) during criminal interrogations starting in 2026. It presumes statements obtained through deception are inadmissible in court for misdemeanor or felony cases, unless prosecutors prove the statement was voluntary. The bill mandates free, state-developed training for all officers on evidence-based techniques like the PEACE method, cognitive interviews, and trauma-informed approaches by July 2026. This directly affects law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and individuals being questioned in criminal investigations.

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 1681 allows HVAC/refrigeration specialty electricians in Washington to install, repair, replace, or maintain the specific electrical circuits connecting outdoor and indoor units of ductless mini-split HVAC systems in residential and certain multifamily homes. It permits work on single-phase circuits under 250 volts/20 amps, including wiring for condensate pumps and related components, provided the equipment is certified and follows manufacturer specifications. The bill directly affects these specialty electricians (expanding their scope) and benefits homeowners and builders by increasing available labor, reducing costs, and addressing a statewide shortage of certified electricians. Key requirements include adherence to manufacturer wiring instructions and department-designated construction types, without altering the Department of Labor & Industries' oversight authority.

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 1386 imposes an 11% sales tax on retail purchases of firearms, firearm parts, and ammunition in Washington State. This tax applies to all retail transactions except sales to state, local, or tribal governments for law enforcement use. Revenue from the tax must fund programs focused on suicide prevention, reducing firearm-related domestic violence, and supporting victims' services. The bill directly affects firearm retailers and individual purchasers, with no exemption for government agency purchases.

Maddy summaryHB 2075 increases the state's cannabis excise tax on high-THC products to 50% of the selling price, up from 37% for lower-THC items. It directly affects retailers selling cannabis concentrates or useable cannabis with over 35% THC to general consumers (not medical patients, who remain exempt until 2029). The key mechanism sets tiered tax rates based on THC concentration, requires the tax to be itemized separately on receipts, and directs all revenue to a dedicated cannabis account. The bill also mandates the board to review tax levels and report on sales impacts, though it does not change medical cannabis exemptions.