Maddy summaryHB 1031 requires Washington's superintendent of public instruction to develop indoor temperature standards for public schools by forming an advisory committee with health, environmental, school operations, and parent representatives by September 2025. The bill updates existing law to explicitly include "excessive heat" (defined using National Weather Service guidance) as a valid reason for school closures due to unsafe conditions, replacing vague prior language. It mandates the committee to balance temperature control with energy standards and report recommendations by January 2026, followed by cost estimates by July 2026. This directly affects all public school districts, teachers, and students in Washington by establishing a formal process to address climate-driven heat risks in school facilities.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1546 changes the supervision rules for diagnostic, therapeutic, and magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Washington State. It allows these technologists to perform intravenous contrast procedures under "general supervision" by a licensed physician, rather than requiring "direct supervision." Under general supervision, the physician does not need to be physically present, but a qualified healthcare provider trained to manage adverse events must be on-site at the facility. The bill also permits remote general supervision using real-time audio and visual telecommunications, provided all relevant laws and policies are followed and the physician remains available.
Maddy summaryHB 1208 makes permanent Washington's Habitat Recovery Permit Pathway Program, which streamlines environmental permitting for salmon and habitat restoration projects. It directly affects projects approved by specific programs like the Bonneville Power Administration's restoration efforts, tribal fish barrier removal initiatives, or Puget Sound restoration funds. The bill eliminates most local and state permit requirements for qualifying projects, replacing them with a single streamlined review process while maintaining safeguards for cultural resources and flood risk. Projects must document compliance with tribal consultation, cultural resource protections, and flood safety standards before approval.
Maddy summaryHB 1732 limits large investment and business entities from purchasing additional single-family homes in Washington to increase housing affordability for residents. It prohibits entities owning more than 25 single-family homes (business entities) or any investment entity (like real estate trusts managing pooled investor funds) from buying more homes, with exemptions for nonprofits, necessary renovations, or short-term development projects. Violators face civil penalties up to $100,000 per violation and must sell the property to a third party within one year. The law aims to address Washington’s housing crisis, where investor ownership has risen significantly while home prices have surged 55% since 2018. It adds these provisions as a new chapter in Washington’s consumer protection law (Title 19 RCW).
Maddy summaryHB 1767 adjusts how Washington state provides supplemental funding to school districts based on their enrichment levies. It calculates state assistance as a fraction of a district's actual levy rate (capped at $1.50 per $1,000 assessed value) for districts below that threshold, while districts meeting or exceeding it receive full maximum assistance. The bill also sets a per-pupil funding limit ($2,500 or $3,000, adjusted for inflation) based on district size for enrichment levies, and includes specific provisions for state-tribal education compact schools. This directly affects school districts collecting enrichment levies, particularly smaller districts and tribal schools, by changing how their local levy efforts translate to state funding.
Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1402 makes it an unfair practice for Washington state employers to include a driver's license requirement in job advertisements or applications unless the position's core functions genuinely necessitate operating a motor vehicle. This bill clarifies that transportation to and from the job site does not constitute a job function requiring a driver's license. Individuals harmed by a violation can pursue civil action to stop the practice and recover damages and attorney's fees.
Maddy summaryHB 1437 establishes a new governance structure for Washington's state tourism marketing authority, requiring a board of 13 members (including nine tourism industry experts appointed by the governor) to oversee promotion efforts. It directs a tourism self-assessment advisory group - representing sectors like lodging, attractions, and transportation - to evaluate implementing an industry-funded fee for sustainable tourism marketing, with recommendations due by November 1, 2025. The bill specifically aims to address current funding gaps (currently $4.5 million annually) by exploring a self-supported model that could generate dedicated revenue, though it does not mandate implementation. The authority and advisory group provisions expire June 1, 2026.
Maddy summaryHB 1291 aims to reduce upfront costs for individuals receiving maternity services through their health plans in Washington State. Starting January 1, 2026, most health plans will no longer require enrollees to meet their deductible before covering in-network delivery services, such as vaginal or C-section births. Any out-of-pocket costs paid for these services will still count towards the enrollee's total deductible. For health plans linked to Health Savings Accounts, deductibles for delivery services will be set at the minimum level required to maintain the HSA's tax-exempt status.
Maddy summaryHB 1310 eliminates the enrollment cap on students eligible for state special education funding in Washington, directly affecting all public school districts and students with disabilities. The bill increases funding multipliers for districts serving students with disabilities in inclusive settings (80%+ time in general education), raising the multiplier from 1.12 to 1.5289 for those students, while lowering it to 1.447 for less inclusive placements. It also requires the state superintendent to monitor racial disproportionality in special education identification and provide technical assistance to districts. These changes aim to ensure equitable state funding without requiring local district contributions and support inclusive educational practices.
Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1600 proposes to modify the additional fee that counties may impose on marriage licenses. Currently, counties can charge an additional fee of up to fifteen dollars to support family services. This bill would increase the maximum allowable additional fee to thirty dollars. The funds collected from this fee would continue to be used for family services, such as family support centers. This change directly affects individuals applying for marriage licenses in counties that choose to implement the increased fee.