Maddy summaryHB 1169 expands Washington state law to criminalize the creation, distribution, or possession of AI-generated or digitally altered images depicting minors in sexually explicit conduct - even when the minor is not identifiable. The bill amends definitions to explicitly include AI-generated content under "digitization" and "fabricated depiction," covering any realistic image of a minor engaged in sexual acts, regardless of whether the image shows a real child. It classifies violations as class B felonies, with separate charges for each image created or shared. This directly affects individuals using AI tools to produce such content, aiming to address the challenge of detecting fabricated child sexual abuse material online. The law targets the proliferation of AI-generated images that could desensitize viewers or increase exploitation risks, without requiring the depicted minor to be identifiable.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 1080 requires hotels and short-term rentals to disclose all mandatory fees, except for government taxes and special district assessments, within their advertised room rates. Before a consumer reserves a stay, the total price presented must include all government taxes and assessment fees. These rules apply to advertising displayed in or from Washington state. Businesses found in violation may face civil penalties up to $10,000 per infraction, with enforcement handled by city, county, or state attorneys.
Maddy summaryHB 1908 permanently maintains four state-operated residential facilities for developmentally disabled individuals - Lakeland Village (Spokane), Rainier School (Pierce), Yakima Valley School (Yakima), and Fircrest School (King) - by removing a provision that would have allowed Yakima Valley School to close under certain conditions. The bill repeals the closure trigger for Yakima Valley School and amends state law to ensure these facilities remain open to accept new residents, directly addressing a shortage of affordable care options. It specifically targets underutilized, well-regarded facilities to provide immediate relief to families with no other viable, cost-effective care alternatives. The bill does not create new facilities but expands capacity at existing, operational centers.
Maddy summaryHB 1441 establishes a competitive grant and loan program to fund repair and replacement of existing public broadband infrastructure in unserved areas, directly affecting local governments, tribes, nonprofits, and broadband-focused businesses. The bill requires applicants to first contact existing broadband providers to verify no current service meets state standards and to demonstrate project benefits like household access, community support, and long-term sustainability. It amends existing law to explicitly include "repair and replace" projects in the funding criteria, streamlining the process for maintaining and upgrading current broadband systems. Applications must detail project locations, technical capabilities, community impact, and evidence that existing providers haven’t already committed to serving the area.
Maddy summaryHB 1063 creates a new licensing and regulatory framework for businesses that offer "earned wage access services" in Washington State. These services allow workers to receive advance payments of wages they’ve already earned but haven’t been paid by their employer (e.g., via apps or employer partnerships). Starting July 1, 2026, providers must obtain a license from the Department of Financial Institutions, undergo background checks for key personnel, and comply with specific fee and reporting rules. The law directly affects businesses offering these services and protects consumers by requiring transparency and oversight, while excluding traditional banks, credit unions, and payroll services. It does not apply to employers who directly pay employees early or to services that merely verify earnings without funding advances.
Maddy summaryHB 1161 establishes a program to support veterans who are justice-involved (incarcerated, recently released, or in pretrial diversion programs in specific counties) and their immediate families. It requires a designated community college to provide transitional services, job readiness training, and individualized support plans, while partnering with corrections and workforce agencies. The program offers direct financial assistance to participants' families for housing ($1,000/month max), food ($500/month), transportation, and work-appropriate clothing/certificates, all within defined limits and eligibility criteria. Eligibility requires military service verification, participation within 24 months of release/diversion, and completion of an employment readiness assessment.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Washington healthcare providers to inform patients about available pain control options before scheduling or during appointments for intrauterine device (IUD) placement or removal. It directly affects patients seeking IUDs - particularly those who have never given birth, who often experience more pain - and healthcare providers who perform these procedures. The key provision mandates that providers notify patients about pain management choices (beyond just over-the-counter medications) at the time of scheduling, aligning with updated CDC guidelines. The bill does not change medical practices but ensures patients receive clear information about pain control options before the procedure. It is pending review in the Health Care & Wellness committee.
Maddy summaryHB 1477 establishes a dedicated administrative trust account to cover the operational costs of Washington Saves, the state's automatic retirement savings program for eligible workers. The account, managed by the state treasurer, funds program administration (like staff and technology) but cannot pay employee benefits. It affects small businesses with 10,400+ combined employee hours annually that don’t offer retirement plans to long-term staff (called "covered employers"). Key rules include using only state/federal grants or interest earnings for admin costs, requiring director approval for spending, and prohibiting commingling with employee savings.
Maddy summaryHB 1103 expands Washington state protections against unwanted phone calls and text messages by requiring businesses to identify themselves within 30 seconds, stop calls immediately when requested, and remove contact information from their lists for at least one year upon opt-out. It prohibits calls before 8 a.m. or after 8 p.m., enforces compliance with the federal Do Not Call Registry, and bans calls violating federal law. The bill directly affects cellular users (who gain stronger opt-out rights) and businesses making telephone solicitations (who face $1,000 fines per violation for noncompliance). Key mechanisms include mandatory call termination within 10 seconds of a request to stop, prohibition on selling contact data, and requirements for telecom companies to notify residential customers about these rules.
Maddy summaryHB 1072 requires Washington's Department of Health to review health care mergers, acquisitions, or joint ventures that could affect access to reproductive, end-of-life, or gender-affirming care. Health care entities must submit applications 60 days before such transactions, detailing how access to these services will be maintained or improved in affected communities. The Department of Health can approve transactions, approve them with conditions, or deny them based on their impact on protected services. This law aims to prevent disruptions to critical care types while requiring transparency in transaction planning.