Rep. Lauren Davis

Maddy summaryHB 1487 establishes guaranteed annual state funding levels for crime victim services in Washington, starting at $50 million annually for 2025-2027 and increasing to $70 million annually by 2033. It requires the state legislature to appropriate funds each year that, combined with prior-year federal Victims of Crime Act (VICA) funding, meet these specific annual totals. The bill ensures state funds supplement, rather than replace, existing federal or other funding sources and prohibits using these funds for capital projects. It directly affects victim services programs in every Washington county, which provide trauma-informed, culturally relevant support to crime victims. The Office of Crime Victims Advocacy must submit periodic reports on service needs and funding recommendations starting in 2039.

Maddy summaryHB 1049 creates a state-funded stipend program to help registered nurses cover costs for training as specialized sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs). The program reimburses up to $2,500 per nurse for training fees, materials, travel, lodging, and meals. It applies to nurses seeking certification for adult/adolescent or pediatric care, subject to available state funding. The stipend aims to increase the number of qualified SANEs by reducing financial barriers to training.

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.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 2079 proposes to increase the tax rates on several types of alcoholic beverages sold in Washington state. Specifically, it doubles the additional tax on fortified wine from approximately 23 cents to 46.88 cents per liter and on other wines (excluding cider) from one cent to two cents per liter. The bill also significantly raises the additional tax on cider to $0.0563 per liter and doubles the additional tax on beer and strong beer from $2 to $4 per barrel. These tax adjustments primarily affect alcohol distributors, producers, and ultimately consumers, with most of the collected additional revenue directed to the state general fund.

Maddy summaryHB 1378 in Washington state modifies penalties for attempting to elude police vehicles and resisting arrest. It allows law enforcement to impound vehicles used in a first offense and, for repeat offenders (if the operator had a prior vehicle impoundment for eluding), to seize and forfeit the vehicle after a conviction. The law requires law enforcement to notify owners and provide a hearing before forfeiture, with proceeds from selling forfeited vehicles funding traffic safety programs and enforcement related to eluding police. This applies directly to drivers convicted of repeated eluding offenses using a vehicle.

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 1358 requires mobile home community owners in Washington to provide written notice of a potential sale or lease to all tenants, tenant organizations, and specific government agencies (like the Department of Commerce and local housing authorities) before marketing the community for sale. The notice must include details about the sale, a 70-day window for tenants to form a qualified purchasing group, and information on how to access community financial data. This bill amends existing laws to ensure tenants have a formal opportunity to compete for ownership before the property is sold to outside buyers. It applies directly to mobile home community owners and tenants, with specific requirements for notice delivery, timelines, and access to financial information during negotiations.

Maddy summaryHB 2071 imposes a monthly $1 tax on owners of online dating applications with Washington resident users, calculated based on the number of Washington residents (identified via address or IP) using the app each month. The tax applies to businesses owning 50% or more of such apps and funds must be deposited into a dedicated domestic violence services account for intervention programs and victim assistance. Owners must report resident user counts monthly and maintain records, with accounts inactive for 24+ months no longer taxable. The tax takes effect January 1, 2026, and directly affects online dating app companies operating in Washington.

Maddy summaryHB 1741 requires most Washington health insurance plans (excluding public employee plans) to cover intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy for children diagnosed with PANDAS (pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections) or PANS (pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome). Plans must cover three initial monthly IVIG treatments plus additional courses as medically necessary, but only after two or more less intensive treatments have been tried without success (e.g., ineffective, intolerable, or failing to improve symptoms). A pediatric subspecialist consultation is mandatory, and patients must be reevaluated every three months. The law applies to health plans renewed on or after January 1, 2026.