Rep. Lauren Davis

Maddy summaryHB 1444 requires Washington health insurers to cover rapid whole genome sequencing for infants under one year old in intensive care units who meet specific medical criteria, such as unexplained epilepsy, multiple congenital abnormalities, or suspected genetic disorders. It mandates coverage starting January 1, 2026, for cases where timely diagnosis is critical to treatment, including pre- and post-test counseling. The bill ensures separate payment for this service (not bundled into existing hospital payments) and defines "rapid" sequencing as delivering results in under 14 days. It directly affects low-income families enrolled in medical assistance programs by removing financial barriers to faster diagnosis of rare genetic conditions.

Maddy summaryHB 1835 requires Washington's Liquor and Cannabis Board to deny or not renew cannabis licenses for properties where local governments (cities, counties, tribes, or port authorities) provide written objections stating that zoning laws prohibit cannabis operations there. This directly affects cannabis businesses seeking new licenses or renewals, as local zoning decisions now override the board's discretion. The bill amends state law to mandate that the board consider these written objections before approving any license application. It ensures state cannabis licensing aligns with local land-use regulations, preventing licenses for properties that conflict with community zoning rules. The policy change applies to all cannabis business types, including cultivation, retail, and processing.

Maddy summaryHB 1523 establishes the Essential Worker Health Care Program to provide nursing home workers in Washington with access to high-quality, affordable health coverage through their employers. Participating nursing home operators receive supplemental funding to support multiemployer health plans, while committing to maintain or increase their spending on employee health benefits (adjusted for inflation) and use funds to supplement, not replace, existing coverage. Employers must document prior health care spending, allocate funds through certified health plans, and report annually on benefit improvements. The program targets workforce instability in nursing homes - where many workers are women of color and immigrants - by aiming to reduce turnover and improve care quality through better health care access.

Maddy summaryHB 2002 establishes a reward program to encourage the public to report information about firearms used in felony crimes. It provides up to $500 for locating such firearms, or up to $5,000 if the report leads to a conviction, excluding law enforcement officers, individuals with warrants, or government employees acting in their official capacity. The cash rewards will be funded from existing county and municipal criminal justice assistance accounts, which distribute funds based on population, crime rates, and court case volumes. The bill directly affects law enforcement agencies (who receive the information) and the public (who may submit tips for rewards), while amending funding mechanisms for local criminal justice programs.

Maddy summaryHB 1435 creates a state grant program to help local and tribal law enforcement agencies hire more officers. It provides up to 75% of entry-level salaries and benefits (capped at $125,000 per officer position) for 36 months, requiring a 25% local cash match. Grants cannot cover non-salary costs or fund officers recently hired by the same agency. The program requires agencies to apply through a formal process, report on hiring impacts, and includes a $100 million appropriation for fiscal year 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1426 creates a new civil protection order specifically for vulnerable adults to prevent abuse, not impaired driving (the title contains an error). The bill defines abusive behaviors like physical, mental, sexual, and financial abuse, including coercive control tactics such as isolation, threats, or controlling finances. It amends multiple statutes (e.g., RCW 7.105) to establish this protection order process, prescribe penalties for violations, and clarify terms like "coercive control." The order would allow vulnerable adults to seek court protection against abusers, directly affecting individuals aged 65+ or those with disabilities who are vulnerable to abuse. The bill is currently pending in the House Committee on Civil Rights & Judiciary.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow parents to be paid for providing specialized care to their minor children (under 18) with developmental disabilities. It requires the state to seek federal approval to pay parents for "extraordinary care" - defined as care beyond typical parenting duties needed to prevent institutionalization. If approved, parents would qualify for payment under specific rules, including meeting training requirements like other caregivers. The bill applies only to children in certain high-need assessment categories and does not affect existing services for adults or non-disabled individuals.

Maddy summaryHB 1285 establishes financial education instruction as a graduation requirement for public high school students in Washington state. Beginning in the 2027-28 school year, all high schools must provide instruction in the state financial education learning standards. Starting with the graduating class of 2031, students will be required to meet these standards to graduate. The bill also tasks the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction with making instructional materials available and outlines monitoring responsibilities for the State Board of Education.

Maddy summaryHB 1625 creates a grant program to provide funding for back country search and rescue (SAR) organizations and volunteers in Washington state. The program directly supports groups that respond to emergencies in remote, rugged terrain, where specialized skills and equipment are required to locate and rescue individuals. The bill amends state law to establish this grant mechanism, enabling these organizations to maintain operations and services. This policy change offers concrete financial resources to enhance SAR capabilities in backcountry areas.

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.