Rep. Mia Gregerson

Maddy summaryHB 2708 removes a tax exemption for data center equipment replacement in Washington State, directly affecting data center operators currently using this exemption. The bill eliminates the tax break for purchasing new server equipment and power infrastructure, with existing exemptions set to expire by July 2048. It also requires qualifying data centers to meet new employment thresholds - adding 35 family wage jobs or 3 per 20,000 sq ft of new server space - to maintain their exemption. New exemption certificates for refurbished data centers can no longer be issued after July 2026, and all new applications for this exemption are prohibited after that date.

Maddy summaryHB 2579 establishes two new state-funded programs to expand public media access and digital equity in Washington. It creates a public media broadcaster program prioritizing community-based, noncommercial radio/TV stations that provide public safety information and arts access, with 85% of funds going to larger organizations ($1M+ budget) and 15% to smaller rural or hyper-local broadcasters. The digital equity program funds resource coordinators and multimedia trainers at community anchor institutions (like libraries and schools) to improve internet access, online safety training, and multilingual resources for underserved communities. Both programs require annual reporting and mandate that all funding be spent within Washington.

Maddy summaryHB 2707 ends a tax exemption for drug wholesalers and retailers that warehouse and resell prescription drugs, requiring them to pay a 0.5% tax on their gross income starting January 1, 2027. The bill directly affects businesses registered with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration and licensed by Washington’s Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission. It repeals the existing tax exemption (RCW 82.04.272) and adds the activity to the state’s taxable business list under RCW 82.04.280. The change aims to generate revenue for state services by updating outdated tax preferences.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 4675, adopted on January 28, 2026, is a ceremonial resolution expressing the Washington State House of Representatives' gratitude to the Washington National Guard for their service. It specifically acknowledges the Guard's roles in emergency response (including flood operations and search-and-rescue missions), disaster recovery efforts (like adapting from the Oso landslide), and national defense support (such as aerial refueling capabilities). The resolution directs copies to the Adjutant General, Governor, and other officials but does not create new laws or alter policies. It directly honors National Guard members, their families, and employers without imposing any financial or operational requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 2550 expands Washington state's transit support grant program to include students enrolled in degree- or certificate-seeking programs at community and technical colleges as free-ride passengers. This directly affects community and technical college students and transit agencies receiving state grants, requiring them to adopt a zero-fare policy for this group to qualify for funding. Transit agencies must document this policy by October 1, 2022, and track trips taken under the program. The bill amends existing law to add these students to the existing free-ride eligibility for youth 18 and under, with agencies aligning implementation with equity principles.

Maddy summaryHB 2676 establishes a reimbursement system for school districts purchasing student transportation vehicles, based on vehicle category, expected lifespan (minimum 15 years), and inflation. It requires districts to maintain vehicles properly or face reduced future reimbursements. The bill also mandates that all school districts provide a standardized online "high school and beyond plan" platform for students by the 2020-21 school year, featuring automatic grade updates, multilingual support, and privacy controls. The Superintendent of Public Instruction must select a vendor for this platform by June 2024 and develop a statewide implementation plan by October 2024. These changes directly affect public school districts, transportation providers, and students in Washington State.

Maddy summaryHB 2542 requires Washington-based animal testing facilities, contract testing facilities, and drug manufacturers to use non-animal test methods for drug development when scientifically valid alternatives are available. It prohibits the use of animal test methods in the drug development process (including discovery and preclinical research) if equivalent or better alternatives exist, defined as methods validated by federal bodies that don’t involve animals. The law does not apply if federal regulations mandate animal testing, and violations are treated as unfair trade practices under Washington’s consumer protection law. This directly affects entities conducting drug safety and efficacy testing within the state, aiming to align with federal policy supporting non-animal testing methods.

Maddy summaryHB 2387 clarifies that elected sheriffs not certified as peace officers under Washington law cannot personally perform law enforcement actions reserved for certified officers, though they retain authority for actions authorized by law. The bill automatically triggers recall proceedings if a sheriff’s certification is revoked for misconduct occurring after their term began - specifically, mandatory decertification (under RCW 43.101.105(2)) eliminates the need to collect voter signatures for a recall election. It amends laws to require the Criminal Justice Training Commission to initiate recalls upon certification revocation and specifies that no signatures are needed for such cases. This applies only to sheriffs who lack peace officer certification, directly affecting their accountability process for post-term misconduct.

Maddy summaryHB 2313 authorizes Washington cities to establish publicly owned grocery stores in underserved areas with food access gaps. Cities can acquire property (including via eminent domain), apply for state capital grants covering building rehabilitation and 24-hour "food locker systems," and use tax increment financing to fund store development and infrastructure. The bill requires annual reporting on financial status, community access, jobs created, and for third-party operated stores, sales data and compliance with contractual benchmarks like local produce sourcing. This directly affects cities seeking to address food insecurity through municipal grocery initiatives.

Maddy summaryHB 2098 imposes a surcharge on select large tech companies with global revenue over $25 billion, increasing the rate from 1.22% (2020-2025) to 7.5% (starting 2026) on their taxable gross income. The surcharge applies to businesses engaged in "advanced computing" (including cloud services, software, and platforms), excluding hospitals, health clinics, and certain telecom or financial firms. Revenues from the surcharge fund workforce education programs, with automatic enrollment increases in computer science and engineering degrees at state universities when demand exceeds capacity by 100+ students. The bill also requires quarterly reporting and includes penalties for evasion, while exempting specific healthcare providers from the tax.