Rep. Brianna Thomas

Maddy summaryEngrossed Substitute House Bill 1875 expands the reasons for which employees in Washington state can use their accrued paid sick leave. It allows employees to use this leave to prepare for or participate in judicial or administrative immigration proceedings for themselves or a family member. For absences exceeding three days for this purpose, employees can provide verification through documentation from an immigration advocate, attorney, or clergy, or a written statement from the employee, without disclosing sensitive immigration status details. The bill ensures that employees can attend these proceedings without losing pay.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 4664 is a commemorative bill that honors the life and legacy of former Speaker Frank Chopp. It recognizes his extensive public service, advocacy for social justice and housing, and his record as the longest-serving Speaker in Washington state history.

Maddy summarySubstitute House Bill 1899 modifies the requirements for the Washington State homelessness point-in-time count. The bill removes the mandate for the Department to conduct this count annually, instead allowing the Department to establish a schedule and determine the data to be collected in consultation with local governments. It also eliminates previous requirements for the Department to implement an online information and referral system and an organizational quality management system. However, provisions protecting the confidentiality of personal information collected during the count and specific protections for victims of domestic violence or sexual assault remain in effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Washington's covenant homeownership program, which provides down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers from historically marginalized communities. It raises the household income eligibility threshold for participants from 100% to 140% of the area median income. The bill also introduces a provision allowing for full loan forgiveness after five years for participants whose household income is at or below 80% of the area median income at the time of the loan. Additionally, it adjusts the membership of the program's oversight committee.

Maddy summarySubstitute House Bill 1879 clarifies rules for meal and rest breaks for hospital workers involved in direct patient care or clinical services who are hourly or covered by a collective bargaining agreement. The bill mandates uninterrupted breaks, with exceptions for unforeseeable emergent or clinical circumstances, and allows for combining meal and rest periods by mutual agreement. It also permits employees and employers to voluntarily waive certain meal periods or timing requirements under specific conditions, such as a written, revocable agreement. Hospitals must record missed breaks and submit quarterly reports to the Department of Labor & Industries detailing missed, waived, and required breaks. This act takes effect on January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1631 designates bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana) forests as the official state marine forest of Washington. This designation aims to raise awareness of bull kelp's vital role in the state's marine ecosystems, culture, and economy, and its deep cultural significance for tribal nations.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding resolution designates November 22nd as "Kimchi Day" in Washington state. It recognizes the cultural significance of kimchi, its history in Korean cuisine, and the contributions of Washington's Korean American community to the state's cultural diversity. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally celebrates this cultural observance.

Maddy summaryHR 4649 is a ceremonial resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of Southeast Asian refugee resettlement in Washington State, specifically honoring the 1975 arrival of Vietnamese, Lao, Cambodian, and Hmong refugees. It recognizes historical events like the first refugee arrivals at Camp Murray in May 1975 and Washington's role in resettling over 4,000 refugees by late 1975. The resolution expresses the House's commitment to upholding "values of compassion and inclusion" for refugees but contains no new policy, funding, or binding requirements. As a commemorative measure, it does not directly affect any individuals or implement new legislation.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (not a policy bill) passed by the Washington State House of Representatives on April 4, 2025. It honors Congresswoman Julia Butler Hansen's legacy, recognizing her as the first woman to chair a Congressional Appropriations Subcommittee, her role in building Pacific Northwest infrastructure like the Astoria-Megler Bridge, and her 21-year service in the Washington State Legislature and 14-year U.S. Congress career. The resolution specifically acknowledges her historical significance through the Julia Butler Hansen House, which contains artifacts from her public service. As a procedural resolution, it has no policy impact but formally commemorates her contributions.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 4642) is a symbolic gesture recognizing Washington's refugee communities for their historical and ongoing contributions to the state's civic, cultural, and economic life. It acknowledges Washington's history of welcoming refugees, including Vietnamese immigrants after the Vietnam War and current Ukrainian arrivals since 2022, and highlights how these communities enrich the state's diversity. The resolution does not create new policies, programs, or funding - it simply affirms the House's acknowledgment of refugees' role through a formal statement. As a procedural resolution (not a law), it has no binding effect on state actions or resources.