Rep. Brianna Thomas

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1923, known as the "Mosquito Fleet Act," aims to increase the availability of passenger-only ferry services in Washington state. The bill expands the types of local governmental entities, such as counties, port districts, and public transportation benefit areas, that can establish passenger-only ferry service districts. These districts would be empowered to establish, finance, and operate passenger-only ferry services, including purchasing or leasing vessels and dock facilities. Before providing service, each district must develop an investment plan detailing proposed services, projected costs, and funding sources, ultimately impacting residents who rely on ferry transportation.

Maddy summaryHB 2303 prohibits employers in Washington state from requiring, requesting, or coercing employees to have microchips implanted. It directly affects all employers (including state agencies) and employees, excluding medical devices used for health monitoring. The bill creates a legal remedy allowing affected employees to sue for damages, attorney fees, and injunctions if violated. It defines "microchip" as subcutaneous devices storing personal data, but clarifies medical implants for health treatment are exempt.

Maddy summaryHB 2345 modifies Washington's state paid family and medical leave program by establishing fixed contribution rates: 52% for medical leave premiums and 48% for family leave premiums, replacing a prior method based on claim data. This affects employers and employees who contribute to the program through payroll deductions, requiring employers to collect these specific percentages from wages. Small employers (under 50 workers) remain exempt from paying the employer portion of premiums, while larger employers must deduct employee shares within defined limits. The bill ensures the total premium rate calculation remains tied to program expenses and reserve requirements, but does not alter the overall contribution burden between employers and employees.

Maddy summaryHB 2554 repeals five sections of Washington State law (RCW 77.110.010-040 and 900) that conflicted with judicially confirmed tribal fishing rights and existing state-tribal cooperative agreements. The bill directly affects tribal nations and state fisheries management by removing outdated legal barriers. It eliminates provisions that declared state policy on fish management, denied rights based on cultural heritage, and required congressional transmittal, aligning state law with treaty obligations and current cooperative agreements for salmon, trout, and steelhead resources.

Maddy summaryHB 2531 adjusts how ambulance transport providers in Washington pay a quality assurance fee to align with federal Medicaid reimbursement rules. It replaces the previous 5.5% fee calculation with a new method based on federal reimbursement rates and actual emergency transport data, requiring annual adjustments. The fee funds emergency ambulance services through Medicaid reimbursements without reducing existing state funding, and providers must pay quarterly based on their prior-quarter transports. This directly affects all ambulance transport providers in Washington who serve Medicaid patients.

Maddy summaryHB 2472 requires all contractors and certified fitters working on fire sprinkler systems in Washington to hold state-issued licenses and certificates. Fire code officials can demand to see these credentials during inspections, and failure to provide them results in an immediate stop-work order until compliance is verified. The law also empowers officials to order removal and replacement of improperly installed systems if public safety is at risk. These requirements apply directly to contractors and fitters performing fire sprinkler work across the state.

Maddy summaryHB 2107 requires Washington construction site inspectors to provide employers or owners with written notice within 10 working days when they identify an immediate safety hazard during inspections that could cause worker injury. This applies specifically to residential building and general construction projects under the North American Industry Classification System. The law, effective until June 30, 2026, mandates this notice but does not change inspectors' existing authority or the employer's obligation to correct hazards. It also requires the Department of Labor to report by December 1, 2026, on instances where timely notice wasn't given and the reasons for non-compliance.

Maddy summaryHB 2228 requires Washington's state building code council to form a technical advisory group to recommend changes allowing "scissor stairs" (interlocking stairways with separate exits) in multi-unit residential buildings with more than two permanent dwelling units. The group must consider public safety, health, and construction costs in its recommendations, which must be ready for the 2027 building code update. This bill directly affects builders and developers of apartment-style housing, aiming to potentially simplify stairwell designs in such buildings. The advisory process expires on January 1, 2031, with no immediate code changes enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 2355 establishes minimum wage, overtime, and written contract requirements for domestic workers in Washington State, directly affecting nannies, home care aides, housekeepers, and similar workers employed in private residences. The bill requires employers to pay at least the state minimum wage (including overtime after 40 hours), provide a written agreement detailing pay, hours, benefits, and termination notice (2 weeks for non-live-in workers, 4 weeks for live-in), and prohibits wage theft like withholding pay. It excludes family members, casual labor (e.g., irregular babysitting), and home care provided through state-funded agencies. The law aims to bring domestic workers under standard labor protections while clarifying exemptions for certain informal or family-based arrangements.

Maddy summaryHB 2242 clarifies and preserves access to preventive health services covered by most Washington health insurance plans. It requires plans issued after April 1, 2026, to cover evidence-based services like vaccinations, cancer screenings, and other preventive care without cost-sharing, based on current U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) ratings and CDC recommendations. The bill updates coverage requirements to align with federal guidelines as of June 30, 2025, and allows the state Department of Health to issue immunization guidance without standard rulemaking. This directly affects Washington residents using health insurance and insurers offering new or updated plans, ensuring consistent access to preventive care without adding new requirements for patient consent or immunization mandates.