Rep. Brianna Thomas

Maddy summaryHB 2481 bans grocery stores from using computer systems to charge different prices based on personal data like shopping habits, location, or inferred characteristics (e.g., income or race). It also requires a four-year temporary pause on all electronic shelf label systems that could collect consumer data from devices to adjust prices. The law directly affects grocery retailers using dynamic pricing technology, exempting small businesses. It aims to ensure prices remain fair and transparent, preventing personalized pricing without clear disclosure. The bill defines key terms like "inferred data" and "electronic shelf label systems" to clarify these prohibitions.

Maddy summaryHB 2483 creates a state registry requiring data brokers in Washington to register with the Department of Licensing by May 2028. It applies to businesses that collect and sell personal information like names, addresses, Social Security numbers, or biometric data (e.g., fingerprints) without consumer consent. The law defines "data broker" broadly but excludes credit bureaus, financial institutions under federal law, and businesses collecting data from customers or employees. The registry aims to increase transparency about who collects and sells Washington residents' personal data, without regulating how data is handled.

Maddy summaryHB 2144 requires Washington employers to provide written notice to employees before using electronic monitoring (such as AI tools, cameras, or software) to assist in performance evaluations. Employers must give at least 30 days' notice before starting new monitoring, 60 days for existing monitoring, and notify new hires at the time of the job offer. The notice must explain how monitoring is used (e.g., tracking productivity) and how data is verified. Violations can result in Department of Labor investigations and civil penalties up to $5,000 for willful violations, with enforcement applying to all employers in Washington state.

Maddy summaryHB 2724 proposes a new tax on Washington residents with annual adjusted gross income of $1 million or more, affecting approximately the top 0.5% of households. The tax revenue would be deposited into the state general fund to support K-12 education, health care, higher education, human services, and the working families' tax credit. Key provisions include exempting sales of family-owned small businesses and real property from the tax, aligning the state definition of taxable income with federal rules (modified for state purposes), and reducing other taxes like sales tax on essential items. The bill aims to make the state tax system less regressive by shifting more burden to high earners while maintaining current tax rates for lower-income residents.

Maddy summaryHB 2257 is a technical correction bill that updates Washington State's tax code to improve clarity and administrative efficiency for the Department of Revenue. It amends multiple tax statutes (including definitions for "tobacco product," "vapor product," and "retail sale") to resolve ambiguities and streamline tax administration without changing tax rates or creating new revenue impacts. The bill directly affects businesses and individuals interacting with Washington's tax system, particularly those handling retail sales, tobacco products, or cannabis-related transactions. It focuses on fixing outdated language and ensuring consistent application of existing tax laws.

Maddy summaryHB 2489 establishes statewide rules preventing local governments from penalizing people for basic life-sustaining activities (like sleeping or eating in public) when no adequate shelter is available. It requires cities to prove shelter space existed before enforcing public space laws, and invalidates citations or prosecutions that violate this rule. The bill protects individuals experiencing homelessness from punishment for necessary activities while ensuring enforcement actions are limited to immediate safety risks. It does not create a right to shelter, but mandates cities to document shelter availability and coordinate with service providers to address homelessness.

Maddy summaryHB 2524 establishes a new State Security Guards Industry Standards Board to set minimum employment requirements for security guards in Washington. The board will create rules by 2028 covering minimum pay, paid leave, benefits, and training standards, ensuring they meet or exceed existing industry conditions. Security guard employers must provide certified training every two years through approved worker organizations, which the board will oversee. This bill directly affects security guards and their employers across Washington, aiming to standardize working conditions in the industry.

Maddy summaryHB 2567 updates Washington's college grant program to adjust funding for students attending private four-year non-profit institutions. Starting in the 2026-27 academic year, the maximum grant amount for these students will be set at 50% of the average award given to students at public four-year institutions, replacing the previous fixed amount of $9,739 (adjusted annually for tuition growth). This change directly affects students enrolled at eligible private non-profit universities in Washington state who qualify for financial aid. The bill amends existing grant formulas to align private institution funding more closely with public institution awards, effective after the 2025-26 academic year.

Maddy summaryHJR 4210 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would replace fixed session length limits for Washington's legislature with flexible rules. Currently, the constitution mandates 105-day regular sessions in odd-numbered years and 60-day sessions in even-numbered years; this amendment would allow the legislature to set session durations through regular laws instead. If approved by voters, the legislature could adjust session lengths based on evolving needs, such as addressing urgent issues or budget cycles. The amendment requires voter approval at the next general election and does not change the legislature's authority to pass laws or the structure of legislative sessions. This directly affects how Washington's state legislature organizes its annual work schedule.

Maddy summaryHB 2131 allows vessel owners in Washington to voluntarily donate $1 or more during vessel registration to fund sea lion management. The donations, which can be declined, are deposited into a new "sea lion predation control account" specifically for controlling sea lions that prey on salmon in the lower Columbia River. Funds in this account may only be used for salmon preservation efforts targeting pinniped (sea lion) populations and cannot replace existing state agency funding for this purpose. The bill creates this funding mechanism at registration time without changing vessel registration fees or requirements.