Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon

Maddy summaryHB 1563 establishes a prescribed fire claims fund pilot program in Washington state to provide financial loss coverage for damages resulting from prescribed fires and cultural burning. This program supports non-state and non-federal entities, such as private landowners and cultural fire practitioners, who conduct these burns according to approved plans and permits. The Office of Risk Management will administer the fund, which covers eligible property or economic damages up to $2,000,000 per claim. The intent is to reduce financial uncertainty and encourage the use of prescribed fire for forest health and wildfire prevention. This pilot program is set to expire on June 30, 2033.

Maddy summaryHB 1747 expands protections for job applicants and employees under Washington's Fair Chance Act. The bill prohibits employers from inquiring about an applicant's criminal record until after a conditional offer of employment has been made. It also prevents employers from taking adverse employment action based on arrest records or juvenile conviction records. For adult conviction records, employers must have a legitimate business reason, notify the individual, and provide an opportunity for them to explain or provide additional information before making a decision.

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 1215 modifies Washington state's Natural Death Act by changing the model health care directive form, often referred to as a living will. The bill removes a specific section which currently states that a directive has no legal effect if the person who created it is diagnosed as pregnant. This change ensures that an individual's end-of-life health care directives remain valid regardless of pregnancy status.

Maddy summaryHB 1112 removes the requirement that judges pro tempore (temporary judges) in municipal courts must reside in the city where the court operates. It specifically applies to cities with populations exceeding 400,000 people, directly affecting judges appointed to fill temporary court vacancies in those jurisdictions. The bill amends state law to state that judges pro tempore "need not be a resident of the city" while maintaining other qualifications like being a licensed attorney and state elector. This change takes effect July 27, 2025, after the bill was signed by the Governor on April 11, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 4658) expresses the Washington State House of Representatives' appreciation for existing ties between Washington and Denmark. It acknowledges strong economic partnerships (including Maersk shipping and 3,000 Danish jobs), educational exchanges (University of Washington collaborations), cultural connections (Danish artists and festivals), and scientific research (Arctic climate studies). The resolution does not create new laws or obligations but formally reiterates support for strengthening these ongoing relationships. It was adopted unanimously on April 8, 2025, as a symbolic gesture of endorsement.

Maddy summaryHR 4659 is a symbolic House resolution that reaffirms Washington state's relationship with Canada. It highlights the strong economic ties, including $2.7 billion in daily trade across sectors like agriculture and manufacturing, and notes shared challenges like disaster response (e.g., Nooksack floods, wildfires) and cross-border cooperation in places like Point Roberts. The resolution emphasizes collaboration on climate change, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and mutual respect for Indigenous partnerships. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but formally expresses support for the longstanding partnership.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (not a policy bill) honoring Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi, a Seattle-raised activist and University of Washington psychology graduate. It recognizes her work as a community organizer, advocate for refugees and immigrants, and environmental justice supporter who was tragically killed in September 2024. The resolution posthumously commends her legacy of activism and encourages continued efforts for social and environmental justice. It has no policy impact or direct effect on any group, as it solely serves to honor her life and work.

Maddy summaryHB 1135 requires counties and cities to fix planning errors that violate Washington's Growth Management Act within 45 days of a noncompliance finding. It creates a formal process where a state board must hold a hearing, determine if local governments have corrected violations, and issue findings within 45 days. If local governments fail to comply, the board can recommend sanctions to the governor or refer the issue to the state department for technical help. The law directly affects local governments that miss deadlines for updating land-use plans to align with state growth management rules.

Maddy summaryHB 1511 clarifies that Washington state ferry captains are the ultimate authority for vessel operations and safety. The bill requires captains in the current "masters, mates, and pilots" bargaining unit to vote by August 31, 2025, on whether to join a new combined union representing all three roles. If a majority votes yes, a unified bargaining unit will take effect on July 1, 2026, replacing the separate captain-only unit. This change directly affects ferry captains and their union representation, with no impact on existing safety or operational responsibilities.