Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon

Maddy summaryHB 2350 requires Washington state to publicly disclose when residential habilitation centers violate federal healthcare standards (like CMS requirements). It mandates that the state department post clear notices at the facility (in English and requested languages) and send written notices to residents' families within 10 days of any noncompliance finding, including the reason for the violation, correction plans, and compliance status updates. This directly affects residential habilitation centers, their residents, families, and potential new residents who might inquire about placement. The bill focuses on making compliance information transparent and accessible, rather than changing the underlying healthcare standards themselves.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that formally recognizes Representative Virginia "Jenny" Graham for her public service in the Washington State House of Representatives. It highlights her eight-year tenure, her advocacy for public safety, and her work on community safety and veterans' issues. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as an official acknowledgment of her contributions and legacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that formally honors John Michael Sattgast for his 35 years of dedicated service as a communications professional for the House Republican Caucus in the Washington State Legislature. It recognizes his work producing over 4,000 radio stories and coordinating media coverage for state representatives, as well as his leadership roles with the National Conference of State Legislatures. The resolution acknowledges his contributions to sharing legislative history and public information, noting his receipt of the 2023 Legislative Staff Achievement Award. This measure serves as a commemorative tribute rather than establishing new policy or affecting government operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally acknowledges the service of Representative Steve Tharinger to his district and the Washington state legislature. It recognizes his long career in public service, including his time as a Clallam County Commissioner, his work on the House Capital Budget Committee, and his advocacy for environmental protection and healthcare. The resolution serves as a commemorative tribute to his contributions and personal qualities rather than establishing new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes rules for the Washington House of Representatives to conduct official work during the time between legislative sessions. It allows the Executive Rules Committee to assign bills and topics to committees for study, enables the Speaker to create special committees, and permits remote participation in meetings without requiring a full quorum. The resolution also grants interim committees subpoena power, authorizes the Chief Clerk to manage staff and expenses, and outlines procedures for reimbursing members for official travel and conference attendance.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally ends the 2026 Regular Session of the Washington State Legislature. It authorizes the House and Senate to conclude their work for the year and adjourn without further action until the next legislative session begins. The resolution is a procedural measure that signals the official end of the current legislative period. Once signed by the Speaker and President, it becomes effective immediately and is filed with the Secretary of State.

Maddy summaryHB 2244 adopts specific recommendations from Washington's Public Records Exemptions Accountability Committee regarding confidentiality of certain sensitive records. The bill amends multiple statutes to keep details confidential in long-term care complaints, archaeological site locations, grand jury reports, traffic accident reports, and behavioral health statistics - requiring redaction of personal identifiers before public release. It directly affects state agencies (like the long-term care ombuds, coroners, and police departments) and limits public access to these records while maintaining some disclosure for law enforcement or legal purposes. The changes implement the committee's 2025 report findings to prevent misuse of sensitive information, such as avoiding site depredation or protecting individuals in investigations. This bill does not create new policies but formalizes existing exemption practices through statutory updates.

Maddy summaryHB 2123 requires political candidates and committees in Washington state to obtain certifications from contributors who give more than $6,000 (adjusted for inflation) confirming that foreign nationals did not fund the contributions or influence decisions about them. This directly affects candidates, committees, and contributors who provide significant out-of-state funds, particularly for campaigns or political activities. The bill mandates that these certifications be maintained for three years and provided to election officials upon request. It amends existing election finance laws to add this requirement to disclosure reports, ensuring transparency about foreign involvement in campaign funding.

Maddy summaryHB 1175 requires cities in Washington to permit neighborhood stores (like mini-markets selling food, drinks, or household items) and neighborhood cafés (with at least 500 square feet) in residential zones, provided cafés serve food if they offer alcohol. Cities may still regulate parking (if feasible), operating hours (cafés must operate at least 12 consecutive hours), and maximum building size. The bill applies to all cities and code cities, mandating implementation by 2027 for cities updating comprehensive plans or within two years for others. It directly affects small business owners seeking to operate in residential areas and local governments managing zoning rules.

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.