Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon

Maddy summaryHB 1819 aims to increase electric transmission capacity in Washington State. It exempts certain utility actions, such as upgrading existing powerlines and deploying grid-enhancing technologies within existing rights-of-way, from some environmental review requirements. Before these projects commence, utilities must notify the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation and tribal nations to protect archaeological and cultural resources. The bill also updates requirements for electric utilities' integrated resource plans, mandating that they assess opportunities to optimize existing transmission capacity through improved operating practices and grid modernization.

Maddy summaryHB 1152 requires firearm owners in Washington to securely store firearms in vehicles and residences under specific conditions. In vehicles, unloaded firearms must be in a locked, concealed container (hard-sided for pistols, soft-sided with trigger locks for rifles/shotguns), with exemptions for farm vehicles, people living in vehicles, law enforcement, hunters, and military personnel. At residences, firearms must be locked or stored in a safe when not being carried or controlled by the owner or authorized user, with similar exemptions for antique firearms. The bill creates the Washington Office of Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention to coordinate prevention efforts and imposes penalties ranging from $1,000 civil fines to felonies if prohibited persons access firearms.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution (HR 4691) adopted by the Washington State House of Representatives on February 16, 2026. It formally commends the contributions of U.S. presidents, specifically highlighting George Washington and Abraham Lincoln's roles in establishing freedom and ending slavery, and recognizes the third Monday in February as Presidents' Day. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies; it solely expresses the House's symbolic honor for presidential legacies. It directly affects no one but serves as a formal statement of recognition by the state legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 2736 reinstates Washington's estate tax rates that were in effect immediately before May 20, 2025, for estates of decedents dying on or after July 1, 2026. It applies these specific tax rates (e.g., 20% on estates over $9 million) to Washington-resident decedents' taxable estates, directly affecting larger estates subject to state taxation. The bill amends RCW 83.100.040 to restore the pre-May 2025 rate structure, which includes stepped tax brackets starting at $0 for estates under $1 million and rising to 20% for estates over $9 million. This change would apply to estates settled after July 1, 2026, but does not affect estates of decedents dying before that date.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not substantive legislation) passed by the Washington state House of Representatives. It formally congratulates the Seattle Seahawks football team for winning the 2025 NFL regular season, NFC West Division championship, and Super Bowl 60. The resolution specifically recognizes their 14-3 record, defensive dominance, key player achievements (including MVP Kenneth Walker III), and community contributions. It has no legal effect beyond expressing the House's recognition and appreciation to the team organization.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally acknowledges Washington state's longstanding relationship with Ireland, highlighting longstanding ties like the Seattle-Galway sister city partnership (since 1986) and over $1 billion annually in trade across technology, agriculture, and other sectors. It does not create new laws, policies, or funding - only serves as a symbolic gesture of recognition by the Washington state House of Representatives. The resolution was introduced and adopted on February 9, 2026, with no direct impact on residents, businesses, or government operations. As a ceremonial resolution, it focuses on affirming existing partnerships rather than implementing concrete policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 2517 streamlines permitting for high-capacity transit projects like rail systems by giving regional transit authorities new tools. It allows transit agencies to apply for land use and construction permits before owning property (with owner notice), and to build rail facilities that exceed local height/setback rules when necessary. The bill also requires written property owner permission before issuing permits for transit projects on private land. These changes apply specifically to transit authorities under Chapter 81.112 RCW and aim to accelerate major transit infrastructure development.

Maddy summaryHB 2271 requires manufacturers to include minimum levels of postconsumer recycled content in specific plastic products, directly affecting producers of plastic trash bags, household cleaning and personal care product containers, and plastic beverage containers. The bill sets phased-in requirements (starting in 2027 for some products) for recycled content, with exemptions for items like medical packaging, food contact materials, and small businesses (under $5 million revenue). It aims to reduce virgin plastic use, lower greenhouse gas emissions from plastic production, and strengthen the recycled plastics market by creating stable demand. The law excludes certain products under federal preemption and specifically defines covered items to avoid overlapping with existing regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 2301 requires paint manufacturers in Washington to manage leftover architectural paint (interior/exterior paint sold in 5-gallon containers or less) through a statewide stewardship program. The bill mandates manufacturers to develop programs focused on reducing waste, promoting reuse, recycling, and proper disposal of leftover paint, following a specific waste hierarchy (reduce > reuse > recycle > disposal). Paint retailers may voluntarily collect leftover paint, and a "stewardship assessment" fee would be added to paint purchases to fund the program, shifting disposal costs from local governments to producers. This directly affects paint manufacturers and consumers purchasing architectural paint, while aiming to reduce landfill waste and environmental risks.

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.