Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the University of Washington's Washington National Primate Research Center to publicly report annual data about its primate research operations on its website. It mandates disclosure of specific details, including the number of primates used in research or breeding (by species), housing conditions, animal welfare incidents, funding sources, USDA inspection reports, conservation efforts, and accreditation status. The center must publish these reports annually in an accessible online format. This directly affects the University of Washington's primate research center by increasing transparency around its operations and animal welfare practices. The bill does not change research methods or funding but focuses on making existing data publicly available.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 2079 proposes to increase the tax rates on several types of alcoholic beverages sold in Washington state. Specifically, it doubles the additional tax on fortified wine from approximately 23 cents to 46.88 cents per liter and on other wines (excluding cider) from one cent to two cents per liter. The bill also significantly raises the additional tax on cider to $0.0563 per liter and doubles the additional tax on beer and strong beer from $2 to $4 per barrel. These tax adjustments primarily affect alcohol distributors, producers, and ultimately consumers, with most of the collected additional revenue directed to the state general fund.

Maddy summaryHB 1756 sets a limit of 5 parts per million for lead in cookware and cookware components that touch food, effective January 1, 2026. It applies to manufacturers, retailers, and wholesalers selling cookware in Washington, prohibiting products exceeding this lead level. The law exempts secondhand sales (like casual or nonprofit transactions) and includes definitions for terms like "cookware" (e.g., pots, pans, utensils) and "vulnerable populations." After 2034, the Department of Ecology may lower the limit if feasible and necessary for health protection. This directly affects cookware producers and sellers while prioritizing safety for consumers, especially those in vulnerable groups.

Maddy summaryHB 1032 lowers the voter approval threshold for school district bond measures in Washington. It changes the requirement from a three-fifths (60%) majority to a simple majority (50%+1) of votes cast in school district elections on bond issues. This directly affects all Washington school districts seeking to borrow funds for capital projects like building repairs or new facilities. The bill amends existing laws (RCW 28A.535.020, 28A.535.050, and 39.36.020) to reflect this voting change, while keeping the overall debt limit at 2.5% of taxable property value.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1402 makes it an unfair practice for Washington state employers to include a driver's license requirement in job advertisements or applications unless the position's core functions genuinely necessitate operating a motor vehicle. This bill clarifies that transportation to and from the job site does not constitute a job function requiring a driver's license. Individuals harmed by a violation can pursue civil action to stop the practice and recover damages and attorney's fees.

Maddy summaryHB 1702 would allow Washington counties to impose a 3% tax on utilities (like electricity, gas, water, and sewer services) operating in unincorporated areas. Utilities would add this tax to customer bills and show it separately, while counties must use 0.2% of the revenue for low-income utility assistance. The bill permits counties to exempt business customers (e.g., factories, data centers) but not residential customers unless businesses are also exempt. It defines "utility" broadly to include major service providers and ensures the tax doesn’t overlap with existing state-level utility taxes.

Maddy summaryHB 1195 prevents local governments in Washington from denying permits for permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, indoor emergency housing, or shelters in residential or commercial zones within urban growth areas. It requires cities and counties to review such permit applications through an administrative process only, not public hearings, and establishes a waiver process if local rules block projects. The bill creates a dispute resolution system where the state department can review conflicts and order corrective action, including withholding state funds from noncompliant localities. The law does not apply to projects in critical areas, natural hazard zones, or agricultural/forestry lands.

Maddy summaryHB 1150 requires producers of consumer packaging and paper products to fund and manage recycling programs, shifting responsibility from taxpayers to manufacturers. It aims to improve recycling access - especially for rural residents and multi-family housing - by mandating producer-funded curbside collection systems and setting statewide collection and composting targets. The bill defines "covered materials" (like plastic, paper, metal packaging) and exempts certain items (e.g., infant formula packaging), while creating an advisory council to oversee implementation. Producers must meet specific collection rate goals, with smaller businesses qualifying for de minimis exemptions based on revenue thresholds. The law preserves local government authority over waste management but requires producers to integrate into existing recycling infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHB 1816 allows cities and counties with over 200,000 residents to create civilian crisis response teams that handle specific 911 calls instead of police. These teams can serve as the primary response for calls involving mental health crises, safety checks, or resource requests (like shelter or food), but only when no active violence or weapons are reported. The bill requires teams to undergo training in de-escalation and scene safety, and mandates consultation with health authorities to set qualifications and operating protocols. It designates these teams as a "third 911 responder" alongside police and fire, operating outside traditional law enforcement and fire response systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new reimbursement rules for health insurers covering Washington public employees' health plans. Starting in 2027, insurers must pay at least 150% of Medicare rates for primary care and behavioral health services, while capping payments at 200% of Medicare for most hospital services (350% for children's specialty hospitals). Rural hospitals and critical access facilities must receive minimum payments of 101% of Medicare costs. These requirements specifically apply to insurers serving public employees, not general health coverage.