Rep. Dan Griffey

Maddy summaryHB 2449 requires Washington state agencies to conduct zero-based budget reviews for 20% of state programs every two years, starting in 2026, ensuring every program receives a review at least once every decade. The legislature selects which programs are reviewed each biennium (e.g., by area like education or health care), and agencies must submit detailed reports analyzing each program's purpose, costs, effectiveness, and alignment with agency goals. These reports must include data on funding, staffing, performance measures, and service levels, with public hearings required for review consideration. The governor and legislature must factor these reviews into budget decisions, aiming to improve transparency and efficiency in state spending.

Maddy summaryHB 2090 directs Washington’s Department of Commerce to develop a strategic framework for integrating advanced nuclear energy into the state’s clean energy goals. The plan, due by December 2026, would assess how nuclear power could help meet Washington’s targets for 100% clean electricity by 2045, including evaluating siting, permitting, financing, and workforce needs - particularly at former coal sites or the Hanford area. It would examine opportunities for state collaboration with other regions and recommend policies like expediting permits or financial incentives to support nuclear development. The bill does not fund nuclear projects but requires the state to explore nuclear as a potential pathway to replace current fossil fuel generation and achieve decarbonization goals more efficiently.

Maddy summaryHB 2378 directs Washington's Department of Labor and Industries to clarify that HVAC/refrigeration specialty electricians may perform specific electrical connections between indoor and outdoor units of ductless mini-split HVAC systems. This applies only when work follows manufacturer instructions, uses equipment certified by accredited labs, and is limited to wiring integral to the system. The bill aims to reduce installation delays and costs for residential and light commercial projects while maintaining safety standards. It explicitly limits the scope to these electrical connections and does not override existing electrical codes or certification authority.

Maddy summaryHB 2119 would move Washington state to permanent standard time, eliminating the biannual clock changes between standard time and daylight saving time (DST). The bill directly affects all Washington residents, businesses, schools, and government agencies by removing the need to adjust schedules twice yearly. Key provisions include amending state law to reject DST observance permanently, repealing existing DST-related statutes, and citing health research showing time changes disrupt sleep cycles and increase safety risks. The legislation aims to reduce health impacts, prevent workplace injuries, and cut administrative costs for organizations managing schedule changes.

Maddy summaryHB 2115 restores a 1985 tax exemption that removes sales tax from transactions involving precious metal bullion (like gold, silver, platinum, and palladium) and monetized bullion (coins or money made from precious metals). It directly affects businesses selling these items by exempting the bullion itself from state sales tax, though tax applies only to commissions earned on transactions. The bill defines "precious metal bullion" as refined metals (not items like jewelry) and excludes such sales from tax calculations under Washington’s tax code. It applies retroactively from January 1, 2026, to correct a 2025 repeal of the original exemption.

Maddy summaryHB 2093 would remove precious metals and bullion from taxable sales under Washington's business and occupation tax code. It specifically excludes "precious metal bullion" (refined gold, silver, platinum, etc.) and "monetized bullion" (coins used as currency) from definitions of taxable "retail" or "wholesale" sales. Businesses selling these items would no longer pay tax on the full sale amount, though tax would still apply to commissions earned. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and directly affects dealers and sellers of precious metals.

Maddy summaryHB 2121 exempts nonprofits and schools from paying state sales and use taxes on specific services they purchase, such as repairs, cleaning, installation, and maintenance. The bill amends Washington's tax code (RCW 82.04.050) to clarify that these entities are not subject to tax on qualifying services used for their operations. This directly affects organizations like schools, charities, and community groups that previously paid tax on services like building repairs or landscaping. The policy change creates a clear exemption by updating tax definitions to exclude these services for eligible nonprofits and schools.

Maddy summaryHB 2126 would exempt school districts in Washington state from paying taxes on fuel used in school buses. The bill amends state tax codes to specifically add school buses (operated per education laws) to the list of exempt fuel uses, directly affecting public school districts. This change would reduce operating costs for schools by eliminating a tax on fuel for all school bus operations within the state.

Maddy summaryHB 2101 exempts services involving live animals, birds, and insects from Washington's retail sales tax. This directly affects businesses like petting zoos, animal shows, and educational programs that provide live animal demonstrations. The bill amends the state tax code to explicitly exclude these services from the definition of "retail sale" under RCW 82.04.050. As a result, businesses offering such services will no longer be required to charge customers sales tax on these specific activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the official title of "physician assistants" to "physician associates" in Washington state law, administrative rules, and billing systems. It requires state agencies, health plans, and healthcare facilities to update all contracts, materials, and regulations to use the new term, while allowing both titles to be used interchangeably during a transition period. The change aligns with national professional standards and aims to better reflect the education, training, and collaborative role of these healthcare providers. The bill amends multiple sections of state law to implement this terminology shift across licensing, billing, and healthcare operations.