Rep. Julia Reed

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1589 updates regulations concerning health insurance companies and healthcare providers. It requires the state insurance commissioner to ensure health carriers' networks include a sufficient number of contracted providers, specifically for emergency, anesthesiology, and behavioral health services. The bill outlines conditions under which carriers can use alternative methods to meet network needs, ensuring patients do not incur greater costs. Additionally, it mandates that health carriers offer providers a meaningful, good-faith opportunity to negotiate contract terms, prohibiting specific actions like failing to provide a clear fee schedule or contract changes.

Maddy summaryHB 1339 proposes shifting general elections for Washington state cities, towns, and special purpose districts from odd-numbered years to even-numbered years to increase voter participation. Local governments would have the option to move elections to even years by adopting an ordinance, passing a charter amendment, or securing voter approval through initiatives. The bill requires public hearings and specifies transitional term adjustments during the shift, aiming to boost turnout - particularly among younger voters, low-income families, and people with disabilities - by aligning local elections with higher-turnout even-year cycles. It amends several election statutes to allow this change while maintaining existing rules for special elections.

Maddy summaryHB 1496 limits fees health care providers can charge patients for accessing their medical records. It sets a $50 maximum fee for patients, their legal representatives, treating providers, or designated advocates, and prohibits per-page charges. The bill requires the state department to establish fee standards based on actual costs of searching records, not arbitrary rates. These changes directly affect patients seeking their own health information and their authorized representatives.

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 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 bill increases the maximum vehicle weight threshold for transportation benefit district fees from 6,000 to 10,000 pounds. It directly affects commercial vehicles (like trucks) weighing up to 10,000 pounds that are subject to local vehicle fees under Washington state law. The key change amends RCW 82.80.140 to expand the fee coverage to heavier vehicles, while maintaining the $100 annual fee limit per vehicle. Exemptions for farm vehicles, campers, and other specific vehicle types remain unchanged.

Maddy summaryHB 2727 creates a state-funded grant program to help community and technical college students pay for public transportation. It requires the state transportation department to provide grants to transit agencies that partner with colleges to offer free or reduced transit fares for students enrolled in degree or certificate programs. To qualify, transit agencies must submit proposals detailing program goals, cost-reduction methods, college partnerships, and long-term sustainability plans. The program aims to lower transportation barriers for these students, with pilot projects required to report outcomes to the legislature within six months of completion.

Maddy summaryHB 2307 updates definitions related to Washington's commute trip reduction program. It removes specific time references (like "6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.") from key terms such as "commute trip" and "peak period," replacing them with broader language like "during the peak period." This primarily affects major employers (100+ employees at a single worksite), cities with traffic congestion thresholds, and regional transportation planning organizations administering the program. The bill refines existing definitions to align with current transportation data methods without creating new requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 2403 modifies Washington state's legal requirements for sex offenders who fail to register, aligning the rules with recommendations from the Sex Offender Policy Board. The bill updates specific statutes (including those governing registration penalties and sentencing levels) to clarify when failure to register constitutes a crime. It directly affects individuals convicted of sex offenses required to register under state law. The changes aim to standardize registration compliance without creating new offenses or altering existing penalties.

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.