Rep. Julia Reed

Maddy summaryWashington's HB 2273 requires large new construction, additions, and renovations (100,000+ square feet, excluding school districts) to reduce embodied carbon emissions from building materials. Projects can comply through three paths: reusing at least 45% of an existing structure, demonstrating reduced emissions for 90% of covered materials using environmental data, or conducting a whole-building life-cycle assessment comparing to a functionally equivalent reference building. All projects must report compliance data to a public database managed by the Department of Commerce, including details like project size, compliance method, and material usage. The bill establishes reporting templates and requires design professionals to verify emissions calculations before project completion.

Maddy summaryHB 2432 allows Washington school districts to prioritize selling or giving surplus technology hardware (like laptops and tablets) to public school students at reduced price or for free, instead of selling to the general public first. It specifically directs districts to prioritize students from families qualifying for free/reduced meals or earning at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. The bill amends existing law to require districts to document sales/grants and defines "surplus technology hardware" as devices issued to students during the school year. This policy change aims to reduce financial barriers for students needing technology for education and workforce development.

Maddy summaryHJR 4210 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would replace fixed session length limits for Washington's legislature with flexible rules. Currently, the constitution mandates 105-day regular sessions in odd-numbered years and 60-day sessions in even-numbered years; this amendment would allow the legislature to set session durations through regular laws instead. If approved by voters, the legislature could adjust session lengths based on evolving needs, such as addressing urgent issues or budget cycles. The amendment requires voter approval at the next general election and does not change the legislature's authority to pass laws or the structure of legislative sessions. This directly affects how Washington's state legislature organizes its annual work schedule.

Maddy summaryThis Washington State legislative memorial (HJM 4009) requests federal agencies to maintain wildfire response capacity amid consolidation plans. It specifically asks the Department of Interior and Agriculture to ensure full staffing of the new Wildland Fire Service by April 2026, delay further reorganization until wildfire activity decreases, and avoid reducing firefighting capacity during consolidation. The request aims to protect communities, infrastructure, natural resources, and firefighter safety in Washington State, responding to federal staff reductions and uncertainty about consolidation impacts.

Maddy summaryHB 2402 bans the use of DEHP (a phthalate chemical) in intravenous (IV) medical equipment in Washington state. Starting January 1, 2030, it prohibits manufacturing, selling, or distributing IV bags containing intentionally or unintentionally added DEHP above 0.1% weight per weight, with IV tubing restrictions beginning January 1, 2035. The law also forbids replacing DEHP with other phthalates and exempts certain blood collection products. It directly affects medical device manufacturers, distributors, and healthcare facilities in Washington, requiring them to transition to DEHP-free alternatives by the specified deadlines. The bill aims to reduce exposure to DEHP, linked to health risks including endocrine disruption and potential cancer concerns, through concrete phase-out timelines.

Maddy summaryHB 2087 creates a new legal framework for travel insurance sales in Washington State, directly affecting insurers, travel agencies, and group organizers (like schools, employers, or tour operators) selling policies to Washington residents. It defines key terms like "group travel insurance" (policies covering predefined groups without individual charges) and "aggregator sites" (websites comparing insurance), while explicitly excluding cancellation fee waivers and travel assistance services from its rules. The bill requires clear disclosure of coverage details to buyers and clarifies that group policies must follow specific rules, such as defining eligible groups (e.g., students, employees, or sports teams). This ensures consistent regulation for travel insurance sold within the state, aligning with existing insurance laws where not superseded.

Maddy summaryHB 2194 would allow Washington counties and cities to impose a 0.1% sales tax (one-tenth of one percent) with voter approval to fund local cultural access programs, such as museums, arts initiatives, and community cultural events. Counties could implement this tax first (for up to seven years), and cities within counties could do so if counties haven’t acted by December 2024. All funds collected must be used exclusively for cultural programs under state law, and the state would collect the tax at no cost to local governments. The bill does not change existing tax rates or create new programs but provides a funding mechanism for existing cultural access efforts.

Maddy summaryHB 2218 establishes a state-approved network of healthcare providers for workers' compensation cases in Washington. It requires injured workers to choose a provider within 15 miles of home for initial care (with non-network visits limited to emergencies), prohibits employers from directing workers to specific clinics, and sets quality standards for network inclusion (e.g., malpractice insurance, licensing status). The bill creates a second tier of providers recognized for using advanced occupational health practices, with financial incentives for meeting these standards. This directly affects injured workers, healthcare providers seeking to treat workers' compensation cases, and employers managing claims.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits force-feeding birds (such as chickens, turkeys, or ducks) to enlarge their livers for foie gras production, and bans the sale, possession, or distribution of foie gras made through this method. It applies directly to restaurants, retailers, and producers handling foie gras, with exceptions only for veterinary care. Violations carry civil fines up to $1,000 per day, and the law takes effect January 1, 2028. The legislation targets specific production practices without restricting other bird-related activities.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 4674) is a ceremonial gesture by the Washington State House of Representatives to celebrate the 15th anniversary of WGU Washington, the state's partnership with Western Governors University. It recognizes WGU Washington's role in providing affordable, online degree programs to over 13,000 Washington students and nearly 50,000 graduates, particularly serving adult learners, veterans, and underserved communities. The resolution highlights the partnership's contribution to Washington's goal of increasing postsecondary credentials for adults and addressing workforce needs in key sectors like healthcare and technology. As a purely congratulatory measure with no new policy or funding, it does not alter laws or directly affect any group beyond expressing legislative appreciation for WGU Washington's achievements.