Rep. Julia Reed

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1321 grants the Governor of Washington new authority regarding armed military forces from outside the state. It prohibits any armed military force from another state, territory, or district from entering Washington to perform military duty without the Governor's explicit permission. An exception is made if such a force is called into active U.S. service under the authority of the President. This bill aims to regulate the presence of external armed groups within the state and took effect immediately upon signing.

Maddy summaryHB 1563 establishes a prescribed fire claims fund pilot program in Washington state to provide financial loss coverage for damages resulting from prescribed fires and cultural burning. This program supports non-state and non-federal entities, such as private landowners and cultural fire practitioners, who conduct these burns according to approved plans and permits. The Office of Risk Management will administer the fund, which covers eligible property or economic damages up to $2,000,000 per claim. The intent is to reduce financial uncertainty and encourage the use of prescribed fire for forest health and wildfire prevention. This pilot program is set to expire on June 30, 2033.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1609 amends RCW 43.30.205, a state law that defines the composition of a specific six-member board. This board includes the Governor, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, a Commissioner, and representatives from university forest and agricultural science programs. The bill also outlines the selection process for a county representative on this board, chosen by legislative authorities

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1486 adds a student member to the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, increasing its total membership from nine to ten. This change ensures that a student currently enrolled in a community or technical college will have a voice in the board's decisions. The student member will serve a one-year term and must be at least 18 years old. They will participate in discussions and policy development, though they will be excluded from voting on matters related to hiring, discipline, personnel, or pending litigation.

Maddy summaryHB 1747 expands protections for job applicants and employees under Washington's Fair Chance Act. The bill prohibits employers from inquiring about an applicant's criminal record until after a conditional offer of employment has been made. It also prevents employers from taking adverse employment action based on arrest records or juvenile conviction records. For adult conviction records, employers must have a legitimate business reason, notify the individual, and provide an opportunity for them to explain or provide additional information before making a decision.

Maddy summaryHB 1935 clarifies the definitions of "project permit" and "project permit application" for local governments and permit applicants. The bill explicitly states that building permits are not considered project permits. It also mandates that local governments exclude interior alterations from site plan review, provided these changes do not add sleeping quarters, violate FEMA thresholds, or require upgraded fire systems. However, interior alterations remain subject to existing building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical codes.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to improve high school students' access to Career and Technical Education (CTE) dual credit programs in Washington state. It establishes and expands regional pilot programs through grant funding, enabling community and technical colleges, public high schools, and skill centers to boost student participation and credential attainment. The bill also directs the state board for community and technical colleges to plan for improving or replacing the statewide online enrollment and reporting system for CTE dual credit. Additionally, it requires reports to the legislature on the pilot program findings and recommendations for further improvements to dual credit policies and data collection.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1631 designates bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana) forests as the official state marine forest of Washington. This designation aims to raise awareness of bull kelp's vital role in the state's marine ecosystems, culture, and economy, and its deep cultural significance for tribal nations.

Maddy summaryHB 1524 establishes new workplace standards for employers of "isolated employees" in Washington state, specifically those in hotel, motel, retail, security guard, and property services industries. The bill requires these employers to adopt sexual harassment policies and provide mandatory training to managers, supervisors, and isolated employees on preventing harassment and discrimination. Employers must also provide panic buttons to isolated employees, allowing them to summon immediate assistance. The Department of Labor and Industries is responsible for investigating violations and can issue civil penalties for non-compliance.

Maddy summaryHB 1114 establishes the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, an agreement among participating states. This compact allows respiratory therapists who are actively licensed in one member state to practice in other member states, thereby granting them a "compact privilege." The bill's purpose is to improve public access to respiratory therapy services, streamline the process for therapists to practice across state lines, and support relocating military members and their spouses. It also aims to address workforce shortages and enhance cooperation among states in regulating respiratory therapy.