Rep. Liz Berry

Maddy summaryHB 1404 expands access to free school meals in Washington state by removing income-based eligibility requirements. It mandates that all public school students who request a meal receive it at no cost, regardless of family income, to address food insecurity and support academic success. The bill amends several education funding statutes (including RCW 28A.235.135 and 28A.235.160) to align meal access with this new policy. It directly affects every public school student in Washington, ensuring no child experiences hunger during the school day. The policy change replaces previous tiered eligibility systems with universal free meals for all requesting students.

Maddy summaryHB 1356 adjusts Washington state's K-12 school funding by updating local enrichment levy limits and creating a state matching program. It sets new per-pupil funding caps ($2,500 for districts under 40,000 students, $3,000 for larger districts) through 2030, adjusted annually for inflation plus a temporary 3.33% annual increase (2027-2030), then raises the cap to $5,035 starting in 2031. The bill requires school districts to get approval for how they spend local levy funds before voting on them and links state funding to local effort - matching districts that raise less than $1.50 per $1,000 in property value. This directly affects all public school districts and state-tribal education compact schools by changing how local taxes and state funds combine to support school programs.

Maddy summaryHB 1445 would create a state-run Washington Health Trust to provide universal, comprehensive health coverage to all Washington residents, eliminating premiums, deductibles, and copayments. The trust would cover essential health benefits including primary care, dental, vision, prescription drugs, mental health services, and maternity care for everyone, regardless of income, race, or immigration status. It prohibits discrimination by providers and requires all qualified health care facilities to participate, with the trust paying providers directly for covered services. The bill aims to replace fragmented private and public insurance systems with a single unified financing structure to simplify administration and reduce costs.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 1354 amends Washington state law to explicitly include temporary legislative session employees under the public employees' benefits board insurance programs. It clarifies that "employee" definitions now cover these temporary staff members (e.g., aides or support personnel hired specifically for legislative sessions), ensuring they receive the same health insurance benefits as other state employees. The bill makes this change through targeted amendments to existing statutes (RCW 41.05.011 and 41.05.065), without creating new benefits or altering coverage terms. This is a procedural clarification affecting only temporary legislative staff, not elected officials or permanent employees.

Maddy summaryHB 1814 proposes to exempt certain decisions regarding the development or extension of trails and paths from the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and equivalent local environmental review requirements. This exemption applies to projects that are 10 acres or less, located on a railroad right-of-way designated for interim trail use, and situated within cities with a population of 500,000 or more. The bill requires developers to post public notice on the property for at least 30 days before final approval. Additionally, it mandates early and meaningful consultation with potentially affected federally recognized tribes to discuss impacts on cultural resources and treaty rights, including a mediation process if an agreement is not reached.

Maddy summaryHB 1059 strengthens oversight of self-insured employers and their third-party administrators in Washington State by requiring them to act in good faith when handling workers' compensation claims. It creates a new rule that allows the state director to withdraw a self-insurer's certification after three proven violations of good faith within three years (e.g., coercing workers to accept less compensation or hiding injury reports). Employers found violating this duty must pay penalties ranging from 1 to 52 times the worker’s average weekly wage, with investigations triggered by written complaints. The law applies to all workers’ compensation claims regardless of injury date and takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1557 establishes Washington's Guaranteed Admissions Program, which guarantees admission to public four-year colleges for eligible high school seniors meeting specific criteria. It requires participating colleges (including tribal institutions and state universities) to simplify application processes starting in 2026-27, and mandates high schools to share student data with colleges to identify qualified applicants. The bill also requires all high schools to provide annual notifications to students in grades 9-12 about this program, the Washington College Grant, dual credit options, and other college pathways. Institutions may opt out of the program by reporting their reasons to the legislature, but must still pursue alternative access initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HJR 4201) proposes amending Washington State's constitution to lower the voter approval threshold for school district bonds. Currently, school districts need a three-fifths (60%) majority of voters to approve bonds under Article VIII, section 6. The amendment would change this to require only a simple majority (over 50%) of voters voting on the bond measure. This change would directly affect all Washington school districts seeking voter approval for bond-funded projects like facility construction or modernization. The proposal is a constitutional amendment, not a law, and requires voter ratification at the next general election.

Maddy summaryHB 1313 requires businesses with 100 or more employees in Washington to provide 60 days' written notice before mass layoffs (50+ employees in 30 days), relocations (100+ miles), or terminations. The notice must include specific details like the reasons for the action, alternatives considered (e.g., reduced hours or transfers), and supporting data on operations or market conditions. Employers must notify affected workers, the state employment department, local governments, workforce councils, and unions. Exceptions exist for businesses seeking capital (with strict documentation) or facing natural disasters, but the law aims to increase transparency and give workers more time to prepare for job loss.