Rep. Liz Berry

Maddy summaryHB 1329 amends the Washington Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA) concerning how certain wholesale power purchases are classified. The bill modifies the definition of a "coal-fired resource" by expanding the duration for specific limited-term wholesale electricity purchases that are exempt from this classification. Under the new provisions, electric utilities can make wholesale power purchases for up to three months, or up to six months for system sales used for seasonal resource adequacy, without these being counted as coal-fired resources under CETA. This aims to provide utilities with more flexibility in acquiring short-term power, provided these exemptions are not used to avoid CETA's overall restrictions on coal-fired energy.

Maddy summaryHB 1596, titled "Concerning accountability for persons for speeding," requires certain drivers to install an "intelligent speed assistance device" in their vehicles. This applies to individuals with temporary restricted or occupational driver's licenses, those on probation for specific traffic offenses, or by court order. The device uses GPS to limit a vehicle's speed to the posted limit, though it includes a limited override function for up to three uses per month. Drivers are responsible for the costs of installation, maintenance, and a monthly fee, with some exemptions for employer-owned vehicles and indigence. Data collected by these devices is securely maintained and generally not shared without a court order.

Maddy summaryHB 1173 clarifies the wage payment requirements for "skilled journeypersons" working in facilities subject to specific workforce regulations. The bill mandates that these journeypersons must be paid at a rate at least commensurate with typical wages for their occupation in the local geographic area. This includes a minimum hourly rate set at the seventy-fifth percentile of occupational employment statistics for the relevant occupation and area. Additionally, workers in apprenticeable occupations who do not meet the definitions of registered apprentice or skilled journeyperson are to be considered skilled journeypersons for the purpose of their wage entitlement. The act will become effective on January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1217 aims to improve housing stability for tenants in Washington state, applying to those under the residential landlord-tenant act and the manufactured/mobile home landlord-tenant act. It limits combined rent and fee increases to no more than seven percent within any 12-month period after the initial year of a tenancy, though some exemptions may apply. The bill also requires landlords to provide notice for increases, places limits on various fees and deposits, and allows tenants to terminate their lease if an increase is unlawful. Additionally, it establishes a landlord resource center and authorizes the Attorney General to enforce its provisions, providing specific remedies for tenants in cases of violation.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1874 requires licensed cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians, and hair designers in Washington State to receive training on the care, styling, and treatment of textured hair. The bill addresses a gap in current training standards, which often do not fully cover diverse hair textures like curly, coiled, coarse, and thick hair. It aims to integrate this specialized knowledge into the required curriculum for these professionals. The goal is to ensure stylists have the skills and confidence to work with a broad range of hair types while upholding industry health and safety standards.

Maddy summaryHB 1644, "Concerning the safety and health of working minors," aims to strengthen protections for young workers in Washington state. The bill amends the criteria for "responsible bidders" on public works contracts, requiring that contractors not have a revoked minor work permit to be eligible for these projects. It also modifies the process for issuing citations to employers who violate requirements related to minor work permits. These provisions are intended to promote adherence to safety and health standards for minors in the workplace.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 4650 is a commemorative resolution recognizing Representative Bruce Q. Chandler for his 26 years of distinguished service to the 15th Legislative District and the State of Washington. It honors his contributions in areas such as agriculture, business, early learning, and state budgeting.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1068 removes the exclusion of Washington management service employees at the Department of Corrections from interest arbitration. This change grants these employees access to an alternative process for resolving disputes over their collective bargaining agreements. If negotiations and mediation fail to reach an agreement, an independent arbitrator will be appointed to make a binding decision on the terms of their employment. The arbitrator's decision will consider factors such as the department's financial ability, comparable wages, and the ability to retain employees.

Maddy summaryEngrossed Substitute House Bill 1875 expands the reasons for which employees in Washington state can use their accrued paid sick leave. It allows employees to use this leave to prepare for or participate in judicial or administrative immigration proceedings for themselves or a family member. For absences exceeding three days for this purpose, employees can provide verification through documentation from an immigration advocate, attorney, or clergy, or a written statement from the employee, without disclosing sensitive immigration status details. The bill ensures that employees can attend these proceedings without losing pay.

Maddy summaryHB 1971 requires health plans to provide reimbursement for a 12-month refill of covered prescription hormone therapy, obtained at one time, for their enrollees. This aims to increase access to these medications for patients of all ages. Starting January 1, 2026, health plans must comply, unless the enrollee requests a smaller supply, the provider instructs a smaller supply, or the therapy is a controlled substance. The 12-month supply applies to medications that can be safely stored at room temperature, while controlled substances must be covered for the maximum refill allowed by law. Prescription hormone therapy is defined as FDA-approved drugs that medically adjust hormone levels, excluding certain glucagon-like peptide-1 medications.