Rep. Liz Berry

Maddy summaryHB 1024 amends state law to allow the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission to lease specific properties at St. Edward State Park for up to 62 years - instead of the standard 80-year limit - under strict conditions. The lease applies only to the main seminary building, pool building, gymnasium, two designated parking lots, and adjacent land, and requires the Commission to first confirm no viable public or nonprofit use exists for those properties. This change modifies existing statutes (RCW 79A.05.025 and 79A.05.030) to create a targeted exception for St. Edward, ensuring leases align with the Commission’s mission. It directly affects future lessees of these properties and the Commission’s leasing decisions at this specific park.

Maddy summaryHB 1135 requires counties and cities to fix planning errors that violate Washington's Growth Management Act within 45 days of a noncompliance finding. It creates a formal process where a state board must hold a hearing, determine if local governments have corrected violations, and issue findings within 45 days. If local governments fail to comply, the board can recommend sanctions to the governor or refer the issue to the state department for technical help. The law directly affects local governments that miss deadlines for updating land-use plans to align with state growth management rules.

Maddy summaryHB 1511 clarifies that Washington state ferry captains are the ultimate authority for vessel operations and safety. The bill requires captains in the current "masters, mates, and pilots" bargaining unit to vote by August 31, 2025, on whether to join a new combined union representing all three roles. If a majority votes yes, a unified bargaining unit will take effect on July 1, 2026, replacing the separate captain-only unit. This change directly affects ferry captains and their union representation, with no impact on existing safety or operational responsibilities.

Maddy summaryHB 1209 regulates the sale and transfer of sodium nitrite (a chemical used in food preservation and industry) by requiring warning labels on products containing over 10% sodium nitrite and restricting sales to commercial businesses. It mandates that sellers verify a buyer’s commercial need using an employer ID number, banning sales to individuals or non-verified entities. The law requires labels stating "WARNING: Deadly if ingested. Seek immediate medical attention..." to alert users about severe health risks, including methemoglobinemia. The bill, effective April 7, 2025, directly affects retailers, online sellers, and commercial users of sodium nitrite while aiming to reduce suicide-related deaths linked to its misuse.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 4635) is a ceremonial House measure celebrating Nowruz, the Persian New Year, and recognizing its cultural significance to communities in Washington state and globally. It acknowledges the holiday's 3,000-year history, its celebration by over 1 million Americans - including tens of thousands in Washington - and the contributions of Middle Eastern and Central Asian communities. The resolution formally urges the House to celebrate Nowruz, recognize its values of renewal and community, and stand with those who observe it. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryHR 4619 is a commemorative resolution adopted by the Washington State House of Representatives on February 19, 2025. It formally acknowledges the 83rd anniversary of Executive Order 9066, which led to the forced removal and internment of over 120,000 Japanese-Americans during World War II, including 12,000 from Washington State. The resolution specifically recognizes Japanese-American veterans, incarcerees, and civil rights activists from Washington who endured this injustice and served in the military while incarcerated. It directs copies to organizations like the Nisei Veterans Committee and the Wing Luke Museum, reflecting on the principle of "liberty and justice for all."

Maddy summaryHR 4617 is a ceremonial House Resolution, not a law, adopted by the Washington State House of Representatives on February 17, 2025. It formally encourages all Washington residents to celebrate Children's Day and support children's well-being through community actions. The resolution expresses the House's commitment to prioritizing children's health, safety, and education, referencing student interns and pages working in the legislature. It does not create new policies, funding, or legal requirements - only a symbolic call for public recognition of children's rights.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House resolution (not a law) that honors Presidents' Day. It expresses the House's recognition of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln's leadership, including Washington's precedent for peaceful power transitions and Lincoln's role in preserving the Union. The resolution has no policy impact or effect on citizens - it simply commemorates presidential legacies through symbolic language. It was introduced and adopted by the House on February 17, 2025, as a routine observance.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution formally expresses appreciation to the Washington National Guard for their service in emergencies, disaster response (like 2022 floods and 2023 wildfires), election security, and community programs such as the Youth ChalleNGe Academy. It sends copies to military leaders, the Governor, and federal officials as a symbolic gesture of recognition, with no new legal requirements or policy changes. The resolution acknowledges the Guard’s role in protecting lives, infrastructure, and community well-being across Washington state.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic House resolution (HR 4602) passed by the Washington State House of Representatives to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and legacy. It contains no new laws, funding, or policy changes - only commemorative language recognizing his civil rights work, nonviolent philosophy, and impact on the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965. The resolution has no direct effect on people, communities, or legislation; it is purely a ceremonial tribute. It was adopted on January 20, 2025, by the full House.