Rep. Liz Berry

Maddy summaryHB 1873 expands Washington State’s Working Connections Child Care program to include graduate and professional students enrolled full-time at higher education institutions. It sets eligibility at household income of 85% or less of the state median income (adjusted for family size), requires children to be under 13 or under 19 with a verified special need, and waives copayments where federal law allows (capping at $15). The bill also clarifies that two-parent households cannot be denied care based on the other parent’s availability and ensures graduate students qualify for full-time child care assistance under the program. These changes apply immediately upon enactment, with income thresholds and copayment rules adjusted to align with existing program tiers.

Maddy summaryThis Washington state joint memorial (HJM 4017) urges the U.S. federal government to take specific actions regarding Iran, directly affecting U.S. agencies and policymakers. It requests the U.S. refrain from military intervention, strengthen targeted sanctions against Iranian officials violating human rights, minimize harm from broad sanctions on civilians, and support Iranian democracy movements through diplomatic and humanitarian means. The resolution emphasizes prioritizing Iranian-led democratic processes and includes nine specific policy requests, such as expanding internet access and halting deportations to Iran. As a symbolic state resolution - not a binding law - it has no legal effect but formally expresses Washington’s position to federal authorities.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 4692) acknowledges the 84th anniversary of Executive Order 9066, which led to the forced relocation and internment of over 120,000 Japanese Americans during WWII, including 12,000 from Washington State. It recognizes Japanese American veterans, incarcerees, and civil rights activists from Washington, and urges reflection on the principle "with liberty and justice for all," without creating new policies or requiring government action.

Maddy summaryHB 2281 strengthens Washington State's government-to-government relationship with federally recognized tribes by requiring state agencies to consult with tribes before actions affecting tribal cultural sites or practices. It defines "tribal traditional cultural places" and prohibits agencies from imposing "undue burdens" on tribal traditions without proving a compelling government need and using the least restrictive approach. Tribes can seek legal remedies in court if agencies violate these protections, with specific burden-of-proof rules for cases involving sacred tribal knowledge. The bill directly affects tribes whose cultural sites or practices may be impacted by state projects like construction or land management.

Maddy summaryHB 2399 prohibits property insurance policyholders from assigning their post-loss insurance benefits to third parties (like contractors) after a claim occurs. This directly affects homeowners and renters who might otherwise sign agreements transferring control of their insurance claims to repair companies. The bill makes such assignments void and unenforceable, while allowing exceptions for licensed public adjusters, attorneys working for the homeowner, and mortgage lenders. Violations can result in $50,000 fines per incident, with enforcement handled by the Insurance Commissioner.

Maddy summaryHB 2297 creates incentives to support grocery stores in underserved communities across Washington, directly affecting low-income residents, communities of color, rural populations, immigrants, refugees, and people with limited transportation access. The bill requires cities to adopt model tax ordinances that reduce structural cost barriers for grocery retailers through mechanisms like tax credits and standardized small business thresholds. It aims to preserve existing stores and encourage new development in areas where market forces have failed to provide adequate food access, with the goal of strengthening local jobs and neighborhood stability. The legislation focuses on concrete policy changes to address food access barriers, not on speculative outcomes.

Maddy summaryHB 2245 updates definitions in Washington's Clean Energy Transformation Act to clarify rules for consumer-owned utilities, including municipal utilities, port districts, and cooperatives. It adds specific definitions for eligible biomass energy sources (excluding treated wood and municipal waste) and "energy transformation projects" like home weatherization, electric vehicle incentives, and renewable hydrogen infrastructure. These changes help these utilities comply with clean energy requirements by defining key terms used in rate-setting and project eligibility. The bill amends existing sections of state law (RCW 19.405.020 and 19.405.100) but does not create new programs or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 2298 authorizes Washington county auditors to create a voluntary property title protection program to prevent land record fraud. Property owners can opt to record a "fraud protection instrument" with their county auditor, which requires a secure ID or court-approved process for any transfer of ownership. The program allows county auditors to delay recording transfers for up to five business days if fraud protection is active and includes an emergency override via court orders or authorized legal actions. This directly affects property owners who choose to enroll in the program to safeguard against unauthorized title changes.

Maddy summaryHB 2364 revises Washington State's poverty reduction task force, renaming it the "economic justice and well-being task force" and expanding its structure to better align with the state's 10-year poverty reduction plan. The bill requires the task force to include diverse statewide representation from legislative bodies and 11 state agencies, with additional voting members from equity-focused commissions. It directs the task force to develop evidence-based strategies, monitor progress on poverty reduction goals, and collaborate with community stakeholders to address systemic inequities - particularly for historically underrepresented groups like immigrants, refugees, and communities of color. The bill focuses on structural changes to coordinate state efforts rather than creating new programs.

Maddy summaryHB 2478 gives Washington’s Department of Labor & Industries more flexibility when enforcing wage laws. It limits wage enforcement actions to unpaid wages from the past three years (from when the department received violation information), requires prioritizing complaints based on worker harm and severity, and sets clear penalty rules for intentional violations (minimum $1,000 or 10% of unpaid wages, up to $20,000). The bill directly affects workers owed wages, employers who owe payments, and the department’s enforcement process. Key changes include standardized penalty calculations, a 60-day timeline for complaint resolutions, and provisions for waiving penalties if employers pay within 10 business days.