Maddy summaryHB 2610 expands property tax exemptions for nonprofit housing providers in Washington State by allowing temporary use of their properties for community events (like meetings or festivals) without losing the exemption, even if these uses aren't for affordable housing. The bill clarifies that such temporary uses qualify as long as rental fees cover maintenance costs, the property isn’t used for profit, and total non-housing use doesn’t exceed 50 days per year (with no more than 15 days for business activities). It specifically amends tax code sections to include these community purposes under existing exemption rules, while maintaining safeguards like requiring reasonable fees and prohibiting repeated non-compliant use. This directly affects nonprofit housing organizations seeking to host community events on their properties without risking tax liability.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1980 allows certain private employer transportation services to use designated public transportation facilities, directly affecting employers who provide employee shuttles and the authorities managing these routes. It permits private employer transportation service vehicles, defined as marked, regularly scheduled employee shuttles with capacity for eight or more passengers, to use reserved limited access facilities (like HOV lanes) if their use does not interfere with public transit efficiency. In counties with over two million people, local authorities may also issue fee-for-use permits for these private services to use specific transit-only lanes that allow access to abutting businesses, with approval from public transportation providers. These permits require adherence to operational performance standards to ensure public transit efficiency, and generated revenues cover administrative costs and lane maintenance.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that formally recognizes Representative Virginia "Jenny" Graham for her public service in the Washington State House of Representatives. It highlights her eight-year tenure, her advocacy for public safety, and her work on community safety and veterans' issues. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as an official acknowledgment of her contributions and legacy.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that formally honors John Michael Sattgast for his 35 years of dedicated service as a communications professional for the House Republican Caucus in the Washington State Legislature. It recognizes his work producing over 4,000 radio stories and coordinating media coverage for state representatives, as well as his leadership roles with the National Conference of State Legislatures. The resolution acknowledges his contributions to sharing legislative history and public information, noting his receipt of the 2023 Legislative Staff Achievement Award. This measure serves as a commemorative tribute rather than establishing new policy or affecting government operations.
Maddy summaryThis bill formally acknowledges the service of Representative Steve Tharinger to his district and the Washington state legislature. It recognizes his long career in public service, including his time as a Clallam County Commissioner, his work on the House Capital Budget Committee, and his advocacy for environmental protection and healthcare. The resolution serves as a commemorative tribute to his contributions and personal qualities rather than establishing new laws or policies.
Maddy summaryHB 2515 requires data centers with 20+ megawatt demand - defined as "emerging large energy use facilities" - to transition to 100% clean energy over time and publicly disclose their electricity, water, and refrigerant usage. The bill aims to protect energy affordability, grid reliability, and environmental health by mandating transparency and clean energy standards for these rapidly growing facilities. It amends existing energy laws to establish new definitions and oversight for data centers, which are projected to become the largest source of electricity demand growth in the Pacific Northwest. The policy applies directly to data center operators, with requirements phased in to align with industry innovation while safeguarding public interests.
Maddy summaryHB 2333 protects elected officials, candidates, election officials, and criminal justice staff (like police, prosecutors, and court personnel) from threats by expanding access to address confidentiality and increasing penalties for harassment targeting them in their official roles. The bill amends Washington’s harassment law to make threats against these groups a class C felony if the threat relates to their duties, and updates the address confidentiality program to include them. This allows eligible individuals to keep their home addresses private (using a state-designated address for official mail) and qualifies them for enhanced security measures. The law directly affects public servants who face threats due to their work, not general public safety. It focuses on concrete policy changes: stronger legal penalties for threatening officials and simplified access to address protection.
Maddy summaryHB 2095 creates new legal protections for vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists, etc.) in designated areas like sidewalks, crosswalks, and bike lanes. It requires law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges to complete training on negligent driving involving these users by 2027-2028. The bill establishes a legal presumption of negligence when a vulnerable user is injured or killed in a designated area, shifting the burden to vehicle operators to prove they weren't negligent. Plaintiffs can recover actual damages, $1,500 in statutory damages, and attorney fees, with punitive damages possible for repeat offenders.
Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1759 designates December 12th as "the day of the 12s" in Washington state. This bill adds the designation to a list of recognized days within state law that are not considered legal holidays for any purpose.
Maddy summaryHB 2303 prohibits employers in Washington state from requiring, requesting, or coercing employees to have microchips implanted. It directly affects all employers (including state agencies) and employees, excluding medical devices used for health monitoring. The bill creates a legal remedy allowing affected employees to sue for damages, attorney fees, and injunctions if violated. It defines "microchip" as subcutaneous devices storing personal data, but clarifies medical implants for health treatment are exempt.