Rep. Chipalo Street

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 4675, adopted on January 28, 2026, is a ceremonial resolution expressing the Washington State House of Representatives' gratitude to the Washington National Guard for their service. It specifically acknowledges the Guard's roles in emergency response (including flood operations and search-and-rescue missions), disaster recovery efforts (like adapting from the Oso landslide), and national defense support (such as aerial refueling capabilities). The resolution directs copies to the Adjutant General, Governor, and other officials but does not create new laws or alter policies. It directly honors National Guard members, their families, and employers without imposing any financial or operational requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 2313 authorizes Washington cities to establish publicly owned grocery stores in underserved areas with food access gaps. Cities can acquire property (including via eminent domain), apply for state capital grants covering building rehabilitation and 24-hour "food locker systems," and use tax increment financing to fund store development and infrastructure. The bill requires annual reporting on financial status, community access, jobs created, and for third-party operated stores, sales data and compliance with contractual benchmarks like local produce sourcing. This directly affects cities seeking to address food insecurity through municipal grocery initiatives.

Maddy summaryHB 2098 imposes a surcharge on select large tech companies with global revenue over $25 billion, increasing the rate from 1.22% (2020-2025) to 7.5% (starting 2026) on their taxable gross income. The surcharge applies to businesses engaged in "advanced computing" (including cloud services, software, and platforms), excluding hospitals, health clinics, and certain telecom or financial firms. Revenues from the surcharge fund workforce education programs, with automatic enrollment increases in computer science and engineering degrees at state universities when demand exceeds capacity by 100+ students. The bill also requires quarterly reporting and includes penalties for evasion, while exempting specific healthcare providers from the tax.

Maddy summaryHB 2182 authorizes Washington's Department of Health to directly acquire, distribute, and dispense abortion medications (like mifepristone and misoprostol) to healthcare providers and entities offering reproductive care, including abortion services. The bill creates a state-run program to prioritize bulk distribution to clinics and hospitals, allowing the department to sell medications at cost (plus a $5 per dose fee for secure handling) or free in 2025, with revenues going to the general fund. This directly affects healthcare providers who can now receive these medications through the state program and patients seeking abortion care. The law exempts the department from needing a wholesaler's license for these activities under specific state laws.

Maddy summaryHB 1812 prohibits health insurers in Washington from imposing time limits or arbitrary caps on reimbursement for anesthesia services, regardless of procedure duration or patient health status. It requires insurers to cover all medically necessary anesthesia care without denying coverage based on factors like patient age (e.g., infants or seniors), emergency status, or severe illnesses. The bill mandates reimbursement be based solely on a provider’s assessment of medical necessity, not preset time limits, and prohibits insurers from discriminating against anesthesiologists or nurse anesthetists. Violations can trigger enforcement actions by the Insurance Commissioner, including fines, required reimbursement for denied claims, and license suspension. This directly affects patients receiving anesthesia (especially vulnerable groups), providers, and health insurers operating in Washington.

Maddy summaryHB 2662 requires Washington's state investment board to integrate environmental, social, and governance principles into managing public retirement and trust funds. It prohibits investments in companies involved in forced labor, coal production, tobacco manufacturing, severe environmental harm, or violations of international humanitarian law, while still prioritizing strong financial returns. The board must annually report on how these principles guide investment decisions and develop proxy voting guidelines to address related risks. This directly affects the board’s management of billions in state funds, including retirement accounts and public trust assets.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Washington's Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to form a work group that identifies existing African American studies curricula used in high schools and colleges nationwide. The work group must review prior education reports, consult with historically Black colleges, and survey current programs to compile a list of approved materials. By December 2027, the office must submit this list to the legislature for school districts to consider adopting in grades 7-12. The requirement expires July 1, 2028.

Maddy summaryHB 2122 requires Washington hospitals to offer annual flu vaccinations to two specific patient groups: adults 65 or older, and any patient (regardless of age) with a chronic health condition. This applies each year from October 1 to March 1, beginning July 1, 2027, unless the vaccine is unavailable at the hospital or the immunization is medically unsafe for the patient. Hospitals are exempt during declared state emergencies or disasters, and critical access hospitals certified under federal law are also excluded. The law focuses on expanding access to flu shots for high-risk patients during peak flu season through a straightforward hospital offering requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 2173 prohibits Washington law enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings (like balaclavas or ski masks) during routine public interactions, while allowing exceptions for active undercover operations and protective gear used by specialized units like SWAT teams. The bill defines "facial covering" to exclude medical masks, helmets, and clear face shields. It also establishes that individuals detained in violation can sue officers for financial compensation, attorney fees, or other court-ordered remedies. The law applies to all "peace officers" as defined under state law during standard public duties.

Maddy summaryHB 2100 imposes a tax on large Washington companies for payroll expenses exceeding $125,000 per employee (mirroring the federal Medicare surtax threshold), effective July 2026. The tax revenue will fund the "Well Washington Fund," with 51% of annual revenues dedicated to supporting health care (including Medicaid), higher education, food assistance (SNAP), and energy/housing programs. The bill creates an oversight board of 25 legislative members to manage fund allocations, ensuring resources target services most impacted by federal budget cuts. This policy directly affects large operating companies with significant payroll, aiming to offset projected losses in state services from federal legislation.