Rep. Julio Cortes

Maddy summaryHB 1815 modifies laws concerning prison riot offenses, specifically for those committed in juvenile facilities. The bill clarifies that juvenile detention centers are not considered "correctional institutions" for adult prison riot offenses. It allows individuals to apply to have their records of conviction or adjudication for these offenses vacated if they occurred in a facility operated by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families or a county juvenile detention facility. Additionally, it creates a process to review and potentially reduce sentences for individuals whose past "prison riot" convictions from juvenile facilities were used to enhance their later adult sentences.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 4664 is a commemorative bill that honors the life and legacy of former Speaker Frank Chopp. It recognizes his extensive public service, advocacy for social justice and housing, and his record as the longest-serving Speaker in Washington state history.

Maddy summarySubstitute House Bill 1899 modifies the requirements for the Washington State homelessness point-in-time count. The bill removes the mandate for the Department to conduct this count annually, instead allowing the Department to establish a schedule and determine the data to be collected in consultation with local governments. It also eliminates previous requirements for the Department to implement an online information and referral system and an organizational quality management system. However, provisions protecting the confidentiality of personal information collected during the count and specific protections for victims of domestic violence or sexual assault remain in effect.

Maddy summaryHB 1141 grants agricultural workers involved in cultivating, growing, harvesting, or producing cannabis the right to collective bargaining. It places these workers and their employers under the jurisdiction of the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC). PERC will oversee the process for employees to organize, elect bargaining representatives, and engage in good faith negotiations with employers on wages, hours, and working conditions. The bill also defines and prohibits unfair labor practices by employers related to these organizing rights.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Washington's covenant homeownership program, which provides down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers from historically marginalized communities. It raises the household income eligibility threshold for participants from 100% to 140% of the area median income. The bill also introduces a provision allowing for full loan forgiveness after five years for participants whose household income is at or below 80% of the area median income at the time of the loan. Additionally, it adjusts the membership of the program's oversight committee.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1355 modifies existing retail tax compacts between the state of Washington and federally recognized tribes within the state. It increases the revenue-sharing percentages for state sales and use taxes collected on qualified transactions if a compacting tribe completes a "qualified capital investment." Specifically, for tribes making such an investment, the state's share of sales and use tax revenue above an initial $500,000 threshold will be 100% for both new and existing developments. The bill also outlines required provisions for these compacts, such as processes for verifying compliance and resolving disputes.

Maddy summaryHB 1391 aims to improve and expand alternatives for youth outside the formal court process, specifically focusing on diversion programs. The bill intends to strengthen the ability of courts to offer robust diversion services and contract with community providers to deliver these programs. It also updates definitions related to community-based rehabilitation, supervision, and confinement within the juvenile justice system. A key provision modifies the definition of "criminal history" so that cases handled through diversion by a prosecutor will not count against a youth's record.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1858 eliminates a specific exemption from two existing document recording fees for certain real estate transactions. Previously, assignments or substitutions of previously recorded deeds of trust were exempt from these charges. With this bill, individuals and entities recording these types of documents will now be subject to a $100 covenant homeownership program assessment and an additional $183 document recording surcharge. The collected funds from these fees contribute to various state and local housing initiatives, including affordable housing and homeless housing programs.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1321 grants the Governor of Washington new authority regarding armed military forces from outside the state. It prohibits any armed military force from another state, territory, or district from entering Washington to perform military duty without the Governor's explicit permission. An exception is made if such a force is called into active U.S. service under the authority of the President. This bill aims to regulate the presence of external armed groups within the state and took effect immediately upon signing.

Maddy summaryHB 1563 establishes a prescribed fire claims fund pilot program in Washington state to provide financial loss coverage for damages resulting from prescribed fires and cultural burning. This program supports non-state and non-federal entities, such as private landowners and cultural fire practitioners, who conduct these burns according to approved plans and permits. The Office of Risk Management will administer the fund, which covers eligible property or economic damages up to $2,000,000 per claim. The intent is to reduce financial uncertainty and encourage the use of prescribed fire for forest health and wildfire prevention. This pilot program is set to expire on June 30, 2033.