Rep. Julio Cortes

Maddy summaryHB 2191 requires owners and direct contractors to jointly pay unpaid wages and benefits (including health insurance, retirement contributions, and tool reimbursements) to construction workers when subcontractors fail to pay. It creates a direct legal path for workers, their representatives, or the attorney general to sue owners or direct contractors for withheld payments, rather than only pursuing subcontractors. The bill establishes a rebuttable presumption that workers are employees (not independent contractors), prevents liability waivers for nonpayment, and sets a 3-year deadline for filing claims. This directly affects construction workers, subcontractors, and higher-tier contractors across all project tiers in Washington state.

Maddy summaryHB 1152 requires firearm owners in Washington to securely store firearms in vehicles and residences under specific conditions. In vehicles, unloaded firearms must be in a locked, concealed container (hard-sided for pistols, soft-sided with trigger locks for rifles/shotguns), with exemptions for farm vehicles, people living in vehicles, law enforcement, hunters, and military personnel. At residences, firearms must be locked or stored in a safe when not being carried or controlled by the owner or authorized user, with similar exemptions for antique firearms. The bill creates the Washington Office of Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention to coordinate prevention efforts and imposes penalties ranging from $1,000 civil fines to felonies if prohibited persons access firearms.

Maddy summaryHB 1834 requires businesses providing online services likely accessed by minors (under 18 in Washington) to estimate users' ages with reasonable accuracy or apply full minor protections to all users. It prohibits using collected personal information for age estimation beyond that purpose and bans retaining such data longer than needed. The bill defines "addictive feeds" (algorithm-driven content streams) and "dark patterns" (manipulative interfaces) to restrict how platforms design features targeting minors. It also sets standards for determining if a service is "likely accessed by minors," including audience composition and design elements appealing to children. These provisions aim to limit data collection and addictive features on platforms used by Washington's youth.

Maddy summaryHB 1339 proposes shifting general elections for Washington state cities, towns, and special purpose districts from odd-numbered years to even-numbered years to increase voter participation. Local governments would have the option to move elections to even years by adopting an ordinance, passing a charter amendment, or securing voter approval through initiatives. The bill requires public hearings and specifies transitional term adjustments during the shift, aiming to boost turnout - particularly among younger voters, low-income families, and people with disabilities - by aligning local elections with higher-turnout even-year cycles. It amends several election statutes to allow this change while maintaining existing rules for special elections.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution (HR 4691) adopted by the Washington State House of Representatives on February 16, 2026. It formally commends the contributions of U.S. presidents, specifically highlighting George Washington and Abraham Lincoln's roles in establishing freedom and ending slavery, and recognizes the third Monday in February as Presidents' Day. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies; it solely expresses the House's symbolic honor for presidential legacies. It directly affects no one but serves as a formal statement of recognition by the state legislature.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not substantive legislation) passed by the Washington state House of Representatives. It formally congratulates the Seattle Seahawks football team for winning the 2025 NFL regular season, NFC West Division championship, and Super Bowl 60. The resolution specifically recognizes their 14-3 record, defensive dominance, key player achievements (including MVP Kenneth Walker III), and community contributions. It has no legal effect beyond expressing the House's recognition and appreciation to the team organization.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) passed by the Washington State House of Representatives. It formally acknowledges and celebrates the Lunar New Year as a cultural milestone, highlighting the contributions and historical experiences of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities in Washington. The resolution references Washington's 2024 recognition of Lunar New Year as a state-recognized holiday and emphasizes the importance of honoring cultural heritage and inclusion. It does not create new policies or funding but serves as a symbolic statement affirming community value.

Maddy summaryHB 2224 allows cities and towns in Washington to create fire protection districts with boundaries matching their city limits, subject to voter approval. It requires cities to include detailed financing plans in their proposals, showing how property taxes or special fees will be used and how they will impact existing city tax levies. For districts formed before July 1, 2026, cities must reduce their own property tax levies by the amount the new district imposes; for districts formed after that date, cities must stay within specific tax rate limits. The bill also mandates public hearings and specifies ballot language requirements for voter approval. This directly affects local governments creating districts and property owners through potential tax changes.

Maddy summaryHB 2597 creates a legal remedy for people whose constitutional rights are violated during civil immigration enforcement actions in Washington, such as detention, questioning, or removal by government officials. It allows victims to sue for damages and seek attorney fees if they win their case, with lawsuits required to be filed within two years of the violation. The law specifically applies to actions taken "under color of law" during immigration enforcement, covering both immigrants and U.S. citizens within Washington's jurisdiction. It aligns with federal constitutional protections but does not override existing defenses like sovereign immunity.

Maddy summaryHB 2145 prohibits drug manufacturers from restricting how 340B-covered safety net providers (like community health centers, HIV clinics, and tribal health centers) access discounted medications. It specifically bans manufacturers from denying or limiting delivery of 340B drugs to these providers or their contracted pharmacies, and prevents them from requiring data sharing as a condition for drug access. The law allows covered entities to sue violators for up to $5,000 per day per violation and requires penalties for noncompliance. This directly protects low-income patients who rely on affordable medications through Washington's safety net providers.