Rep. Mary Fosse

Maddy summaryHB 2658 requires health insurance carriers in Washington to annually report detailed data on mental health and substance use coverage, including in-network provider availability, reimbursement rates, out-of-network utilization, and service access by type (youth/adult, in-person/telehealth). This affects all health insurers operating in the state, mandating them to submit standardized data to the state commissioner by July 1st each year. The commissioner must then publish all raw data and create an interactive public dashboard showing comparisons across insurers, focusing on mental health, substance use, and medical/surgical services. The goal is to increase transparency about coverage gaps, as documented by studies showing Washington residents face significantly greater barriers accessing behavioral health care than medical care.

Maddy summaryHB 2573 requires supermarkets, full-service grocery stores, and pharmacies to provide advance notice of closures or major operational changes to local governments and the public. Specifically, these businesses must give six months' notice for general areas and one year's notice in "overburdened communities" (defined under Chapter 70A.02 RCW), including posting notices in primary languages spoken by 5% of residents. Local governments must include these notices in land use permits and public outreach, and can use zoning tools to prioritize redeveloping vacant properties for these essential services. The bill aims to prevent "food and pharmacy deserts" by ensuring continued access to healthy food, medicine, and health services in communities planning for increased density, affordable housing, and transit-oriented development.

Maddy summaryHB 2159 creates a dedicated "preK promise account" managed by the state treasurer to fund Washington's state-funded early childhood education programs. The account receives and tracks donations, grants, and gifts separately from each source, and funds can only be used for eligible children in the existing early childhood education program (RCW 43.216.510). Unlike typical state funds, this account does not require annual appropriations for spending, and any leftover funds accumulate rather than returning to the general fund. The bill directly affects early childhood education programs and the children they serve, establishing a new funding mechanism for these services.

Maddy summaryHB 2161 expands the Washington Attorney General's authority to issue written civil investigative demands for documents, testimony, or answers to questions during investigations into potential violations of specific state and federal laws. It directly affects individuals and entities that may possess relevant records or information related to these investigations. The bill establishes clear procedures for these demands, requiring specific details about the investigation, reasonable descriptions of requested materials, and defined timelines, while prohibiting demands that would be unreasonable or require privileged information. It also includes strict confidentiality rules about disclosing the demand itself and limits how produced materials can be shared or used, ensuring the process aligns with standard civil court procedures.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1622 allows public sector employees in Washington state to collectively bargain with their employers over the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. The bill amends existing state law to remove the "use of technology" from a list of management rights that are typically not subject to negotiation for employees in higher education and other state agencies. It defines artificial intelligence as machine learning and related technologies that enable computer systems to perform tasks like computer vision or natural language processing. This change empowers unions and public employers to negotiate agreements on the implementation and utilization of AI technologies.

Maddy summaryHB 2716 restores a tax credit for electric and gas utilities that provide low-income energy assistance, directly affecting these utilities and the low-income households they serve through energy assistance programs. Utilities can claim a 50% tax credit on qualifying contributions (money given to low-income energy assistance programs) and billing discounts (reduced bills for eligible customers) if their spending exceeds 125% of their 2000 levels. The credit is capped at $2.5 million statewide annually, requires annual applications with specific documentation, and expires unused. The bill aims to support existing low-income energy assistance programs by incentivizing utility contributions.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a temporary pilot program allowing Washington state agencies to advance up to 25% of a grant (capped at $200,000) to eligible public benefit nonprofits. It directly affects nonprofits that received state grants for public health, safety, welfare, or state benefit programs within six months, have a budget under $5 million, and have operated for at least three years with satisfactory past performance. The advance funds must be repaid from future grant payments, require a binding contract, and are limited to one-time use. The program expires June 30, 2029, and requires a 2028 report evaluating its effectiveness and recommending future action.

Maddy summaryHB 2212 requires new commercial and industrial washing machines sold in Washington to include microfiber filters that capture tiny plastic fibers (under 5mm) starting July 1, 2028, with existing machines needing filters by July 1, 2034. It mandates clear labeling on machines and regular filter maintenance to prevent microplastics - released in high numbers per laundry load - from entering waterways. The bill also allows for future residential machine requirements if other states adopt similar rules and costs stay below $70 per unit. Violations face civil penalties up to $10,000 per offense, enforced by the Department of Ecology. This targets a major pollution source linked to health and marine ecosystem risks.

Maddy summaryHB 2291 establishes Washington state regulations for kratom products, requiring retailers and processors to obtain licenses and comply with safety standards. It mandates background checks for license applicants, prohibits packaging that resembles candy to prevent child access, and requires independent lab testing to ensure products contain no dangerous substances or excessive solvents. The law defines "kratom" and "kratom products" (including edibles like powders and beverages) and prohibits sales to minors or through deceptive packaging. Violating licensing rules is a class C felony, and enforcement officers can inspect business locations to verify compliance.

Maddy summaryHB 2372 updates Washington state's workers' compensation benefits for permanently disabled workers with injuries occurring on or after July 1, 2026. It establishes new monthly benefit percentages based on marital status and number of dependent children, ranging from 60% of wages for unmarried workers with no children up to 75% for those with six or more children. The bill also sets minimum benefit protections (including $10 per child up to five or six children) and caps benefits at 105-120% of the state's average wage. These changes apply only to claims filed after the effective date, while pre-2026 claims remain governed by existing rules.