Rep. Mary Fosse

Maddy summaryHB 2320 regulates firearm manufacturing using 3D printers, CNC mills, or digital code by requiring manufacturers to register these methods with the state. It directly affects individuals or entities producing firearms through digital means, including those creating undetectable or untraceable weapons. The bill amends Washington’s firearm laws to mandate registration of such manufacturing processes and explicitly targets unlicensed producers who might bypass background checks. This policy change aims to address public safety concerns by making digital firearm production subject to state oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 2624 clarifies consumer protections for homeowners receiving unsolicited real estate offers. It requires buyers to provide homeowners with a right to a paid appraisal (ordered within 3 business days) and a 4-day cancellation window after receiving the appraisal, or a 10-day cancellation option without an appraisal. The bill specifically excludes government agencies (like cities or counties) and nonprofit land conservancies from these requirements, as they operate under different legal standards. Homeowners must be informed of these rights in bold text within the purchase contract. This bill applies to unsolicited offers made through advertising or direct contact, not involving licensed real estate brokers.

Maddy summaryHB 2211 requires Washington state-administered health benefit programs (like Medicaid) to provide medically tailored meals through Washington-based nonprofit vendors when possible. It mandates that meal vendors follow nutrition care plans approved by qualified medical professionals and meet specific standards: meals must align with evidence-based guidelines for medical conditions, offer dietary/cultural accommodations, prioritize locally sourced whole foods, provide at least 500 calories or meet individual energy needs, and deliver one-third of daily recommended carbohydrates and protein. The bill defines "medically tailored meals" as fresh/frozen meals designed by medical professionals to treat specific health conditions. This legislation directly affects state health programs, vendors, and clients with medical conditions requiring specialized nutrition.

Maddy summaryHB 2091 requires public employers covered under chapter 41.80 RCW (specifically Western Washington University, Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, and The Evergreen State College) to provide employee information to exclusive bargaining representatives. The bill amends RCW 41.80.075 to expand the list of covered employers to include these four public universities. This means union representatives at these institutions would gain access to employee data previously not required to be shared under the existing law. The change directly affects these universities' labor relations by mandating information sharing with their recognized employee unions.

Maddy summaryHB 1069 amends Washington state law to allow collective bargaining between public employers and employee organizations regarding contributions for certain supplemental retirement benefits. Currently, state law prevents bargaining over retirement plans and benefits administered by the Department of Retirement Systems. This bill clarifies that employers can now negotiate over contributions for additional retirement benefits, including medical plans, as long as these benefits are administered by or on behalf of an employee organization. This change enables discussions over these specific benefit contributions, while still excluding the core state retirement plans from collective bargaining.

Maddy summaryHB 1170 requires large artificial intelligence providers (with over 1 million monthly users) to disclose when content they generate is AI-made. It mandates two types of disclosures: clear, visible labels ("manifest") and hidden metadata ("latent") identifying the AI system, creator, and timestamp. The bill also requires free, accessible AI detection tools for users to verify content origin, while prohibiting providers from collecting personal data through these tools. Excluded are video games, movies, and streaming content, focusing the rule on generative AI services like text or image tools.

Maddy summaryHB 1500 requires sellers in Washington common interest communities (like condos, cooperatives, and planned developments) to provide buyers with a detailed resale certificate before closing a sale. This certificate must include current financial information such as unpaid assessments, past-due fees, the association’s reserve study status, insurance details, and any pending legal issues, all verified within 45 days. It also mandates specific disclosures about the community’s financial health and obligations, including warnings if a reserve study is missing. The bill directly affects unit owners selling properties and aims to ensure buyers fully understand financial responsibilities before purchasing.

Maddy summaryHB 2264 changes unemployment insurance eligibility for workers laid off due to employer-initiated workforce reductions. It allows workers who voluntarily offer to be included in a layoff after their employer provides written notice of planned reductions (including an option for employees to join the layoff) to qualify for benefits as if laid off through no fault of their own. Employers must formally announce layoff plans in writing, and workers may later withdraw their offer without losing eligibility. The bill does not apply when employers encourage early retirement or separation without following these specific procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 2475 requires Washington state agencies to provide language-accessible public programs, activities, and services in individuals' primary languages (including sign language) across all communication methods. It directly affects non-English speakers, particularly those with limited English proficiency, by mandating consistent service delivery for state benefits, health care, emergency response, and other programs. The bill requires the state office of equity to develop uniform guidelines by December 2027, address interpreter shortages for less common languages, and update guidelines every three years. This law clarifies existing language access obligations under state law without creating new rights or expanding protected classes.

Maddy summaryHB 2089 modifies Washington's tax code to redirect revenue from a business tax preference for "community banks" toward wildfire response funding. It updates the definition of "community bank" from "operating in ten or fewer states" to align with the federal standard ($10 billion or less in assets), reversing a 2012 policy that allowed 65% of tax savings ($91.6 million in 2023) to flow to non-community banks. Starting November 2027, the state will transfer annual revenue gains from this tax change directly into the wildfire response account, which funds forest restoration and community resilience. This bill directly affects financial institutions previously qualifying under the outdated definition, while ensuring funds support wildfire mitigation as mandated by the 2021 wildfire response account.