Rep. Mary Fosse

Maddy summaryHB 1867 allows Washington counties or cities to impose a real estate excise tax of up to 0.5% on home sales, with proceeds dedicated exclusively to developing affordable housing for very low, low, and moderate-income residents and those with special needs. Local governments must first gain voter approval through a majority vote in an election, either via a resolution from local officials or a petition signed by 10% of eligible voters. The tax revenue must be managed through a competitive grant process for nonprofit housing providers, housing authorities, or public agencies, with spending plans requiring public hearings. Counties and cities cannot levy this tax if the county has already implemented a similar tax under prior law. This bill directly affects local governments and homebuyers/sellers in communities that choose to adopt the tax.

Maddy summaryHB 1045 expands the definition of "uniformed personnel" to include all law enforcement officers employed by any city, town, or county in Washington state, removing previous population-based restrictions. Currently, the definition only covered law enforcement officers in cities with 2,500+ residents and counties with 10,000+ residents. The bill eliminates these population thresholds, ensuring all local law enforcement officers - regardless of jurisdiction size - are included in the "uniformed personnel" category. This directly affects law enforcement officers in smaller cities and towns that were previously excluded under the existing definition.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the University of Washington's Washington National Primate Research Center to publicly report annual data about its primate research operations on its website. It mandates disclosure of specific details, including the number of primates used in research or breeding (by species), housing conditions, animal welfare incidents, funding sources, USDA inspection reports, conservation efforts, and accreditation status. The center must publish these reports annually in an accessible online format. This directly affects the University of Washington's primate research center by increasing transparency around its operations and animal welfare practices. The bill does not change research methods or funding but focuses on making existing data publicly available.

Maddy summaryHB 1049 creates a state-funded stipend program to help registered nurses cover costs for training as specialized sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs). The program reimburses up to $2,500 per nurse for training fees, materials, travel, lodging, and meals. It applies to nurses seeking certification for adult/adolescent or pediatric care, subject to available state funding. The stipend aims to increase the number of qualified SANEs by reducing financial barriers to training.

Maddy summaryThis constitutional amendment (HJR 4204) proposes adding a new section to Washington’s Constitution to authorize the legislature to create a property tax exemption for a primary residence. If approved by voters, it would allow the legislature to pass laws granting this exemption, with the ability to set specific rules, restrictions, or eligibility conditions. The amendment requires voter approval at the next general election, as mandated by the bill’s process for constitutional changes. It directly affects future legislative action on property tax policy but does not establish the exemption itself.

Maddy summaryHB 2025 adds a new $300 annual tax credit for low-income renters in Washington who pay sales or use tax. Eligible residents must have rented their primary residence for at least 183 days during the year and meet existing credit requirements. The credit, effective starting in 2026, will be adjusted annually for inflation based on the Seattle consumer price index. This directly supports residential tenants whose rent includes property tax costs, expanding the existing working families' tax credit program.

Maddy summaryHB 1386 imposes an 11% sales tax on retail purchases of firearms, firearm parts, and ammunition in Washington State. This tax applies to all retail transactions except sales to state, local, or tribal governments for law enforcement use. Revenue from the tax must fund programs focused on suicide prevention, reducing firearm-related domestic violence, and supporting victims' services. The bill directly affects firearm retailers and individual purchasers, with no exemption for government agency purchases.

Maddy summaryHB 1031 requires Washington's superintendent of public instruction to develop indoor temperature standards for public schools by forming an advisory committee with health, environmental, school operations, and parent representatives by September 2025. The bill updates existing law to explicitly include "excessive heat" (defined using National Weather Service guidance) as a valid reason for school closures due to unsafe conditions, replacing vague prior language. It mandates the committee to balance temperature control with energy standards and report recommendations by January 2026, followed by cost estimates by July 2026. This directly affects all public school districts, teachers, and students in Washington by establishing a formal process to address climate-driven heat risks in school facilities.

Maddy summaryHB 1111 allows individuals convicted of crimes before age 18 to petition the indeterminate sentence review board for early release after turning 24, provided they have no recent convictions or serious infractions. The bill requires a department assessment 5 years before eligibility, a dangerousness evaluation within 180 days of petition, and sets conditions for release, including victim input and potential rental assistance. It limits annual petitions to 70, prioritizing those under 25 or recently transferred from juvenile custody, and expires July 2035. The policy aims to align with brain development science by creating rehabilitation incentives for youth offenders.

Maddy summaryHB 1032 lowers the voter approval threshold for school district bond measures in Washington. It changes the requirement from a three-fifths (60%) majority to a simple majority (50%+1) of votes cast in school district elections on bond issues. This directly affects all Washington school districts seeking to borrow funds for capital projects like building repairs or new facilities. The bill amends existing laws (RCW 28A.535.020, 28A.535.050, and 39.36.020) to reflect this voting change, while keeping the overall debt limit at 2.5% of taxable property value.