Rep. Mary Fosse

Maddy summaryHB 1764 proposes to clarify and expand definitions within Washington's labor standards law, primarily by redefining "family member" to include stepchildren, de facto parents, and individuals regularly residing in an employee's home who depend on them for care. The bill also updates exclusions from labor coverage, such as certain farm laborers paid piece-rate, domestic workers in private homes, and minor league baseball players under collective bargaining agreements. As a proposed amendment to existing statutes (not a new law), it aims to refine who is protected under labor standards but does not establish new benefits or penalties. The bill is currently under review by the House Labor & Workplace Standards Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1423 authorizes cities in Washington State with populations of at least 2,000 to participate in a pilot program using automated vehicle noise enforcement cameras. These cameras would be deployed in designated "vehicle-racing camera enforcement zones" to detect vehicles exceeding maximum permissible sound levels. The Washington Traffic Safety Commission is tasked with overseeing this program and reporting on its implementation and findings to the legislature by January 2028. The section establishing this pilot program is set to expire in July 2028.

Maddy summaryHB 1773 creates a state-administered wage replacement program for Washington workers excluded from traditional unemployment insurance, such as gig workers, domestic workers, and others not covered by standard UI. It directly affects eligible residents who meet specific Washington residency requirements (e.g., utility bills, school enrollment, or state ID) and experienced job loss. Key provisions include establishing a dedicated wage replacement account for funding payments, requiring the state to contract a third-party administrator to process applications and disburse funds, and forming an advisory committee with worker, immigrant, and employer representation. The program aims to provide financial support during unemployment for this excluded group, with implementation required by July 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1429 creates a state-funded housing assistance program for youth in Washington's extended foster care system (ages 18-21) who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The program provides up to 36 months of rental assistance, capping housing costs at 30% of a youth's income (up to 40% if rent exceeds fair market rent in their area), while allowing them to retain extended foster care support. It requires the state department to partner with qualified housing providers and conduct annual housing status checks. Additionally, the bill mandates transition planning three months before a youth turns 21, including referrals to housing vouchers, benefits, and services to support long-term stability. This addresses a gap where youth often lose foster care support when accessing federal housing programs.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1394 modifies the requirements for how long hospitals in Washington State must retain medical records. It mandates that hospitals preserve all medical records for a minimum of 26 years from the date the record was created, replacing the prior 10-year retention period. This new rule applies to both existing records currently held by hospitals and all future medical records, allowing for retention in paper, electronic, or other formats. It also clarifies that all information from each unique patient visit is considered a medical record under this section.

Maddy summaryHB 1296, "Promoting a safe and supportive public education system," enacts new requirements for public schools, charter schools, and state-tribal education compact schools in Washington. The bill prioritizes student safety, access to education free of discrimination, and privacy within the school system. It expands protected characteristics to include ethnicity, gender expression, gender identity, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status, and neurodivergence in anti-discrimination policies. Furthermore, the bill mandates that schools develop and share a "Statement of Student Rights" through educational and promotional materials, including civics education, to inform students of their entitlements.

Maddy summaryHB 1163 enhances requirements for firearm purchases, transfers, and possession in Washington state. The bill mandates that individuals obtain a valid permit to purchase firearms from the Washington State Patrol firearms background check program before acquiring a firearm. It also specifies requirements for firearms safety training programs, outlines circumstances for delayed firearm transfers, and requires recordkeeping for all transfers. These changes directly affect individuals seeking to purchase or transfer firearms and licensed firearm dealers, modifying the existing background check and sales processes.

Maddy summaryHB 2049 aims to enhance funding for K-12 education and communities by modifying state and local property tax authority and adjusting the school funding formula. The bill revises the maximum dollar amount school districts can levy for enrichment, setting it as the lesser of $2.50 per $1,000 of assessed value or a per-pupil limit. This per-pupil limit is updated with specific "inflation enhancements" through 2030 and establishes a new base amount starting in 2031, impacting funding based on student enrollment. Additionally, it adjusts how the state provides local effort assistance funding to supplement these school district enrichment levies.

Maddy summarySubstitute House Bill 1811 aims to enhance crisis response services in Washington state by integrating and supporting "co-response" teams. The bill formalizes co-response as a multidisciplinary partnership between first responders (like law enforcement and EMTs) and human services professionals (such as social workers and behavioral health clinicians). These teams respond to emergency situations, including 911 and 988 calls, involving behavioral health crises and complex medical needs. The goal is to de-escalate situations, divert individuals from the criminal justice system, and provide immediate medical and behavioral health care in the field, benefiting vulnerable populations.

Maddy summaryHB 1483, also known as the "right to repair" bill, requires manufacturers of certain digital electronic products to make parts, tools, and repair documentation available to independent repair providers and product owners. This applies to consumer electronics like computers, cell phones, and appliances, aiming to increase access to affordable repair options for Washington residents. Manufacturers must offer these resources on fair and reasonable terms, with documentation and digital tools generally provided free of charge. The bill supports a competitive repair market and seeks to extend the useful life of products for consumers across the state. This legislation will become effective on July 27, 2025.