Rep. Sam Low

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 4701) is a symbolic measure passed by the Washington State House of Representatives to honor Black History Month in 2026, marking the 100th anniversary of the national observance. It recognizes the historical contributions of Black Americans to Washington state and the nation through decades of cultural, scientific, and civil rights advancements. The resolution encourages year-round celebration of Black history in schools, communities, and institutions, emphasizing that "Black history is American history" and "Black culture is American culture." As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or directly affect specific groups.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 4692) acknowledges the 84th anniversary of Executive Order 9066, which led to the forced relocation and internment of over 120,000 Japanese Americans during WWII, including 12,000 from Washington State. It recognizes Japanese American veterans, incarcerees, and civil rights activists from Washington, and urges reflection on the principle "with liberty and justice for all," without creating new policies or requiring government action.

Maddy summaryHB 2379 requires Washington's Department of Transportation to automatically suspend tolls on facilities designated as evacuation routes during declared emergencies. This applies directly to drivers using those specific routes when an emergency (like a natural disaster) makes evacuation necessary. The bill mandates that toll suspension continues until the department determines it is no longer needed for evacuation purposes. The key mechanism is an automatic, mandatory toll pause for evacuation routes, with no manual approval required during the emergency.

Maddy summaryHB 1443 would require Washington cities and counties to allow at least one mobile dwelling (such as tiny homes on wheels or recreational vehicles) on residential lots that already have an existing home, provided the lot is in an urban growth area and not in protected shorelines or critical areas. It mandates specific utility connections for these dwellings, including dedicated electrical circuits and plumbing links to the main home's systems, while prohibiting property associations (like HOAs) from banning them on qualifying lots. The bill applies to lots zoned for residential use and expires January 1, 2028. This directly affects local governments, property associations, and residents seeking to add mobile dwellings to existing residential properties.

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 summaryHB 1592 shifts public defense funding responsibility in Washington State starting in 2026. The state will cover 50% of public defense costs based on counties' and cities' average spending over the previous five years, with the state paying all costs exceeding that average. Counties and cities must report case data, attorney caseloads, and training requirements for public defense attorneys to qualify for state funds. This bill directly affects local governments managing public defense systems and aims to standardize funding while requiring transparency in service delivery.

Maddy summaryHB 2728 requires Washington employers with 15+ employees to disclose wage ranges and benefits in all job postings, aiming to prevent frivolous lawsuits over minor posting errors. It creates a 5-business-day "notice and cure" period where employers can fix violations before job applicants can file lawsuits, and sets statutory damages at $100-$5,000 per violation (considering factors like willfulness and employer size). The bill applies to all pending cases without final judgments as of its effective date, using the 2025 statutory framework for remedies. It sunsetts on July 27, 2027, and targets abusive litigation over technical compliance issues rather than consumer protection.

Maddy summaryHB 2477 limits liability for real estate appraisers and appraisal companies by restricting lawsuits to specific parties: the client, intended users named in the report, and financial institutions' immediate successors when transferring the report. It also sets a 2-year or 5-year time limit for filing claims (based on discovery or report signing) for actions arising from appraisal reports, with exceptions for fraud claims. The bill redefines key terms like "appraisal report" and "client" to clarify who qualifies for liability protection. These changes apply to state-certified, licensed, and registered appraisers, appraisal management companies, and real estate appraisal businesses in Washington State.

Maddy summaryHB 2218 establishes a state-approved network of healthcare providers for workers' compensation cases in Washington. It requires injured workers to choose a provider within 15 miles of home for initial care (with non-network visits limited to emergencies), prohibits employers from directing workers to specific clinics, and sets quality standards for network inclusion (e.g., malpractice insurance, licensing status). The bill creates a second tier of providers recognized for using advanced occupational health practices, with financial incentives for meeting these standards. This directly affects injured workers, healthcare providers seeking to treat workers' compensation cases, and employers managing claims.