Rep. Rob Chase

Maddy summaryHB 2240 requires self-storage facilities in Washington to provide written rental agreements that clearly explain renters' rights regarding liens and property disposal. It sets a 14-day grace period for unpaid rent before liens can be placed on stored items and mandates 25 days' notice before termination, with a 5-day window for renters to remove belongings after notice. The bill also allows electronic agreement delivery, requires owners to send agreements via email and mail if an address is provided, and specifies that renters must provide an alternative contact address for notices. These changes directly affect renters and self-storage facility operators by clarifying notice requirements and lien procedures under state law.

Maddy summaryHB 2146 defines and strengthens criminal penalties for sexual exploitation of minors in Washington State. It makes it a crime for anyone to force a minor into sexually explicit conduct for photos or live performances (section 1a), aid or invite minors into such situations (1b), or for parents/guardians to permit it (1c). The bill upgrades this offense to a class B felony under state law, increasing penalties. It directly affects minors who may be exploited, perpetrators of such acts, and caregivers who fail to protect minors. The law focuses on specific, concrete prohibitions rather than broader policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 2710 requires Washington's Department of Transportation to obtain approval from a joint Oregon-Washington legislative committee before entering new contracts or modifying existing ones for the Interstate 5 bridge replacement project over the Columbia River. This committee, composed of 16 members (8 from each state's legislature), must review and approve all contract changes affecting the project. The bill establishes the committee's structure, requiring it to hold public meetings, coordinate with transportation agencies, and report progress to both legislatures by 2022. It directly affects Washington's DOT, contractors, and the collaborative decision-making process for the bridge project. The bill does not change project design or funding but mandates this joint approval step for contractual agreements.

Maddy summaryHJM 4014 is a procedural memorial requesting the U.S. Department of Justice investigate alleged fraud in Washington state's child care subsidy programs. It cites reported issues including hundreds of millions in un-auditable payments, whistleblower claims of self-dealing in community reinvestment programs, and misleading practices in minority-focused debt relief. The memorial specifically asks the DOJ to examine the Attorney General's handling of fraud allegations, potential public records violations, and whether systemic issues undermine federal oversight. This is a formal request to federal authorities, not a legislative change affecting Washington residents or programs directly.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 4675, adopted on January 28, 2026, is a ceremonial resolution expressing the Washington State House of Representatives' gratitude to the Washington National Guard for their service. It specifically acknowledges the Guard's roles in emergency response (including flood operations and search-and-rescue missions), disaster recovery efforts (like adapting from the Oso landslide), and national defense support (such as aerial refueling capabilities). The resolution directs copies to the Adjutant General, Governor, and other officials but does not create new laws or alter policies. It directly honors National Guard members, their families, and employers without imposing any financial or operational requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires financial institutions to notify charitable organizations within 10 business days when they are named as beneficiaries in life insurance policies, retirement accounts, or other nonprobate transfers. Charities can claim property using a simplified affidavit (requiring basic documents like an IRS letter and death proof) without providing personal details about staff, such as Social Security numbers or home addresses. Institutions are barred from delaying transfers, demanding unnecessary account openings, or requiring simultaneous claims from multiple beneficiaries. The law ensures prompt, secure property transfers to charities while allowing them to sue for penalties if institutions fail to comply.

Maddy summaryHB 2669 requires a detailed performance audit of Washington's I-5 bridge replacement project over the Columbia River by December 1, 2027. The audit will examine how project funds were spent (including contractor payments that increased sixfold without added work), financial reporting compliance, traffic and revenue forecasts, and whether the design effectively reduces congestion. It specifically compares the project to other major bridges like Baltimore's Key Bridge and the Brent Spence Bridge. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) must provide documentation, and the audit report will be submitted to the legislature by the deadline. The bill expires December 31, 2027.

Maddy summaryHJM 4013 is a joint memorial urging Governor Ferguson to opt Washington state into a federal tax-credit scholarship program for K-12 education. It would direct approximately $732 million annually in unused federal funds to Washington students from working-class and middle-class families (household income ≤300% of area median income) through tax credits for donors. The program requires no state funding, imposes no budget obligation, and mandates scholarship organizations to spend at least 90% of funds on student expenses like tutoring and technology while meeting strict federal accountability standards. Failure to opt in would prevent Washington families from accessing these federal resources, which would instead benefit students in states that have joined the program.

Maddy summaryHB 2628 requires the state budget outlook work group to update Washington's official budget outlook quarterly to reflect the most recent revenue forecasts, in addition to annual updates in January (based on the governor's proposed budget) and November (to account for fiscal year adjustments). The bill mandates that these updates include detailed projections of state revenues and expenditures, key budget drivers, and clear explanations of the assumptions used. It directly affects the budget work group and all state agencies responsible for providing budget data. This ensures the legislature and governor have current, accurate budget information for decision-making.

Maddy summaryHB 2171 creates a statewide alert system to protect foster youth who go missing, requiring Washington State Patrol and child welfare agencies to issue public alerts within 24 hours of a report. It mandates counties to form rapid response teams with law enforcement and advocates to locate missing youth and establishes a foster youth empowerment account funding mental health therapy, emergency support, and peer mentorship for up to 10 years after youth exit foster care. The bill also creates an oversight board of former foster youth and trauma experts to review missing or deceased cases and recommend system improvements. These provisions directly affect foster youth in Washington’s dependency system (under chapter 13.34 RCW), aiming to reduce trafficking risks and improve support through coordinated response and long-term services.