Rep. Rob Chase

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 4208 proposes a constitutional amendment to divide Washington state into two autonomous regions: the Puget Sound region and the Columbia region, subject to voter approval. The Puget Sound region would consist of 13 western counties, while the Columbia region would encompass 26 eastern counties. Each region would be empowered to draft its own constitution, establish a regional legislature with a senate and house, and elect a regional governor. Additionally, the bill stipulates that each region would own the assets within its boundaries and assume a proportion of the state's liabilities based on its population.

Maddy summaryHB 1745 requires Washington counties to conduct mandatory manual audits of election results after each election. It mandates that counties select an independent auditor through a joint process by Democratic and Republican party leaders (using a coin toss if they disagree), and audit at least 5% of ballots across randomly selected precincts through hand-counting physical ballots. The audit must compare machine results to manual counts, allow public observers throughout the process, and require a December 31 report to the legislature. This applies to all counties for the 2024 general election and future elections.

Maddy summaryHB 1893 creates a new legal right for victims injured by individuals released before trial to sue judges who failed to properly assess public safety risks related to violent offenses. The bill requires judges to conduct written risk assessments analyzing the defendant’s violent history, potential victims, and alternatives to pretrial detention before releasing someone charged with a violent offense. It removes judicial immunity for such cases, making judges personally liable for damages if they recklessly ignored public harm risks, though the state may still cover defense costs unless the judge intentionally disregarded risks. The law directly affects victims of violence, judges making pretrial release decisions, and state/local governments handling legal defense costs. It applies only to cases arising after the bill’s effective date.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 2085 proposes dividing Washington state into two autonomous regions: the Puget Sound region and the Columbia region, affecting all state residents. It establishes a joint legislative task force, composed of legislative leaders, to develop a plan for this division. This task force will create two regional committees to evaluate and recommend strategies for the creation of each autonomous region. The bill intends for this division to be achieved through a constitutional amendment, with each region having its own governors, legislators, and judges, while Washington remains a single state for federal elections.

Maddy summaryHJM 4007 is a Washington State legislative memorial requesting the U.S. Attorney General to audit the state Department of Licensing's implementation of the "Motor Voter Law" (RCW 29A.08.355). It specifically asks for a review to determine if the law's automatic voter registration process - without verifying legal voter eligibility - violates constitutional protections or state voting rights laws. The memorial argues this practice risks diluting the voting power of eligible Washington voters. The request seeks a federal review, potential corrective actions, and a report back to Washington legislators. As a non-binding memorial (not a bill), it does not change state law but formally asks the federal government to investigate.

Maddy summaryHB 2036 prohibits individuals convicted of violent offenses involving a firearm from earning early release credits under Washington's sentencing laws. It directly affects people serving sentences for violent crimes where a firearm was used or involved, as defined by existing law. The bill amends RCW 9.94A.729 to explicitly deny all "good time credits or earned release time" for sentences tied to such offenses. This change modifies current early release eligibility rules, ensuring offenders convicted of firearm-related violent crimes cannot reduce their sentences through earned credits. The policy focuses on restricting sentence reductions for specific high-risk offenses, not altering general sentencing guidelines.

Maddy summaryHB 1891 allows victims injured by individuals released before trial - due to their criminal defense counsel's advocacy - to sue that counsel if the attorney failed to adequately assess public safety risks. The bill requires defense attorneys to conduct written risk assessments evaluating the client's violent history, potential victims, and alternatives to custody before seeking release. It removes legal immunity for defense counsel in such cases, making them personally liable for damages if they recklessly ignored public harm risks, while government entities generally cover defense costs unless the attorney acted intentionally or recklessly. The law applies only to cases arising after its effective date and gives victims a three-year window to file claims.

Maddy summaryHB 2004 requires Washington's Secretary of State to create secure online access for voters to update registration details and print replacement ballots. It directly affects all registered voters by enabling them to manage their information remotely. The key provision mandates a unique, secure verification system (not linked to voter ID) with password recovery, exempt from public disclosure. This adds a new digital access point to the existing centralized voter database, which already coordinates with state agencies like licensing and corrections.

Maddy summaryHB 1555 changes how Washington state pays nursing homes for services starting July 1, 2025. It replaces the current system with a new three-part payment structure: direct care (covering staffing and therapy), indirect care (administrative and maintenance costs), and capital (facility costs). Payment rates will be adjusted annually based on the most recent cost data, with specific caps limiting how much rates can increase compared to previous years (e.g., a 142% cap for 2025). The bill directly affects nursing home providers receiving state Medicaid payments across Washington, aiming to better align payments with actual operating costs while maintaining minimum staffing standards.

Maddy summaryHB 1890 creates a legal right for individuals injured by someone released from custody after a prosecutor declined to file reasonable charges for a violent offense. It directly affects victims of such injuries and prosecutors who make charging decisions. The bill requires prosecutors to conduct a written risk assessment analyzing evidence, criminal history, and potential harm before declining charges, and removes prosecutorial immunity for failures in this duty. If a court finds a prosecutor intentionally or recklessly disregarded public harm risks, they face personal liability for legal costs and damages, rather than the state covering expenses. The law applies only to cases arising after its effective date and sets a three-year statute of limitations for lawsuits.