Maddy summaryHB 1406 requires associate development organizations (regional economic development groups) contracting with Washington’s Department of Commerce to submit detailed annual reports tracking employment impact, business services, and funding use. These reports must include metrics like net employment changes, small business outcomes, and regional economic data, all input into a shared web system. The bill establishes performance targets for these organizations, with consequences for failure - including remediation plans and potential one-year funding termination - to ensure accountability. It also adjusts funding allocations, providing urban organizations up to $300,000 annually (90 cents per capita) and rural organizations up to $40,000 plus matching funds. The bill directly affects regional economic development groups receiving state contracts, focusing on measurable outcomes rather than program creation.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 1331 changes the legal classification for cases where someone unlawfully delivers a controlled substance (like drugs) that causes the death of the person who used it. It reclassifies this as "manslaughter in the first degree" (a class A felony) under Washington law, instead of the previous penalty structure. This specifically affects individuals who deliver drugs that directly result in a user's death, such as in overdose cases. The bill repeals the existing "controlled substances homicide" penalty section (RCW 69.50.415) to implement this new classification. The change aims to strengthen penalties for drug dealers whose actions cause fatal outcomes.
Maddy summaryHB 1004 increases Washington State's personal property tax exemption from $15,000 to $50,000 for individual taxpayers. It directly affects residents owning personal property (like furniture, jewelry, or equipment) valued under $50,000, excluding private vehicles and mobile homes. To claim the exemption, taxpayers must attest under penalty of perjury that their total personal property value is below $50,000 and they are claiming only one exemption statewide. The bill amends existing tax code sections to reflect this change and requires county assessors to verify claims. The exemption would take effect January 1, 2026, contingent on voter approval of a related constitutional amendment.
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 1751 exempts required course materials (like textbooks and digital resources) from Washington state sales and use taxes for students enrolled at public colleges and universities. It requires students to show valid enrollment proof at approved vendors (campus bookstores or institution-designated online sellers) to qualify for the exemption. Public institutions must inform students about this tax break via their websites and course syllabi. The bill directly affects all students at Washington’s public higher education institutions by reducing out-of-pocket costs for essential learning materials, which the legislature notes are increasingly unaffordable (65% of students skip buying textbooks due to cost).
Maddy summaryHB 1452 increases penalties for motor vehicle and retail theft in Washington. It creates new felony charges for "organized retail theft" (starting at $750 in stolen goods across multiple stores or with multiple accomplices) and adds a $50,000 fine for thefts exceeding $20,000. Drivers who flee police while suspected of vehicle theft face harsher penalties, including a more severe felony charge. The bill also directs funding for specialized prosecutors in counties with high theft rates to address these crimes.
Maddy summaryHB 1286 makes it a class B felony to knowingly allow a dependent child or adult to be exposed to, ingest, inhale, or touch any controlled substance (including those in Schedules I-IV under Washington or federal law), unless the substance was obtained via a valid medical prescription. This law directly affects caregivers, such as parents or guardians, who may unintentionally or intentionally expose dependents to these substances. The key provision criminalizes exposure without medical authorization, while explicitly allowing legally prescribed medications. Penalties apply to all controlled substances in Schedules I-IV, with no exception for non-prescription use.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Washington state departments to pay language access providers (like interpreters) within 30 days for services, ensuring timely compensation. It prohibits departments from recouping payments if clients become ineligible for benefits (e.g., public assistance or workers' compensation), limits daily payment time, and bans requiring providers to register in online databases with personal contact information. Departments must also establish rules for reimbursing mileage at the IRS business rate and covering costs if appointments are canceled. The law directly affects language access providers working with state agencies, including Labor & Industries, Social & Health Services, and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families.
Maddy summaryHB 1323 makes it a crime to intentionally block state highways with three or more people without a permit, particularly when the action creates safety risks like impeding ambulances or causing injury. Organizers face class C felony charges with a minimum 30-day jail sentence and $5,000 fine (non-reducible below $1,000), while participants could face serious misdemeanor penalties. The law specifically targets dangerous blockades that endanger public safety or obstruct emergency response, not peaceful protests. It requires courts to impose minimum penalties for violations, including prior offenses.