Maddy summaryHB 2345 modifies Washington's state paid family and medical leave program by establishing fixed contribution rates: 52% for medical leave premiums and 48% for family leave premiums, replacing a prior method based on claim data. This affects employers and employees who contribute to the program through payroll deductions, requiring employers to collect these specific percentages from wages. Small employers (under 50 workers) remain exempt from paying the employer portion of premiums, while larger employers must deduct employee shares within defined limits. The bill ensures the total premium rate calculation remains tied to program expenses and reserve requirements, but does not alter the overall contribution burden between employers and employees.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 2557 requires Washington school districts to provide parents of children in special education with written evaluation reports at least five school days before eligibility meetings, ensuring they can review the reports and prepare questions in advance. The bill sets a 35-school-day timeline for completing evaluations and delivering reports, with meetings scheduled no sooner than five days after report delivery. It mandates reports be provided in accessible written or electronic formats (not just during meetings) and allows parents to voluntarily waive the five-day review period in writing. Failure to provide reports on time without a waiver constitutes a procedural violation that could be considered in disputes over parental participation rights. The law directly affects parents, school districts, and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, which must update guidance and rules to implement these requirements.
Maddy summaryHB 2107 requires Washington construction site inspectors to provide employers or owners with written notice within 10 working days when they identify an immediate safety hazard during inspections that could cause worker injury. This applies specifically to residential building and general construction projects under the North American Industry Classification System. The law, effective until June 30, 2026, mandates this notice but does not change inspectors' existing authority or the employer's obligation to correct hazards. It also requires the Department of Labor to report by December 1, 2026, on instances where timely notice wasn't given and the reasons for non-compliance.
Maddy summaryHB 2492 requires state-registered plumbing apprenticeships in Washington to include four hours of approved behavioral health and wellness training as part of their continuing education requirements. This applies directly to apprentices in the plumbing construction trade who need to maintain their certification. The training must cover topics like destigmatizing mental health, recognizing distress, suicide prevention, substance use awareness, and connecting to resources. It modifies existing certification rules (RCW 18.106.070) to allow these hours to count toward the required 24 hours of annual continuing education. The bill does not create new licensing standards but integrates mental health support into existing apprenticeship training.
Maddy summaryThis House resolution commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States founding on July 4, 2026, specifically focusing on Washington State's role in that history. The bill formally recognizes the significance of the Declaration of Independence and encourages citizens, organizations, and businesses in Washington to participate in commemorative events celebrating American heritage and federalist principles. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of the nation's founding ideals and Washington's contributions to the country's development.
Maddy summaryHB 2746 reduces Washington State's 2028 property tax levy by $2.1 billion, specifically by lowering the "part I highest lawful levy" amount used in tax calculations for that year. This adjustment directly affects all Washington property owners through the state's property tax system, as it modifies how tax rates are applied to assessed property values. The bill amends existing tax law (RCW 84.52.065) to implement this specific reduction for 2028, while maintaining the $3.60 per $1,000 assessed value cap for future years. It does not change current tax rates or provide immediate relief, only setting a defined reduction for the 2028 tax collection period.
Maddy summaryHB 2743 reduces Washington state property taxes by $2.1 billion for 2027, applying to all property owners statewide. The bill amends tax code to cap the combined state property tax rate at $3.60 per $1,000 of assessed value and mandates this specific $2.1 billion reduction in the 2027 tax levy. It does not change tax rates for prior years but sets a permanent cap on future combined tax levies. This is a direct adjustment to the state's property tax collection amount, not a rate change for individual properties. The bill affects all taxable property within Washington, as the tax is statewide.
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 summaryHB 2617 eliminates Washington's current "fund split" funding method, which forces public colleges and universities to use tuition revenue for mandatory costs like faculty salaries and benefits. Instead, it requires the state to cover these costs directly, freeing tuition revenue to improve educational quality and student services. The bill also mandates a study by the Washington State Institute for Public Policy to define essential student services (such as counseling, tutoring, and career support) and determine their required funding levels, with a report due by December 2026. This aims to address structural underfunding that has reduced program offerings, increased class sizes, and strained institutional budgets.
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.