Maddy summaryHB 2387 clarifies that elected sheriffs not certified as peace officers under Washington law cannot personally perform law enforcement actions reserved for certified officers, though they retain authority for actions authorized by law. The bill automatically triggers recall proceedings if a sheriff’s certification is revoked for misconduct occurring after their term began - specifically, mandatory decertification (under RCW 43.101.105(2)) eliminates the need to collect voter signatures for a recall election. It amends laws to require the Criminal Justice Training Commission to initiate recalls upon certification revocation and specifies that no signatures are needed for such cases. This applies only to sheriffs who lack peace officer certification, directly affecting their accountability process for post-term misconduct.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 2513 increases penalties for plumbing contractors who violate regulations, raising the minimum first-time fine from $100 to $500 for contractors (compared to $100 for individuals). It establishes stricter suspension rules: three residential plumbing infractions in 36 months may lead to a two-year license suspension, while five or more infractions in five years could trigger the same penalty. Penalties collected must be deposited into a plumbing certificate fund, and administrative judges cannot reduce these fines. The bill directly affects licensed plumbing contractors performing residential work by imposing clearer financial consequences for repeated violations.
Maddy summaryHB 2099 expands Washington State's early childhood education and childcare assistance program to include military-connected children who don't qualify under standard eligibility rules. It creates a new pathway for children from military families (active duty, reserves, or National Guard members stationed or residing in Washington) with family incomes above 50% but below the maximum for Working Connections childcare, as long as space and funding are available. The bill requires prioritization of these children using the same existing risk-factor system that considers income, child welfare involvement, domestic violence, and other factors linked to school readiness. This new category does not count toward the state's existing entitlement program, and the changes expire on August 1, 2030.
Maddy summaryHB 2190 grants language access providers (like interpreters for state agencies) the right to collectively bargain with the governor as their employer, but only for specific services. It creates three statewide bargaining units: one for health/social services appointments, one for workers' compensation/crime victims, and one for other state agency services. Bargaining is limited to pay, training, grievance procedures, and benefits - excluding retirement - and requires the governor to request funding approval from the legislature for any agreement. The bill clarifies these providers are not state employees for other purposes and includes strict budget processes for implementing agreements.
Maddy summaryHB 2647 requires homeless housing grant recipients in Washington to submit annual plans by December 1 each year, detailing projected numbers of people helped and estimated spending per person. It mandates annual audits by the state auditor to verify funds are used for authorized purposes, track administrative costs versus service spending, and confirm grantees meet their goals. Grantees must provide detailed financial records and outcome data (including how long individuals remain housed) by June 1 each year, with non-compliance risking loss of future funding. The bill directly affects homeless housing organizations receiving state grants and aims to improve transparency and accountability in how public funds are spent.
Maddy summaryHB 2649 requires school employees and contractors to immediately notify law enforcement and school administrators about specific crimes - like assaults, thefts, or property destruction - occurring on public school property. This applies to all public schools in Washington, including charter schools and state-tribal education compact schools. The bill mandates immediate reporting as a new requirement under existing school safety laws, without changing penalties or response procedures. It directly affects school staff who witness or suspect such incidents, ensuring faster police involvement. The law aims to improve safety coordination but does not alter how schools handle incidents beyond the reporting obligation.
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 summaryThis is a ceremonial House resolution (not a policy bill) introduced on January 19, 2026, by multiple Washington State Representatives. It formally recognizes Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life, legacy of nonviolent activism, and contributions to civil rights, including his role in the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965. The resolution expresses the House's commitment to upholding Dr. King's ideals of equality, justice, and opportunity for all. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws, allocate funds, or affect any specific individuals or groups.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House Resolution (not a bill with policy changes), adopted on January 16, 2026. It formally recognizes Washington's joint operating agencies (JOAs) for their role in developing clean energy infrastructure, including renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, as well as new projects like small modular reactors. The resolution highlights JOAs' contributions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, ensuring affordable energy access, and supporting economic growth in Washington State. It does not create new laws, allocate funds, or impose requirements - its sole purpose is to acknowledge these agencies' historical and ongoing work.