Maddy summaryHB 1737 ensures federally approved apprenticeship programs operated by federally recognized tribal governments in Washington state have the same rights and responsibilities as state-approved programs. It amends state law to define "registered apprentice" and "skilled journeyperson" to include tribal programs that meet federal approval standards. The bill requires contractors working at high-hazard facilities like petroleum refineries and petrochemical plants to use a "skilled and trained workforce" made up of registered apprentices or skilled journeypersons from approved programs, including tribal ones. This directly affects tribal governments operating apprenticeship programs and contractors in critical industries, ensuring equitable access to these workforce standards.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a standardized "portable orders for life-sustaining treatment" form that Washington residents can use to document their end-of-life care preferences, allowing the form to be recognized across all healthcare settings in the state. It establishes a statewide registry for these forms, requires healthcare providers to review them annually with patients, and provides legal immunity for providers who follow the documented preferences in good faith. The law directly affects residents making advance care decisions and healthcare providers (including doctors, nurses, EMTs, and hospitals) who must follow these orders. Key provisions include an opt-out option for registry submission, rules for verbal confirmation of forms, and protections against liability for providers acting in accordance with the documented preferences.
Maddy summaryHB 1221 changes how Washington's state of emergency declarations end. It requires that any emergency proclamation automatically terminate 60 days after the governor signs it unless the legislature passes a concurrent resolution extending it. If the legislature isn't in session, only the top four legislative leaders (senate majority/minority leaders and house speaker/minority leader) can temporarily extend the emergency for up to 60 days until the legislature acts. The bill also prevents the governor from redeclaring the same emergency after it's terminated without legislative approval. This directly affects governors' emergency powers and requires legislative action to maintain long-term emergency declarations.
Maddy summaryHB 1681 allows HVAC/refrigeration specialty electricians in Washington to install, repair, replace, or maintain the specific electrical circuits connecting outdoor and indoor units of ductless mini-split HVAC systems in residential and certain multifamily homes. It permits work on single-phase circuits under 250 volts/20 amps, including wiring for condensate pumps and related components, provided the equipment is certified and follows manufacturer specifications. The bill directly affects these specialty electricians (expanding their scope) and benefits homeowners and builders by increasing available labor, reducing costs, and addressing a statewide shortage of certified electricians. Key requirements include adherence to manufacturer wiring instructions and department-designated construction types, without altering the Department of Labor & Industries' oversight authority.
Maddy summaryHB 1780 prohibits physician assistants and advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs) in Washington from using the title "doctor" in clinical settings without clear clarification of their credentials. The bill amends state licensing laws (RCW 18.79.030 and 18.71A.030) to make it unprofessional conduct for these providers to refer to themselves as "doctor," requiring them instead to use their licensed titles like "nurse practitioner" or "physician assistant." It directly affects these healthcare professionals by mandating transparent communication about their qualifications, aiming to prevent patient confusion about their training and scope of practice. The law ensures patients receive clear information about who is providing care, aligning with the legislature’s goal of maintaining trust and accuracy in healthcare communication.
Maddy summaryHB 1678 imposes a 10-cent fee per gallon on municipal wastewater treatment plants and combined sewer systems discharging untreated sewage into Puget Sound or connected waterways. The funds collected will be deposited into a dedicated account to provide grants for municipalities to upgrade infrastructure that removes excess nutrients from discharges. This aims to improve water quality by reducing nutrient pollution that harms salmon habitats and causes low-oxygen conditions in Puget Sound. The bill directly affects municipal wastewater systems within the Puget Sound watershed and requires annual reporting on untreated sewage discharges.
Maddy summaryHB 1783 allows Washington law enforcement officers to receive small gifts of appreciation (up to $25 in value) for speaking in specific college and technical school courses outside their official duties. The bill directly affects certified law enforcement officers and institutions offering criminal justice, police science, or forensic-related programs, aiming to strengthen community relationships and inspire future recruits. Key provisions permit officers to share real-world expertise in courses like police science or forensic technology, with gifts only allowed when presentations occur outside work hours and comply with state ethics rules. The bill responds to a 2024 workforce assessment highlighting challenges in connecting law enforcement with educational programs. It creates a limited exception to general rules prohibiting state employees from accepting gifts, focusing on educational engagement rather than compensation.
Maddy summaryHB 1954 adds "destruction of critical communications infrastructure" (such as cell towers or fiber networks) to Washington's existing criminal profiteering law, creating new criminal and civil penalties for intentionally damaging such infrastructure. The bill expands the definition of criminal profiteering to include this specific act, which was previously not explicitly covered under the law. This directly affects individuals or groups who intentionally destroy or damage critical communication systems, including those that support emergency services or public safety. Penalties include criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits for damages caused by the destruction.
Maddy summaryHB 1148 exempts goods and services provided by qualifying nonprofit youth athletic facilities from Washington State's sales and use tax, effective January 1, 2026. The bill applies specifically to facilities primarily hosting competitive sports for youth under 18, operated by 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. This change aims to reduce costs for families and support facility accessibility, particularly in underserved communities. The exemption covers both sales transactions and the use of purchased goods/services at these facilities.
Maddy summaryHB 1776 requires the Washington State Patrol to reimburse firearm background check fees paid by purchasers or licensed dealers during November 2024, when the SAFE background check system was unavailable. It directly affects firearm buyers and dealers who paid fees during the system outage. The bill mandates the State Patrol to establish a reimbursement process using existing funds from the firearms background check account. This policy change provides financial relief for those impacted by the November 2024 system disruption.