Rep. Alex Ramel

Maddy summaryHB 1338 revises Washington state's formula for distributing basic education funding to school districts. It establishes specific per-pupil funding levels based on "prototypical" school models (e.g., 600 students for high schools, 432 for middle schools, 400 for elementary schools), setting minimum class size requirements (like 17 students per teacher in K-3) and staff ratios for roles including teachers, librarians, paraeducators, and support staff. The bill mandates transparency by requiring the superintendent to publish per-pupil funding data online and school districts to link to it on their websites. This directly affects all public school districts in Washington, determining how state funds are allocated for core instructional programs and operational costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Washington's Department of Agriculture to develop a statewide food security strategy by July 1, 2027, in collaboration with state agencies (like Health, Social and Health Services, and Ecology), universities, and community organizations. The strategy must address food access and affordability, improve agricultural resilience by tackling barriers to farming and land use, and promote long-term solutions like urban agriculture and nutrition programs. It mandates specific focus areas including supporting farmers, empowering consumers to access healthy food, and advancing research, with the final plan submitted to the legislature by the deadline. The bill expires July 1, 2028.

Maddy summaryHB 1381 requires counties in Washington with significant language minority populations to provide election materials (like registration forms, ballots, and instructions) in both English and the designated language(s) of those groups. A county qualifies as "covered" if census data shows at least 2.5% of voting-age residents in a single language group have limited English proficiency and higher illiteracy rates than the national average, or if it contains an Indian reservation meeting similar thresholds. The secretary of state will designate these language groups annually using census data, and counties have one year to comply after designation, with a grant program to support implementation. The bill takes effect only if funding is secured by June 30, 2025, and does not replace existing language assistance requirements under state law.

Maddy summaryHB 1793 requires authorized insurers in Washington to report specific details about fire loss claims to the Insurance Commissioner within 90 days of closing the claim. The report must include the property's zip code, date of loss, amount paid per coverage, and the known or suspected origin/cause of the loss (including whether it involved criminal activity). This bill amends RCW 48.05.320 to update the reporting requirements for fire losses, replacing a previous provision that directed reports to the Washington State Patrol. The change focuses on standardizing fire loss data collection for the Insurance Commissioner's use, without altering the underlying insurance claims process.

Maddy summaryHB 1870 allows Washington counties to levy an additional property tax of up to five cents per $1,000 of assessed value specifically for public health clinics. This tax can only fund the operation, maintenance, and capital expenses of clinics providing services like primary care, dental care, disease prevention, reproductive health, and behavioral health. The bill amends existing tax laws to exempt this new levy from standard county tax limits (like the $1.80 cap), ensuring it doesn’t count toward other spending restrictions. It directly affects counties and public health clinics, which would use the funds for low-barrier health services to underserved communities.

Maddy summaryHB 1132 updates Washington's firearm dealer licensing rules to enhance safety. It requires dealers to implement strict security measures, including alarms monitored by law enforcement, locked storage for firearms during non-business hours, and digital surveillance systems covering all sales areas. The bill mandates annual background checks for all employees selling firearms and prohibits temporary sales outside licensed locations except at designated gun shows. It also requires dealers to annually certify compliance with all licensing conditions and face permanent license loss for violations. These provisions directly affect licensed firearm dealers operating in Washington state.

Maddy summaryHB 2064 authorizes Washington's Secretary of State to develop and test a secure electronic portal for specific voters who cannot use standard mail to return ballots. It directly affects service members, overseas voters, disabled voters (per RCW 29A.04.037), and eligible incarcerated voters (excluding those with revoked voting rights). The bill requires the portal to ensure voter secrecy, prevent duplicate voting, and restrict usage to only these covered groups, with counties reporting all portal activity. The Secretary of State must submit annual progress reports to the legislature, starting December 1, 2025, and complete a final report by December 1, 2028.

Maddy summaryHB 1036 requires Washington's community colleges, regional universities, and The Evergreen State College to include at least one labor representative on each governing board. This bill amends existing laws to mandate that labor representation be considered when appointing board members, alongside geographical diversity and representation of women, racial, and ethnic minorities. The labor trustee must be appointed by the governor and cannot be an employee of the higher education system. This change directly affects the composition of college governing boards but does not alter policies affecting students or faculty. The bill takes effect October 1, 2030.

Maddy summaryHB 1565 extends Washington's dual enrollment scholarship program, which covers costs for high school students participating in Running Start (a program allowing 11th/12th graders to take college courses at community colleges/universities). It directly affects eligible students who qualify for free/reduced lunch, the College Bound Scholarship, or Washington College Grant. The bill expands scholarship coverage to include textbooks, course materials, transportation, and food stipends (if funds remain), beyond previously covered tuition and fees. It appropriates $750,000 annually for 2026-2027 and extends the program until 2032, requiring the Washington Student Achievement Council to develop implementation rules and guidance.

Maddy summaryWashington State's HB 1789 establishes a program requiring solar panel (photovoltaic module) manufacturers to finance and manage recycling and takeback systems for their products. The bill directly affects manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of solar panels sold in Washington, mandating they create and submit "stewardship plans" by January 31, 2028. Key provisions include requiring manufacturers to cover all costs for collection and recycling, accept all panels sold in the state since 2017, minimize hazardous waste, and recover valuable materials like rare earth elements. The program aims to ensure convenient, safe, and environmentally sound end-of-life handling of solar panels without cost to consumers.