Rep. Alex Ramel

Maddy summaryHB 2042 gives a 5% preference in state employment exams to certain federal employees who were separated from federal service under specific executive orders (Executive Order 14210 or due to remote work termination). It directly affects federal employees who meet the defined separation criteria when applying for competitive state jobs in Washington. The preference adds 5% to their exam scores for initial appointments only, but not for promotions. This policy applies to all state agencies and departments, including offices, boards, and commissions.

Maddy summaryHB 1864 requires health plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, to cover ground ambulance transport to non-emergency facilities like urgent care clinics, mental health centers, or substance use disorder programs. It amends existing laws to mandate this coverage for behavioral health emergencies (effective January 1, 2025) and establishes reimbursement rules for medical assistance programs. The bill directly affects health insurers, ambulance services, and patients seeking non-emergency care. It creates a policy change ensuring coverage for transport to these facilities without requiring prior authorization for emergency situations.

Maddy summaryHB 1921 establishes a mileage-based road usage fee system to replace declining fuel tax revenue, directly affecting vehicle owners - starting with electric/hybrid vehicles in 2027 and phasing in conventional vehicles based on fuel efficiency by 2035. The bill creates a voluntary program for EVs/hybrids (2027-2029) and a mandatory program for increasingly efficient conventional vehicles (starting 2029), replacing existing registration fees like those in RCW 46.17.323/324. Fees are calculated per mile driven, with privacy protections for location data emphasized as a core requirement. The phased approach aims to maintain current transportation funding levels while adapting to fuel-efficient vehicle adoption.

Maddy summaryHB 1814 proposes to exempt certain decisions regarding the development or extension of trails and paths from the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and equivalent local environmental review requirements. This exemption applies to projects that are 10 acres or less, located on a railroad right-of-way designated for interim trail use, and situated within cities with a population of 500,000 or more. The bill requires developers to post public notice on the property for at least 30 days before final approval. Additionally, it mandates early and meaningful consultation with potentially affected federally recognized tribes to discuss impacts on cultural resources and treaty rights, including a mediation process if an agreement is not reached.

Maddy summaryHB 1059 strengthens oversight of self-insured employers and their third-party administrators in Washington State by requiring them to act in good faith when handling workers' compensation claims. It creates a new rule that allows the state director to withdraw a self-insurer's certification after three proven violations of good faith within three years (e.g., coercing workers to accept less compensation or hiding injury reports). Employers found violating this duty must pay penalties ranging from 1 to 52 times the worker’s average weekly wage, with investigations triggered by written complaints. The law applies to all workers’ compensation claims regardless of injury date and takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1806 redirects 50% of commercial fishing landing tax revenue to the cities or counties where fish are first landed, primarily benefiting rural coastal communities in southwest Washington that rely heavily on the fishing industry. The bill amends tax collection rules to ensure this portion - previously going to the state general fund - directly supports local public safety and infrastructure needs in these communities. Key provisions specify that 50% of the "landing tax" paid by commercial fishers on certain species (like salmon) must be distributed locally, while smaller percentages fund state conservation accounts and the general fund. This policy change takes effect January 1, 2027, aiming to align tax revenue with community needs.

Maddy summaryHB 1557 establishes Washington's Guaranteed Admissions Program, which guarantees admission to public four-year colleges for eligible high school seniors meeting specific criteria. It requires participating colleges (including tribal institutions and state universities) to simplify application processes starting in 2026-27, and mandates high schools to share student data with colleges to identify qualified applicants. The bill also requires all high schools to provide annual notifications to students in grades 9-12 about this program, the Washington College Grant, dual credit options, and other college pathways. Institutions may opt out of the program by reporting their reasons to the legislature, but must still pursue alternative access initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HJR 4201) proposes amending Washington State's constitution to lower the voter approval threshold for school district bonds. Currently, school districts need a three-fifths (60%) majority of voters to approve bonds under Article VIII, section 6. The amendment would change this to require only a simple majority (over 50%) of voters voting on the bond measure. This change would directly affect all Washington school districts seeking voter approval for bond-funded projects like facility construction or modernization. The proposal is a constitutional amendment, not a law, and requires voter ratification at the next general election.

Maddy summaryHB 1153 creates a framework for cities to use "tree banks" that allow developers to remove trees in one area if they plant or pay to add trees elsewhere in neighborhoods needing greater canopy coverage - such as those facing environmental inequality, urban heat islands, or areas critical for salmon/orca recovery. It requires the Department of Natural Resources to develop voluntary model regulations for local governments, emphasizing the protection of "vital trees" first while enabling housing development. The bill amends state law to define key terms like "tree bank," "highly impacted community," and "urban forest," ensuring local rules balance tree preservation with housing needs. It does not mandate adoption of the model rules, leaving implementation decisions to individual cities and counties.

Maddy summaryHB 1313 requires businesses with 100 or more employees in Washington to provide 60 days' written notice before mass layoffs (50+ employees in 30 days), relocations (100+ miles), or terminations. The notice must include specific details like the reasons for the action, alternatives considered (e.g., reduced hours or transfers), and supporting data on operations or market conditions. Employers must notify affected workers, the state employment department, local governments, workforce councils, and unions. Exceptions exist for businesses seeking capital (with strict documentation) or facing natural disasters, but the law aims to increase transparency and give workers more time to prepare for job loss.