Rep. Alex Ramel

Maddy summaryHB 1689 requires Washington state to adopt California's existing emission standards for ocean-going vessels while docked at ports, directly affecting ports like Tacoma and Seattle and the surrounding communities disproportionately impacted by diesel pollution. The bill mandates the Department of Ecology to implement these standards, which require ships to use shore power instead of idling engines, reducing diesel particulate matter and greenhouse gases. Compliance would begin no earlier than January 1, 2028, with potential extensions of up to three years. This policy change aims to improve air quality in port communities, aligning with federal clean air act options and state funding for shore power infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHB 1660 requires Washington’s child welfare department to submit annual reports starting in 2025, focusing on racial disparities in child welfare cases. The reports must include detailed, race-disaggregated data for the past five years on case types (like abuse/neglect intakes), placements, reunification rates, and prevention services. They also need to document the department’s efforts to address these disparities and propose policy or funding changes. This law directly affects the state’s child welfare agency and aims to inform legislative action on racial equity in the system.

Maddy summaryHB 1677 requires all public universities in Washington with student health centers to offer medication abortion services by the 2026-27 academic year, either directly or via telehealth referrals. For universities without student health centers, the bill mandates providing confidential referrals to abortion providers, telehealth support, and campus spaces for virtual appointments. It also requires all institutions to maintain a website with clear reproductive health resources, including academic accommodation options for pregnancy-related needs. The bill directly affects approximately 196,000 college students facing significant travel and wait-time barriers to abortion care, aiming to make services as accessible as possible within campus health systems.

Maddy summaryHB 1625 creates a grant program to provide funding for back country search and rescue (SAR) organizations and volunteers in Washington state. The program directly supports groups that respond to emergencies in remote, rugged terrain, where specialized skills and equipment are required to locate and rescue individuals. The bill amends state law to establish this grant mechanism, enabling these organizations to maintain operations and services. This policy change offers concrete financial resources to enhance SAR capabilities in backcountry areas.

Maddy summaryHB 1080 requires hotels and short-term rentals to disclose all mandatory fees, except for government taxes and special district assessments, within their advertised room rates. Before a consumer reserves a stay, the total price presented must include all government taxes and assessment fees. These rules apply to advertising displayed in or from Washington state. Businesses found in violation may face civil penalties up to $10,000 per infraction, with enforcement handled by city, county, or state attorneys.

Maddy summaryHB 1805 proposes a local 0.01% sales and use tax in Washington counties to fund additional services for children and families. The tax would generate revenue specifically for mental health support, early intervention programs, child care, school-based health services, shelter, rental assistance, and transportation. Counties could implement this tax via resolution or ordinance, with funds restricted to the listed services that address gaps in current Medicaid and behavioral health programs. The bill aims to support children and families early to improve well-being and reduce long-term needs like youth violence and substance use.

Maddy summaryHB 1654 clarifies which local entities are responsible for enforcing the International Fire Code in unincorporated county areas. It allows counties to handle enforcement, but gives cities, towns, or fire protection districts (with over $10 million in annual revenue) the option to take over enforcement duties - including fire cause investigations and building inspections - after providing six months' notice to the county. These entities may also charge fees to cover enforcement costs, and must offer equivalent jobs to displaced county fire marshals. The bill does not change existing fire safety standards but adjusts administrative responsibility between local governments.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Washington healthcare providers to inform patients about available pain control options before scheduling or during appointments for intrauterine device (IUD) placement or removal. It directly affects patients seeking IUDs - particularly those who have never given birth, who often experience more pain - and healthcare providers who perform these procedures. The key provision mandates that providers notify patients about pain management choices (beyond just over-the-counter medications) at the time of scheduling, aligning with updated CDC guidelines. The bill does not change medical practices but ensures patients receive clear information about pain control options before the procedure. It is pending review in the Health Care & Wellness committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1653 creates a state program to reimburse registered tow truck operators for releasing vehicles owned by indigent citizens who cannot afford towing costs. It applies to vehicles impounded on private property or by law enforcement (excluding those impounded after an arrest), requiring applicants to self-certify as indigent and owners, and operators to verify eligibility before submitting forms to the Department of Licensing. Reimbursement uses existing funds from towing service payments, with priority given to applications based on submission order if funds are limited. The bill requires annual reporting on program usage and prohibits tow operators from claiming liens on released vehicles.

Maddy summaryHB 1986 would impose a new 5.9% tax on motor vehicle sales to businesses that use the vehicles for retail car rentals, directly affecting car rental companies purchasing vehicles for their fleets. This tax applies specifically to vehicles bought for rental operations (not individual car sales) and must be paid by the rental company at the time of purchase. Revenue from this tax will fund the state’s multimodal transportation account. The bill amends existing tax law to create this targeted tax, with the rate applying to sales occurring on or after October 1, 2025.