Rep. Debra Lekanoff

Maddy summaryHB 1713 establishes a process for automatic voter registration of tribal members in Washington. It requires the Secretary of State to create state-tribal compacts with federally recognized tribes (whose traditional lands include Washington) to automatically register eligible tribal members. Under the bill, tribes would submit resolutions to initiate compacts, and after approval, tribes would send voter data meeting specific criteria (citizenship, address, signature) to the state for automatic registration. This would add tribal members to voter rolls without requiring separate applications, with acknowledgment notices sent within five business days.

Maddy summaryHB 1583 requires Washington's Health Care Authority to apply for a federal waiver by September 1, 2025, to expand Medicaid coverage for "traditional health care practices" delivered through specific facilities. These practices include indigenous health knowledge and services provided by Indian Health Service facilities, tribally operated facilities under federal law, or urban Indian organizations. Coverage would be available to Medicaid beneficiaries receiving care at these facilities, but only if the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services approves the waiver. The bill does not change current Medicaid rules but seeks to add this coverage option through a federal waiver process.

Maddy summaryHB 1138 requires Washington law enforcement officers to stop using deceptive tactics (like falsely claiming evidence exists) during criminal interrogations starting in 2026. It presumes statements obtained through deception are inadmissible in court for misdemeanor or felony cases, unless prosecutors prove the statement was voluntary. The bill mandates free, state-developed training for all officers on evidence-based techniques like the PEACE method, cognitive interviews, and trauma-informed approaches by July 2026. This directly affects law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and individuals being questioned in criminal investigations.

Maddy summaryHB 1535 prohibits dental insurers from restricting patient choice or limiting care based on network agreements, requiring dentists to make treatment decisions with patients rather than insurers. It mandates that at least 85% of dental insurance premiums be spent directly on patient care, not administrative costs, and gives patients the right to request independent reviews for denied claims. The bill directly affects dental patients (ensuring access to chosen providers and fair coverage), dentists (protecting their clinical autonomy), and dental insurers (requiring compliance with transparency and spending rules). These changes aim to create a fairer system by aligning dental insurance protections with medical insurance standards and reducing out-of-pocket costs for Washington residents.

Maddy summaryHB 1867 allows Washington counties or cities to impose a real estate excise tax of up to 0.5% on home sales, with proceeds dedicated exclusively to developing affordable housing for very low, low, and moderate-income residents and those with special needs. Local governments must first gain voter approval through a majority vote in an election, either via a resolution from local officials or a petition signed by 10% of eligible voters. The tax revenue must be managed through a competitive grant process for nonprofit housing providers, housing authorities, or public agencies, with spending plans requiring public hearings. Counties and cities cannot levy this tax if the county has already implemented a similar tax under prior law. This bill directly affects local governments and homebuyers/sellers in communities that choose to adopt the tax.

Maddy summaryHB 1749 requires Washington state agencies to consider four new factors in environmental reviews: climate change impacts (including life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions), carbon sequestration in forests and soils, tribal treaty-protected resources and access, and pollution exposure in overburdened communities. For example, agencies must assess if a timber sale harms mature forest carbon storage or if a project disproportionately increases pollution in vulnerable neighborhoods. The bill mandates updates to the state environmental policy checklist to ensure these considerations are integrated into all project reviews, including timber sales and development permits. It directly affects state agencies like the Department of Natural Resources and local governments conducting environmental reviews.

Maddy summaryHB 1144 increases the number of superior court judges in Skagit County from four to five by amending state law. This change directly affects Skagit County's judicial system, aiming to improve court capacity and reduce case backlogs. The bill includes a key provision requiring specific funding for this increase to be included in the 2025 omnibus appropriations act by June 30, 2025, or the bill becomes void. If funded, it would allow Skagit County to hire an additional judge to handle its caseload.

Maddy summaryHB 1032 lowers the voter approval threshold for school district bond measures in Washington. It changes the requirement from a three-fifths (60%) majority to a simple majority (50%+1) of votes cast in school district elections on bond issues. This directly affects all Washington school districts seeking to borrow funds for capital projects like building repairs or new facilities. The bill amends existing laws (RCW 28A.535.020, 28A.535.050, and 39.36.020) to reflect this voting change, while keeping the overall debt limit at 2.5% of taxable property value.

Maddy summaryHB 1208 makes permanent Washington's Habitat Recovery Permit Pathway Program, which streamlines environmental permitting for salmon and habitat restoration projects. It directly affects projects approved by specific programs like the Bonneville Power Administration's restoration efforts, tribal fish barrier removal initiatives, or Puget Sound restoration funds. The bill eliminates most local and state permit requirements for qualifying projects, replacing them with a single streamlined review process while maintaining safeguards for cultural resources and flood risk. Projects must document compliance with tribal consultation, cultural resource protections, and flood safety standards before approval.

Maddy summaryHB 1480 would allow any Washington county to impose a 0.5% tax on real estate sales to fund affordable housing, but only with voter approval. The tax revenue must be used exclusively for developing housing for very low, low, and moderate-income residents, including construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance. Counties must create a spending plan with public input before seeking voter approval, and the tax would be collected from both buyers and sellers (with at least half of the burden on the buyer). The tax would take effect 30 days after voter approval.