Rep. Janice Zahn

Maddy summaryHB 2458 would expand Washington's college grant program to cover students enrolled in eligible nondegree credential programs (such as career certificates or short-term workforce training) starting in the 2027-28 academic year. It requires the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges and the Student Achievement Council to propose maximum grant amounts for these programs by December 2026. To qualify, students must still meet existing financial need criteria (e.g., public assistance program participation) and be Washington residents. This change allows students to use the grant for shorter, degree-free training without pursuing a full college credential.

Maddy summaryHB 2352 aligns conflict of interest rules for state officers and employees with those already required for municipal officers. It revises the definition of "beneficial interest" to prohibit ownership of more than 1% in entities doing business with the state (previously allowing up to 10% for state staff), matching the standard municipal officers have followed for decades. This change directly affects state employees and officials who may hold financial stakes in contracts, sales, leases, or grants involving state agencies. The bill eliminates the previous 10-times-laxer standard for state-level staff, ensuring consistent ethical requirements across all government levels. It focuses solely on clarifying the financial interest threshold, without altering other ethics provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 2432 allows Washington school districts to prioritize selling or giving surplus technology hardware (like laptops and tablets) to public school students at reduced price or for free, instead of selling to the general public first. It specifically directs districts to prioritize students from families qualifying for free/reduced meals or earning at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. The bill amends existing law to require districts to document sales/grants and defines "surplus technology hardware" as devices issued to students during the school year. This policy change aims to reduce financial barriers for students needing technology for education and workforce development.

Maddy summaryHJR 4210 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would replace fixed session length limits for Washington's legislature with flexible rules. Currently, the constitution mandates 105-day regular sessions in odd-numbered years and 60-day sessions in even-numbered years; this amendment would allow the legislature to set session durations through regular laws instead. If approved by voters, the legislature could adjust session lengths based on evolving needs, such as addressing urgent issues or budget cycles. The amendment requires voter approval at the next general election and does not change the legislature's authority to pass laws or the structure of legislative sessions. This directly affects how Washington's state legislature organizes its annual work schedule.

Maddy summaryHB 2087 creates a new legal framework for travel insurance sales in Washington State, directly affecting insurers, travel agencies, and group organizers (like schools, employers, or tour operators) selling policies to Washington residents. It defines key terms like "group travel insurance" (policies covering predefined groups without individual charges) and "aggregator sites" (websites comparing insurance), while explicitly excluding cancellation fee waivers and travel assistance services from its rules. The bill requires clear disclosure of coverage details to buyers and clarifies that group policies must follow specific rules, such as defining eligible groups (e.g., students, employees, or sports teams). This ensures consistent regulation for travel insurance sold within the state, aligning with existing insurance laws where not superseded.

Maddy summaryHB 2194 would allow Washington counties and cities to impose a 0.1% sales tax (one-tenth of one percent) with voter approval to fund local cultural access programs, such as museums, arts initiatives, and community cultural events. Counties could implement this tax first (for up to seven years), and cities within counties could do so if counties haven’t acted by December 2024. All funds collected must be used exclusively for cultural programs under state law, and the state would collect the tax at no cost to local governments. The bill does not change existing tax rates or create new programs but provides a funding mechanism for existing cultural access efforts.

Maddy summaryHB 2131 allows vessel owners in Washington to voluntarily donate $1 or more during vessel registration to fund sea lion management. The donations, which can be declined, are deposited into a new "sea lion predation control account" specifically for controlling sea lions that prey on salmon in the lower Columbia River. Funds in this account may only be used for salmon preservation efforts targeting pinniped (sea lion) populations and cannot replace existing state agency funding for this purpose. The bill creates this funding mechanism at registration time without changing vessel registration fees or requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 2198 integrates Executive Order 25-03 into state law to streamline permitting and licensing processes. It requires state agencies (like the Department of Licensing and Department of Health) to track and publicly report key metrics - including application completion times, decision timelines, pending applications, and backlog counts - annually. This law directly affects businesses and individuals applying for state-issued permits, licenses, or certifications (e.g., occupational licenses, environmental approvals) by making processing times more transparent. The goal is to help applicants plan better, reduce delays, and enable agencies to improve efficiency through data-driven decisions.

Maddy summaryHB 2218 establishes a state-approved network of healthcare providers for workers' compensation cases in Washington. It requires injured workers to choose a provider within 15 miles of home for initial care (with non-network visits limited to emergencies), prohibits employers from directing workers to specific clinics, and sets quality standards for network inclusion (e.g., malpractice insurance, licensing status). The bill creates a second tier of providers recognized for using advanced occupational health practices, with financial incentives for meeting these standards. This directly affects injured workers, healthcare providers seeking to treat workers' compensation cases, and employers managing claims.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 4674) is a ceremonial gesture by the Washington State House of Representatives to celebrate the 15th anniversary of WGU Washington, the state's partnership with Western Governors University. It recognizes WGU Washington's role in providing affordable, online degree programs to over 13,000 Washington students and nearly 50,000 graduates, particularly serving adult learners, veterans, and underserved communities. The resolution highlights the partnership's contribution to Washington's goal of increasing postsecondary credentials for adults and addressing workforce needs in key sectors like healthcare and technology. As a purely congratulatory measure with no new policy or funding, it does not alter laws or directly affect any group beyond expressing legislative appreciation for WGU Washington's achievements.