Rep. Janice Zahn

Maddy summaryHB 2320 regulates firearm manufacturing using 3D printers, CNC mills, or digital code by requiring manufacturers to register these methods with the state. It directly affects individuals or entities producing firearms through digital means, including those creating undetectable or untraceable weapons. The bill amends Washington’s firearm laws to mandate registration of such manufacturing processes and explicitly targets unlicensed producers who might bypass background checks. This policy change aims to address public safety concerns by making digital firearm production subject to state oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 2114 changes Washington's license plate replacement policy for defective plates. It eliminates all fees and taxes for replacements within 24 months of original issuance when plates become illegible due to manufacturing defects (e.g., peeling paint or unreadable numbers). For replacements requested between 24 months and five years after issuance, only the cost of the plate itself is charged - not full fees or taxes. This directly affects Washington drivers who receive faulty plates that deteriorate faster than expected, ensuring they aren't charged for the same fees paid at initial purchase.

Maddy summaryHB 2110 establishes minimum personnel requirements for ambulance services during interfacility specialty care transports, which are transfers of critically ill or injured patients between medical facilities. The bill requires ambulances providing specialty care transport - defined as care needing physician, registered nurse, or specially trained paramedic-level personnel - to have sufficient staff, including at least one emergency medical technician (EMT) under secretary-promulgated standards. It amends existing Washington state law (RCW 18.73.030 and 18.73.150) to clarify definitions and standards for these specialized transports, ensuring consistent protocols for patient safety during critical transfers. This directly affects ambulance services, EMTs, and hospitals coordinating patient transfers.

Maddy summaryHB 2091 requires public employers covered under chapter 41.80 RCW (specifically Western Washington University, Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, and The Evergreen State College) to provide employee information to exclusive bargaining representatives. The bill amends RCW 41.80.075 to expand the list of covered employers to include these four public universities. This means union representatives at these institutions would gain access to employee data previously not required to be shared under the existing law. The change directly affects these universities' labor relations by mandating information sharing with their recognized employee unions.

Maddy summaryHB 1909 establishes a court unification task force to study Washington’s fragmented court system. The task force will analyze disparities in local court rules, technology adoption, and funding that create barriers for people seeking legal help - especially those in rural areas, low-income communities, and underserved populations. It will identify inefficiencies and inequities in court operations and explore potential solutions through a diverse group including judges, court clerks, legal aid representatives, and community advocates with lived experience. The bill does not implement changes but directs the task force to provide recommendations for improving consistency and access to justice. This study aims to inform future policy decisions, not alter current court structures.

Maddy summaryHB 2229 updates Washington's engineering registration laws by revising definitions of key terms like "practice of engineering" and "significant structures" to clarify which projects require licensed oversight. It specifies that "significant structures" include hospitals, bridges over 200 feet, buildings over five stories, and other high-risk facilities. The bill also changes the licensing board composition to require five licensed engineers and two licensed land surveyors, each with at least 10 years of active practice. These changes directly affect professional engineers and land surveyors by defining scope of practice and board governance under state law.

Maddy summaryHB 2475 requires Washington state agencies to provide language-accessible public programs, activities, and services in individuals' primary languages (including sign language) across all communication methods. It directly affects non-English speakers, particularly those with limited English proficiency, by mandating consistent service delivery for state benefits, health care, emergency response, and other programs. The bill requires the state office of equity to develop uniform guidelines by December 2027, address interpreter shortages for less common languages, and update guidelines every three years. This law clarifies existing language access obligations under state law without creating new rights or expanding protected classes.

Maddy summaryHB 2334 would require cash transactions in Washington to be rounded to the nearest five cents, eliminating the need for pennies in physical payments. Specifically, prices ending in 1-2¢ or 6-7¢ would round down, while prices ending in 3-4¢ or 8-9¢ would round up. This rule applies only to cash payments (legal tender) and excludes credit/debit cards, electronic payments, or checks. The bill affects all businesses accepting cash and consumers making cash purchases, with rounding rules defined in the legislation. (Note: The bill is in early committee review as of January 2026 and has not been enacted.)

Maddy summaryHB 2296 allows Washington homeowners to install one small, customer-owned energy device (like solar panels or battery systems) on their home electricity meter, subject to safety and compatibility rules. Utilities must approve these devices within 90 days (for large utilities) or 180 days (for small utilities), cannot ban them locally, and must post approval decisions online. Devices must meet national safety standards, work with smart meters, not interfere with utility access or meter functions, and be certified by a testing lab. Homeowners pay for any utility service work related to the device installation, and utilities cannot be held liable for damage caused by approved devices. This directly affects residential electricity customers and utilities across Washington.

Maddy summaryHB 2124 raises the threshold for retirees and beneficiaries to choose a lump sum payment instead of a monthly retirement benefit from $50 to $250 annually adjusted. The bill requires that any lump sum payment must be the greater of the calculated value of future monthly benefits or the retiree’s total contributions plus interest. It directly affects Washington state employees and beneficiaries receiving monthly retirement benefits below $250, primarily those in public retirement systems. The law also includes provisions for reinstating service if a lump sum recipient returns to work within two years.