Rep. Janice Zahn

Maddy summaryHB 2147 increases state funding for school materials, supplies, and operating costs in Washington State to address inflation-driven budget shortfalls affecting school districts. It establishes a new funding formula based on prototypical schools (600 high school students, 432 middle school students, 400 elementary students) with specific class size standards (e.g., K-3 at 17 students per teacher) and minimum staffing allocations. The bill requires transparency by mandating the Superintendent of Public Instruction to publish per-pupil funding reports online, which school districts must link to their websites. It also includes targeted provisions for career-technical education, lab science class size reduction, and high-poverty schools with over 50% free/reduced lunch eligibility. The legislation amends existing law (RCW 28A.150.260) to adjust funding allocations based on actual student enrollment and school type.

Maddy summaryHB 2164 simplifies access to DNA testing for people convicted of felonies in Washington state who seek to prove innocence. It requires courts to approve such requests unless the state proves with "clear and convincing evidence" the DNA could not demonstrate innocence. The bill removes prior barriers that forced convicted people to prove DNA testing met scientific standards at trial or was unavailable at the time. This affects courts, prosecutors, and crime labs by streamlining postconviction DNA testing while preserving evidence as required by law.

Maddy summaryHB 2177 amends Washington State's definition of "fetal death" in vital records laws. The bill specifies that a fetal death must show no signs of life after expulsion/extraction and either meet 20+ weeks of gestation (calculated from last menstrual period) or weigh 350 grams, while excluding induced pregnancy terminations. This change affects how medical providers and health departments record and report fetal deaths for official statistics. The amendment ensures consistency in tracking fetal deaths for public health data without altering abortion access or medical procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 2126 would exempt school districts in Washington state from paying taxes on fuel used in school buses. The bill amends state tax codes to specifically add school buses (operated per education laws) to the list of exempt fuel uses, directly affecting public school districts. This change would reduce operating costs for schools by eliminating a tax on fuel for all school bus operations within the state.

Maddy summaryHB 2193 creates a dedicated fund to prosecute mortgage lending fraud by adding a $5 surcharge on most deed of trust recordings in Washington. County auditors collect this fee (keeping 5% for administration) and send the rest to the state treasurer, depositing it into the new "mortgage lending fraud prosecution account." The Department of Financial Institutions manages these funds, using them exclusively for criminal prosecutions of mortgage fraud, in consultation with the Attorney General and local prosecutors. The bill applies to standard deed of trust recordings but excludes assignments or substitutions of previously recorded deeds.

Maddy summaryHB 2169 strengthens financial independence for Washington youth aged 18-21 in the care of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). It prohibits DCYF from using personal benefits (like Social Security) paid to these youth to reimburse care costs starting January 1, 2027. The bill requires DCYF to help eligible youth apply for Social Security benefits, assist in setting up managed financial accounts (such as ABLE accounts), and provide support for managing funds. If needed, DCYF must help identify an authorized representative to manage benefits, though it clarifies the department owes no fiduciary duty to youth or third parties managing these accounts.

Maddy summaryHB 1642 allows specific retirement system members who were never given a choice between two plan options to transfer to plan 2. It applies to teachers who joined Teachers' Retirement System plans 2/3 between 1996-2007, school employees who joined School Employees' Retirement System plans 2/3 between 2000-2007, and public employees starting after 2025 (effective January 2026). Members must make an irrevocable January transfer choice for future service, but retirees cannot transfer. The legislature reserves the right to modify this provision.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Memorial 4003 is a non-binding resolution from the Washington State Legislature urging the U.S. government to join international efforts in developing a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. It calls for ending new fossil fuel exploration and expansion, phasing out existing production in line with climate science, and prioritizing worker and community support during the transition. The memorial aligns with Washington’s existing climate laws, including the Climate Commitment Act and the HEAL Act, which aim to reduce emissions and address environmental health disparities. It directly addresses the U.S. President, Congress, and the United Nations to advance global climate action.

Maddy summaryHB 1595 establishes a 16-member advisory committee to develop a five-year statewide economic development plan, directly affecting Washington state government and economic sectors. The committee must include diverse representation from communities, industries (like tech, agriculture, and tourism), state agencies, and commissions focused on minority and women's business development. Key mechanisms require the committee to hold public meetings, provide input on plan priorities, and submit the first proposal with recommended legislation by November 2025, with updates every five years. The plan must include measurable goals and policy recommendations to guide state economic strategy.

Maddy summaryWashington State's HB 1862 limits the maximum length of freight, passenger, and work trains operating within the state to 8,500 feet, directly affecting all railroad carriers (including those operating through Washington) that transport freight or passengers. The bill requires trains exceeding this length to obtain specific approval from the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which may allow trains up to 10,000 feet only if equipped with additional safety measures: extra crew members, accessible air brake valves, and emergency communication systems. Violations carry fines starting at $25,000 for the first offense, doubling with each subsequent violation. The law aims to address safety risks from excessively long trains on Washington's varied terrain, particularly regarding emergency response and infrastructure safety.