Rep. Janice Zahn

Maddy summaryHB 2179 allows port workers already enrolled in federal railroad retirement plans, union-sponsored defined benefit retirement plans, or private employer pension plans to join Washington's public employees' retirement system. It removes an existing exclusion in the law that previously prevented these workers from participating in the state retirement system. The bill specifically amends RCW 41.40.023 to clarify that port workers covered by these alternative plans are not barred from public retirement membership. This change ensures port workers can access the state retirement system without losing benefits from their current retirement arrangements.

Maddy summaryHB 2178 updates Washington state court rules and procedures for civil infractions (noncriminal violations like traffic tickets). It expands the definition of "physical damage" to include digital records and computer systems, and clarifies requirements for civil infraction notices, including mandatory content about penalties and response deadlines. The bill sets specific monetary penalties for different classes of infractions (e.g., up to $500 for certain littering or firearm violations) and details how courts must handle payment plans or collection. These changes directly affect courts, enforcement officers issuing notices, and individuals cited for civil infractions.

Maddy summaryHB 2192 updates Washington's Traffic Safety Commission to more systematically identify risk factors causing roadway fatalities. It establishes a new "fatality review committee" of traffic safety experts to analyze collisions resulting in death or serious injury, including those involving bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorists. The bill amends the Commission's purpose to focus explicitly on identifying these risk factors and coordinating statewide safety programs. This change directly affects the Commission's operations and how collision data is reviewed to inform future safety initiatives.

Maddy summaryHB 1634 establishes regional school safety centers in Washington state to help public school districts coordinate behavioral health support for students. The centers will provide training for school staff on suicide prevention, facilitate partnerships between schools and community health providers, offer Medicaid billing assistance, and support school-based threat assessment programs. This bill directly affects all public school districts, their staff (including counselors and psychologists), and students needing behavioral health services by improving access to existing resources through coordinated planning. It amends state law to require these centers to work with tribes and community partners to ensure culturally responsive support. The bill focuses on strengthening existing systems rather than creating new programs.

Maddy summaryHB 2165 makes it a gross misdemeanor to intentionally create, possess, or display fake law enforcement items (like badges, vehicle decals, or insignia) that falsely identify someone as a sworn peace officer or reserve officer, or to misrepresent ordinary items as police property. It directly affects individuals or businesses selling or using fake police gear, such as costume shops or people posing as officers. Key exceptions include items clearly marked as honorary roles, historical displays, or protected artistic/satirical works (like parodies or educational materials). The law does not prohibit legitimate uses like historical reenactments or news coverage, and it specifies that the fake item must be displayed in a way that would reasonably mislead others.

Maddy summaryHB 2420 increases the dollar limit for state and local government contracts using simplified "small works roster" procedures, which allow direct contracting without full competitive bidding for minor construction projects. It phases in higher limits starting at $350,000 (through 2026) and rising to $650,000 by 2030. The bill also requires state agencies and local governments to prioritize contracting with small, minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses when the project cost is under $150,000, while documenting annual efforts to meet this goal. These changes apply to construction, renovation, or repair work on real property valued under the new thresholds.

Maddy summaryHB 2429 establishes a Children and Youth Behavioral Health Work Group to address barriers in accessing care for children, youth, and young adults in Washington State. The work group, composed of diverse stakeholders including providers, families, youth representatives, tribal leaders, and agency officials, will monitor existing programs, improve coordination between education and health systems, and recommend strategies to expand access to services - particularly for young children (prenatal to age 5) and underserved communities. Key provisions include advising on implementing a statewide strategic plan, removing systemic barriers, and promoting equal insurance coverage for behavioral health compared to physical health. The bill directly affects children and families seeking mental health support by aiming to create a more integrated, equitable system.

Maddy summaryHB 2238 requires Washington's Department of Agriculture to develop a statewide food security strategy by December 2027, aimed at ending hunger, reducing diet-related health disparities, and strengthening agricultural supply chains. The strategy must define food security through three lenses - access, agricultural viability, and supply chain resilience - and establish metrics to track regulatory costs (like fuel and labor), food access gaps, and agricultural competitiveness. It mandates collaboration with state agencies, tribes, BIPOC communities, small farmers, and food policy organizations to identify policy barriers, coordinate disaster response, and address root causes of hunger. The bill expires July 1, 2028, and requires the department to report on agricultural regulatory competitiveness every four years starting in 2030.

Maddy summaryHB 2219 creates unified licensing standards for all child care providers in Washington, replacing separate rules for different settings like family care, nature-based programs, and centers. It allows child care centers to combine age groups for up to 4 hours daily (with 90 minutes for staff breaks) while maintaining required staff-to-child ratios, and waives redundant orientation requirements for providers who already completed similar training. The bill directly affects licensed child care providers, early learning programs, and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, which must implement these standards within available funding. Key changes streamline operations by reducing administrative complexity and aligning quality standards with existing programs like Early Achievers.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1980 allows certain private employer transportation services to use designated public transportation facilities, directly affecting employers who provide employee shuttles and the authorities managing these routes. It permits private employer transportation service vehicles, defined as marked, regularly scheduled employee shuttles with capacity for eight or more passengers, to use reserved limited access facilities (like HOV lanes) if their use does not interfere with public transit efficiency. In counties with over two million people, local authorities may also issue fee-for-use permits for these private services to use specific transit-only lanes that allow access to abutting businesses, with approval from public transportation providers. These permits require adherence to operational performance standards to ensure public transit efficiency, and generated revenues cover administrative costs and lane maintenance.