Rep. My-Linh Thai

Maddy summaryHB 1614 modifies Washington's capital gains tax rules by replacing the business and occupation tax credit with a new nonrefundable capital gains tax credit, closing technical loopholes, and clarifying how credits apply to taxpayers. It requires brokers and barter exchanges to report transactions, limits credit use to the tax year of the sale (with no carryforwards), and mandates monthly transfers from the general fund to education accounts based on tax reductions. The bill directly affects taxpayers with capital gains, brokers, and state education funding streams, while ensuring no net change to state tax collections. Key provisions include standardized treatment for spouses/domestic partners and new rules for adjusting transfer amounts to education funds. The changes take effect for 2025 tax years and expire January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1870 allows Washington counties to levy an additional property tax of up to five cents per $1,000 of assessed value specifically for public health clinics. This tax can only fund the operation, maintenance, and capital expenses of clinics providing services like primary care, dental care, disease prevention, reproductive health, and behavioral health. The bill amends existing tax laws to exempt this new levy from standard county tax limits (like the $1.80 cap), ensuring it doesn’t count toward other spending restrictions. It directly affects counties and public health clinics, which would use the funds for low-barrier health services to underserved communities.

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 1482 creates a state-funded Apple Health Expansion program to provide no-cost health coverage to Washington residents ineligible for federal health programs due to immigration status. It directly affects over 1 million immigrants in Washington who face structural barriers to coverage, including undocumented individuals with incomes at or below 138% of the federal poverty level. Key provisions include establishing a Medicaid-equivalent program with identical benefits to federal coverage (excluding long-term services), extending financial assistance for health/dental plans to match Affordable Care Act subsidies, and requiring a community accountability committee with immigrant representation to monitor service quality. The bill also mandates culturally appropriate outreach and requires annual reports to the legislature on program implementation and costs.

Maddy summaryHB 1845 updates Washington State's payment standards for cash assistance programs, directly affecting recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), refugee assistance, and benefits under RCW 74.62.030. The bill requires the Department of Social and Health Services to base payment levels on actual living costs and national inflation indices, using an existing national standard as a baseline starting July 2022. It sets a minimum payment level of 16% of the need standard (or the previous year’s amount, whichever is higher) and limits annual increases to 3% for these programs. The bill also ensures Supplemental Security Income (SSI) state supplements meet federal minimum requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1386 imposes an 11% sales tax on retail purchases of firearms, firearm parts, and ammunition in Washington State. This tax applies to all retail transactions except sales to state, local, or tribal governments for law enforcement use. Revenue from the tax must fund programs focused on suicide prevention, reducing firearm-related domestic violence, and supporting victims' services. The bill directly affects firearm retailers and individual purchasers, with no exemption for government agency purchases.

Maddy summaryHB 1767 adjusts how Washington state provides supplemental funding to school districts based on their enrichment levies. It calculates state assistance as a fraction of a district's actual levy rate (capped at $1.50 per $1,000 assessed value) for districts below that threshold, while districts meeting or exceeding it receive full maximum assistance. The bill also sets a per-pupil funding limit ($2,500 or $3,000, adjusted for inflation) based on district size for enrichment levies, and includes specific provisions for state-tribal education compact schools. This directly affects school districts collecting enrichment levies, particularly smaller districts and tribal schools, by changing how their local levy efforts translate to state funding.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1402 makes it an unfair practice for Washington state employers to include a driver's license requirement in job advertisements or applications unless the position's core functions genuinely necessitate operating a motor vehicle. This bill clarifies that transportation to and from the job site does not constitute a job function requiring a driver's license. Individuals harmed by a violation can pursue civil action to stop the practice and recover damages and attorney's fees.

Maddy summaryHB 1741 requires most Washington health insurance plans (excluding public employee plans) to cover intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy for children diagnosed with PANDAS (pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections) or PANS (pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome). Plans must cover three initial monthly IVIG treatments plus additional courses as medically necessary, but only after two or more less intensive treatments have been tried without success (e.g., ineffective, intolerable, or failing to improve symptoms). A pediatric subspecialist consultation is mandatory, and patients must be reevaluated every three months. The law applies to health plans renewed on or after January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1504 requires individuals in Washington to demonstrate financial responsibility before purchasing or possessing a firearm, directly affecting most gun owners. It mandates one of three options per firearm: a $25,000 liability insurance policy or bond, self-insurance certification (for owners of 25+ firearms), or a $25,000 certificate of deposit. Proof of compliance must be provided to dealers or law enforcement via an identification card (paper or electronic), with failure to show it constituting a class 1 civil infraction. The bill exempts antique firearms, active law enforcement officers, and military personnel on duty.