Maddy summaryHB 1082 allows licensed child care providers in Washington to use documented work experience instead of formal early childhood education certificates to meet licensing requirements until August 1, 2028. To qualify, providers must show continuous employment since August 1, 2021 (or seven cumulative years), active work requiring such certificates, and completion of required health/safety training. The bill also requires the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to form a stakeholder group - including providers, training organizations, and community advocates - to review and improve staff qualification systems, with a report due by December 2026. This law expires July 1, 2028, and does not apply to providers serving the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP).
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 1113, known as the public SAFE-T Act, creates a pathway for individuals charged with certain simple or gross misdemeanors in Washington state to have their charges dismissed. Under this bill, a court may agree to dismiss a misdemeanor charge if the defendant waives their right to a speedy trial and substantially complies with court-ordered conditions and programs for up to 12 months. Full restitution is a required condition for dismissal, although inability to pay due to indigence is not a barrier if progress is made. However, the bill explicitly excludes a wide range of specific offenses, such as domestic violence, DUI-related charges, and certain assault or firearm offenses, from this dismissal process.
Maddy summaryHB 1124 creates a new prescribing psychologist certification in Washington state, allowing licensed psychologists to prescribe psychotropic medications after meeting specific training requirements. It directly affects psychologists who complete an additional master's degree in clinical psychopharmacology, 500 hours of supervised prescribing fellowship, and pass a national exam. Key provisions require applicants to hold a doctorate in psychology, complete biomedical coursework, and gain supervised clinical experience in physical assessments and medication management. The bill aims to expand mental health access by addressing provider shortages, as noted in the legislature's findings that over half of Washington residents with mental health conditions did not receive treatment last year.