Rep. Alicia Rule

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 summaryHB 1955 reduces financial barriers for youth by increasing the age at which a fishing license is required in Washington State. The bill directly affects young people (likely under 16 or 18, though the exact age isn't specified in the text) who currently face license fees as a barrier to participating in fishing and shellfishing. Key provisions amend existing statutes to adjust the age threshold for license requirements, aligning with the legislature's finding that these activities boost youth self-esteem and environmental appreciation. The policy change aims to make recreational fishing more accessible for young residents without altering other fishing regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 2023 creates a work group to study how investment income is taxed under Washington's business tax code (RCW 82.04.4281), following a court decision that created uncertainty about whether investment income qualifies for a tax deduction. The bill temporarily blocks the Department of Revenue from taxing investment income for non-financial businesses (e.g., individuals, arts organizations, or pension funds) until July 2026, while requiring the work group to provide legislative recommendations by November 2025. The work group includes representatives from investment firms, arts organizations, pension funds, business associations, and accounting groups. It expires July 1, 2026, for the tax freeze and November 30, 2026, for the work group.

Maddy summaryHB 1737 ensures federally approved apprenticeship programs operated by federally recognized tribal governments in Washington state have the same rights and responsibilities as state-approved programs. It amends state law to define "registered apprentice" and "skilled journeyperson" to include tribal programs that meet federal approval standards. The bill requires contractors working at high-hazard facilities like petroleum refineries and petrochemical plants to use a "skilled and trained workforce" made up of registered apprentices or skilled journeypersons from approved programs, including tribal ones. This directly affects tribal governments operating apprenticeship programs and contractors in critical industries, ensuring equitable access to these workforce standards.

Maddy summaryHB 1793 requires authorized insurers in Washington to report specific details about fire loss claims to the Insurance Commissioner within 90 days of closing the claim. The report must include the property's zip code, date of loss, amount paid per coverage, and the known or suspected origin/cause of the loss (including whether it involved criminal activity). This bill amends RCW 48.05.320 to update the reporting requirements for fire losses, replacing a previous provision that directed reports to the Washington State Patrol. The change focuses on standardizing fire loss data collection for the Insurance Commissioner's use, without altering the underlying insurance claims process.

Maddy summaryHB 1047 exempts fire districts in rural counties from paying state sales and use taxes on equipment purchases. It applies to fire districts with populations under 10,000, defined as "rural counties" under existing law, and covers firefighting, emergency medical, and fire prevention equipment. To qualify, districts must apply for a certificate of exemption from the state department, which will publish an annual list of eligible districts. The exemption takes effect October 1, 2025, for all qualifying purchases and uses after that date.

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 1925 creates a state-funded program to expand secondary education pathways in natural resource and conservation careers for Washington students aged 14-17. The bill requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction to select a qualified nonprofit partner to run a 90+ hour summer or after-school program combining classroom learning with work-integrated experiences at community sites. Participants earn high school credits, potential college dual credits, or industry-recognized credentials while learning through state standards, including environmental curriculum and natural resource competencies. The program prioritizes historically marginalized youth and schools in disadvantaged communities, aiming to connect students with family-wage careers in fields like forest management, restoration ecology, and renewable energy.

Maddy summaryHB 2025 adds a new $300 annual tax credit for low-income renters in Washington who pay sales or use tax. Eligible residents must have rented their primary residence for at least 183 days during the year and meet existing credit requirements. The credit, effective starting in 2026, will be adjusted annually for inflation based on the Seattle consumer price index. This directly supports residential tenants whose rent includes property tax costs, expanding the existing working families' tax credit program.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1349 concerns how members of certain public pension systems, such as law enforcement and firefighters, can earn or purchase service credit for authorized leaves of absence. It clarifies that members on paid leave continue to receive credit and allows members on unpaid leave, including part-time leave for law enforcement, to purchase up to two years of service credit by making required contributions within specific timeframes. The bill also details provisions for members who take leave for uniformed military service, enabling them to receive up to five years of service credit, with specific conditions for contributions or proof of wartime service, and extends these provisions to surviving spouses or children of members who die in service.