Rep. Nicole Macri

Maddy summaryHB 2555 requires Washington's Health Care Authority to apply for a federal waiver by July 1, 2026, to expand Medicaid coverage for "traditional health care practices" delivered through specific providers. These practices include culturally rooted care methods used by American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Coverage would be available only to Medicaid beneficiaries receiving services at Indian Health Service facilities, tribally operated facilities under federal law, or urban Indian organizations. The bill does not change existing Medicaid eligibility but mandates a federal waiver process to include these services under state Medicaid plans.

Maddy summaryHB 2524 establishes a new State Security Guards Industry Standards Board to set minimum employment requirements for security guards in Washington. The board will create rules by 2028 covering minimum pay, paid leave, benefits, and training standards, ensuring they meet or exceed existing industry conditions. Security guard employers must provide certified training every two years through approved worker organizations, which the board will oversee. This bill directly affects security guards and their employers across Washington, aiming to standardize working conditions in the industry.

Maddy summaryHB 2545 requires Washington's Department of Health to establish rules by July 2027 allowing ambulatory surgical facilities (outpatient centers) to perform elective heart procedures called percutaneous coronary interventions. The bill directly affects patients seeking these procedures outside hospitals and ambulatory surgical facilities that may expand services. It mandates an independent review of factors like patient safety, access, and costs before creating these rules, while ensuring University of Washington's cardiac training volumes are maintained. The law aims to expand access to heart care in outpatient settings without disrupting existing hospital cardiac services.

Maddy summaryHB 2218 establishes a state-approved network of healthcare providers for workers' compensation cases in Washington. It requires injured workers to choose a provider within 15 miles of home for initial care (with non-network visits limited to emergencies), prohibits employers from directing workers to specific clinics, and sets quality standards for network inclusion (e.g., malpractice insurance, licensing status). The bill creates a second tier of providers recognized for using advanced occupational health practices, with financial incentives for meeting these standards. This directly affects injured workers, healthcare providers seeking to treat workers' compensation cases, and employers managing claims.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits force-feeding birds (such as chickens, turkeys, or ducks) to enlarge their livers for foie gras production, and bans the sale, possession, or distribution of foie gras made through this method. It applies directly to restaurants, retailers, and producers handling foie gras, with exceptions only for veterinary care. Violations carry civil fines up to $1,000 per day, and the law takes effect January 1, 2028. The legislation targets specific production practices without restricting other bird-related activities.

Maddy summaryHB 2658 requires health insurance carriers in Washington to annually report detailed data on mental health and substance use coverage, including in-network provider availability, reimbursement rates, out-of-network utilization, and service access by type (youth/adult, in-person/telehealth). This affects all health insurers operating in the state, mandating them to submit standardized data to the state commissioner by July 1st each year. The commissioner must then publish all raw data and create an interactive public dashboard showing comparisons across insurers, focusing on mental health, substance use, and medical/surgical services. The goal is to increase transparency about coverage gaps, as documented by studies showing Washington residents face significantly greater barriers accessing behavioral health care than medical care.

Maddy summaryHB 2480 requires cities and counties with populations over 30,000 to allow residential development in commercial and mixed-use zones, prohibiting local governments from banning homes in these areas. It removes requirements that residential projects must include ground-floor commercial space or mixed-use as a condition for permits. Exceptions include industrial zones, areas within 3,200 feet of oil/gas refineries, historic preservation sites, and certain waterfront or critical areas. The law would override conflicting local zoning rules one year after enactment, applying to all affected jurisdictions.

Maddy summaryHB 2626 increases Washington State's insurance premium tax for certain health insurance providers. Starting March 1, 2027, it raises the tax rate from 2% to 3% on premiums collected by health maintenance organizations, health care service contractors, and self-funded health plans. A new 1% tax also applies to disability insurers and certain group stop-loss insurers beginning March 1, 2028. Providers must pay these taxes in installments (45% by June 15, 25% by September 15, 25% by December 15) annually, with exemptions for Medicare/Medicaid payments and specific dental services. The bill directly affects these insurers by altering their tax obligations under state law.

Maddy summaryHB 2641 prohibits Washington state law enforcement agencies (both general and limited authority) from hiring individuals who became sworn officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on or after January 20, 2025. The law applies only to future hires, not current employees, and takes effect October 1, 2026. It directly affects Washington agencies seeking new sworn officers by restricting recruitment from a specific federal agency. The bill does not alter existing employment contracts or impact other federal law enforcement roles.

Maddy summaryHB 2559 allows Washington counties, cities, and towns to impose a local 4% tax on short-term rental lodging (like Airbnb stays) to fund affordable housing programs. The tax revenue must go to a dedicated state account and can be used for acquiring, rehabilitating, or constructing affordable housing, rental assistance, or related support services like job training. Local governments must report annually on how funds are spent and cannot implement the tax before April 2027. This bill directly affects short-term rental operators (who pay the tax) and local governments (which can choose to adopt the tax and manage housing funds).