Rep. Nicole Macri

Maddy summaryHB 1445 would create a state-run Washington Health Trust to provide universal, comprehensive health coverage to all Washington residents, eliminating premiums, deductibles, and copayments. The trust would cover essential health benefits including primary care, dental, vision, prescription drugs, mental health services, and maternity care for everyone, regardless of income, race, or immigration status. It prohibits discrimination by providers and requires all qualified health care facilities to participate, with the trust paying providers directly for covered services. The bill aims to replace fragmented private and public insurance systems with a single unified financing structure to simplify administration and reduce costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new reimbursement rules for health insurers covering Washington public employees' health plans. Starting in 2027, insurers must pay at least 150% of Medicare rates for primary care and behavioral health services, while capping payments at 200% of Medicare for most hospital services (350% for children's specialty hospitals). Rural hospitals and critical access facilities must receive minimum payments of 101% of Medicare costs. These requirements specifically apply to insurers serving public employees, not general health coverage.

Maddy summaryHB 1510 expands Washington's judicial retirement benefit program to include supreme court and court of appeals commissioners, who were previously excluded. It allows current commissioners to elect a 1.5% annual benefit multiplier for future service (effective 2026) and permits past commissioners to retroactively purchase higher benefits for prior service (2028 window), subject to a 75% cap on total benefits. Commissioners must pay 5% of salary plus 5.5% interest for retroactive purchases, with costs limited to the actuarial value of the increased benefit. This applies to members of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) under Plans 1 or 2.

Maddy summaryHB 1864 requires health plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, to cover ground ambulance transport to non-emergency facilities like urgent care clinics, mental health centers, or substance use disorder programs. It amends existing laws to mandate this coverage for behavioral health emergencies (effective January 1, 2025) and establishes reimbursement rules for medical assistance programs. The bill directly affects health insurers, ambulance services, and patients seeking non-emergency care. It creates a policy change ensuring coverage for transport to these facilities without requiring prior authorization for emergency situations.

Maddy summaryHB 1921 establishes a mileage-based road usage fee system to replace declining fuel tax revenue, directly affecting vehicle owners - starting with electric/hybrid vehicles in 2027 and phasing in conventional vehicles based on fuel efficiency by 2035. The bill creates a voluntary program for EVs/hybrids (2027-2029) and a mandatory program for increasingly efficient conventional vehicles (starting 2029), replacing existing registration fees like those in RCW 46.17.323/324. Fees are calculated per mile driven, with privacy protections for location data emphasized as a core requirement. The phased approach aims to maintain current transportation funding levels while adapting to fuel-efficient vehicle adoption.

Maddy summaryHB 1814 proposes to exempt certain decisions regarding the development or extension of trails and paths from the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and equivalent local environmental review requirements. This exemption applies to projects that are 10 acres or less, located on a railroad right-of-way designated for interim trail use, and situated within cities with a population of 500,000 or more. The bill requires developers to post public notice on the property for at least 30 days before final approval. Additionally, it mandates early and meaningful consultation with potentially affected federally recognized tribes to discuss impacts on cultural resources and treaty rights, including a mediation process if an agreement is not reached.

Maddy summaryHB 1059 strengthens oversight of self-insured employers and their third-party administrators in Washington State by requiring them to act in good faith when handling workers' compensation claims. It creates a new rule that allows the state director to withdraw a self-insurer's certification after three proven violations of good faith within three years (e.g., coercing workers to accept less compensation or hiding injury reports). Employers found violating this duty must pay penalties ranging from 1 to 52 times the worker’s average weekly wage, with investigations triggered by written complaints. The law applies to all workers’ compensation claims regardless of injury date and takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 2048 eliminates the Washington State Leadership Board by repealing all related laws (RCW 43.388.010-040) and transferring any remaining funds in its accounts to the state general fund. The bill removes the board from statutes governing the lieutenant governor's committee appointments and updates references in other laws to reflect its elimination. It directly affects the Washington State Leadership Board, which is being dissolved, and ensures its financial resources are redirected to the general state budget. This is a procedural change removing an existing state board without creating new programs or altering other policies.

Maddy summaryHB 1557 establishes Washington's Guaranteed Admissions Program, which guarantees admission to public four-year colleges for eligible high school seniors meeting specific criteria. It requires participating colleges (including tribal institutions and state universities) to simplify application processes starting in 2026-27, and mandates high schools to share student data with colleges to identify qualified applicants. The bill also requires all high schools to provide annual notifications to students in grades 9-12 about this program, the Washington College Grant, dual credit options, and other college pathways. Institutions may opt out of the program by reporting their reasons to the legislature, but must still pursue alternative access initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HJR 4201) proposes amending Washington State's constitution to lower the voter approval threshold for school district bonds. Currently, school districts need a three-fifths (60%) majority of voters to approve bonds under Article VIII, section 6. The amendment would change this to require only a simple majority (over 50%) of voters voting on the bond measure. This change would directly affect all Washington school districts seeking voter approval for bond-funded projects like facility construction or modernization. The proposal is a constitutional amendment, not a law, and requires voter ratification at the next general election.