Rep. Nicole Macri

Maddy summaryHB 2351 strengthens protections for emergency responders in Washington by expanding the definition of "obstruction" to cover firefighters, EMTs, and other emergency personnel during active incidents. It makes it a gross misdemeanor to willfully hinder these responders when they are identifiable as such, with specific provisions allowing defense if a mental health crisis was involved. The bill also prohibits local government agencies (cities, counties, and emergency command systems) from using public funds to investigate or assist federal programs targeting emergency responders based on immigration status, race, religion, or national origin - except for required legal compliance or non-immigration-related duties. These changes apply to all emergency responders as defined in the law, effective January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryWashington State's HB 2157 regulates high-risk artificial intelligence systems that make consequential decisions affecting major life areas like housing, employment, healthcare, loans, and education. It applies to developers (with over $100,000 annual revenue) and deployers operating in Washington who use AI systems for these decisions. The law prohibits algorithmic discrimination - unlawful bias based on protected characteristics - and requires systems to be designed and tested to prevent such outcomes, while excluding research activities and certain facial recognition uses.

Maddy summaryHB 2191 requires owners and direct contractors to jointly pay unpaid wages and benefits (including health insurance, retirement contributions, and tool reimbursements) to construction workers when subcontractors fail to pay. It creates a direct legal path for workers, their representatives, or the attorney general to sue owners or direct contractors for withheld payments, rather than only pursuing subcontractors. The bill establishes a rebuttable presumption that workers are employees (not independent contractors), prevents liability waivers for nonpayment, and sets a 3-year deadline for filing claims. This directly affects construction workers, subcontractors, and higher-tier contractors across all project tiers in Washington state.

Maddy summaryHB 1152 requires firearm owners in Washington to securely store firearms in vehicles and residences under specific conditions. In vehicles, unloaded firearms must be in a locked, concealed container (hard-sided for pistols, soft-sided with trigger locks for rifles/shotguns), with exemptions for farm vehicles, people living in vehicles, law enforcement, hunters, and military personnel. At residences, firearms must be locked or stored in a safe when not being carried or controlled by the owner or authorized user, with similar exemptions for antique firearms. The bill creates the Washington Office of Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention to coordinate prevention efforts and imposes penalties ranging from $1,000 civil fines to felonies if prohibited persons access firearms.

Maddy summaryHB 1834 requires businesses providing online services likely accessed by minors (under 18 in Washington) to estimate users' ages with reasonable accuracy or apply full minor protections to all users. It prohibits using collected personal information for age estimation beyond that purpose and bans retaining such data longer than needed. The bill defines "addictive feeds" (algorithm-driven content streams) and "dark patterns" (manipulative interfaces) to restrict how platforms design features targeting minors. It also sets standards for determining if a service is "likely accessed by minors," including audience composition and design elements appealing to children. These provisions aim to limit data collection and addictive features on platforms used by Washington's youth.

Maddy summaryHB 1254 requires Washington State to adopt the International Wildland Urban Interface Code (IWUIC) by November 2029, directly affecting builders, homeowners, and local governments in wildfire-prone areas. The bill mandates specific fire-resistant construction standards, including class A-rated roofs, fire-resistant exterior walls, and ignition-resistant materials for decks and accessory structures. These requirements apply to new construction, major roof replacements, and additions in counties with wildfire hazard maps. The law updates building codes to align with national wildfire safety standards, aiming to reduce fire risk in communities near wildlands.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1589 updates regulations concerning health insurance companies and healthcare providers. It requires the state insurance commissioner to ensure health carriers' networks include a sufficient number of contracted providers, specifically for emergency, anesthesiology, and behavioral health services. The bill outlines conditions under which carriers can use alternative methods to meet network needs, ensuring patients do not incur greater costs. Additionally, it mandates that health carriers offer providers a meaningful, good-faith opportunity to negotiate contract terms, prohibiting specific actions like failing to provide a clear fee schedule or contract changes.

Maddy summaryHB 1339 proposes shifting general elections for Washington state cities, towns, and special purpose districts from odd-numbered years to even-numbered years to increase voter participation. Local governments would have the option to move elections to even years by adopting an ordinance, passing a charter amendment, or securing voter approval through initiatives. The bill requires public hearings and specifies transitional term adjustments during the shift, aiming to boost turnout - particularly among younger voters, low-income families, and people with disabilities - by aligning local elections with higher-turnout even-year cycles. It amends several election statutes to allow this change while maintaining existing rules for special elections.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 4677) declares the Washington State House of Representatives' recognition of the elevated behavioral health challenges faced by construction workers, including higher suicide rates, substance use disorders, and stress linked to job demands. It does not create new rules or funding but formally acknowledges these issues through a series of "WHEREAS" statements highlighting the industry's unique risks. The resolution calls for reducing stigma and promoting collaboration to improve access to behavioral health resources tailored for construction workers. It directly affects construction workers across Washington by affirming their health needs without implementing concrete policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution (HR 4691) adopted by the Washington State House of Representatives on February 16, 2026. It formally commends the contributions of U.S. presidents, specifically highlighting George Washington and Abraham Lincoln's roles in establishing freedom and ending slavery, and recognizes the third Monday in February as Presidents' Day. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies; it solely expresses the House's symbolic honor for presidential legacies. It directly affects no one but serves as a formal statement of recognition by the state legislature.