Rep. Shaun Scott

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 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 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 summaryHB 1313 requires businesses with 100 or more employees in Washington to provide 60 days' written notice before mass layoffs (50+ employees in 30 days), relocations (100+ miles), or terminations. The notice must include specific details like the reasons for the action, alternatives considered (e.g., reduced hours or transfers), and supporting data on operations or market conditions. Employers must notify affected workers, the state employment department, local governments, workforce councils, and unions. Exceptions exist for businesses seeking capital (with strict documentation) or facing natural disasters, but the law aims to increase transparency and give workers more time to prepare for job loss.

Maddy summaryHB 1915 strengthens tenant protections by restricting no-cause evictions and setting specific notice requirements for landlords. It mandates 60 days' written notice for ending 6-12 month leases without cause, and requires 30 days' notice for nonpayment evictions in "covered" housing (federally assisted properties or those with federally backed mortgages). Tenants in these properties can defend against evictions if landlords failed to maintain habitable conditions, with courts able to award damages and attorney fees. The bill directly affects renters in Washington State, particularly those in subsidized housing, by limiting landlord flexibility and reinforcing habitability standards.

Maddy summaryHB 1350 updates Washington's child care subsidy reimbursement rates to better match the actual cost of high-quality care. It requires the state to use a new "cost of quality" rate model that covers full provider costs - including living wages, benefits, staff training, and materials - instead of relying solely on the current 85th percentile market rate. This directly affects licensed child care providers serving families in the Working Connections Child Care program and aims to stabilize the child care workforce. The bill maintains the existing baseline reimbursement rate but mandates future rate recommendations must reflect these updated cost calculations.

Maddy summaryHB 1856 creates an alternative pathway for small municipal gas utilities (those with pre-2022 emissions under 27,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent) to meet climate goals under Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. These utilities can opt out of standard compliance by submitting a plan by September 1, 2025, demonstrating they will reduce emissions below 22,500 tons annually by 2030 while spending funds equivalent to their standard compliance costs. If they miss the 2030 target, they revert to full compliance and pay penalties for each ton of emissions exceeding the threshold from 2026-2030. The bill adjusts the state’s emissions program rules for 2026 onward if utilities choose this pathway, ensuring continued emissions accountability.

Maddy summaryHB 1768 restricts large corporations and investment firms from purchasing additional manufactured housing communities to prevent displacement of low-income and senior residents. It prohibits business entities owning five or more communities (or 200+ lots) and bans all investment entities from acquiring such properties. The law aims to stop sharp rent hikes and community displacement by limiting corporate ownership, with violations carrying civil penalties up to $100,000 per violation. This directly affects existing manufactured housing communities, where residents often face affordability challenges due to corporate takeovers.

Maddy summaryHB 1398 amends state law to update rules for interest arbitration panels deciding wages and working conditions for employees at adult family home providers (facilities caring for elderly or disabled individuals). The bill requires panels to consider West Coast wage comparisons for similar workers, regional cost-of-living differences, and the state's financial ability to pay. It also mandates panels to weigh factors like reducing reliance on public assistance programs (e.g., food stamps, housing aid) and promoting workforce stability in long-term care. These changes directly affect arbitration outcomes for caregivers in adult family homes across Washington. The bill does not create new funding but guides how existing resources are allocated during wage negotiations.

Maddy summaryHB 1674 requires Washington state primary care health care entities to offer hepatitis B and hepatitis C screening during annual visits, wellness checkups, or a new patient's first visit, following CDC guidelines. It allows entities to comply through direct patient offers, EHR prompts, or patient mailers, with exceptions for emergencies, prior screening, or lack of patient consent. If screening is positive, providers must offer follow-up care or referrals per clinical guidelines, and all providers must complete required hepatitis training by January 1, 2026. The bill emphasizes culturally appropriate screenings and clarifies it doesn’t change existing provider responsibilities or impose licensure penalties for non-compliance.