Rep. Shaun Scott

Maddy summaryHB 2471 establishes a state framework for collective bargaining rights when federal labor laws no longer apply to certain private-sector workers in Washington. It directly affects employees not covered by the National Labor Relations Act (NLRB), such as independent contractors, supervisors, or workers in industries where the NLRB lacks jurisdiction. The bill creates procedures for certifying bargaining representatives and ensures existing agreements remain valid during transitions, using the Public Employment Relations Commission to handle disputes. Key provisions include defining "employee" and "employer," requiring one-month certification timelines for existing representatives, and mandating the Commission to resolve disagreements over bargaining units. This law fills gaps in labor protections without altering federal jurisdiction.

Maddy summaryHB 2089 modifies Washington's tax code to redirect revenue from a business tax preference for "community banks" toward wildfire response funding. It updates the definition of "community bank" from "operating in ten or fewer states" to align with the federal standard ($10 billion or less in assets), reversing a 2012 policy that allowed 65% of tax savings ($91.6 million in 2023) to flow to non-community banks. Starting November 2027, the state will transfer annual revenue gains from this tax change directly into the wildfire response account, which funds forest restoration and community resilience. This bill directly affects financial institutions previously qualifying under the outdated definition, while ensuring funds support wildfire mitigation as mandated by the 2021 wildfire response account.

Maddy summaryHB 1634 establishes regional school safety centers in Washington state to help public school districts coordinate behavioral health support for students. The centers will provide training for school staff on suicide prevention, facilitate partnerships between schools and community health providers, offer Medicaid billing assistance, and support school-based threat assessment programs. This bill directly affects all public school districts, their staff (including counselors and psychologists), and students needing behavioral health services by improving access to existing resources through coordinated planning. It amends state law to require these centers to work with tribes and community partners to ensure culturally responsive support. The bill focuses on strengthening existing systems rather than creating new programs.

Maddy summaryHB 1128 creates a Washington state Child Care Workforce Standards Board to set minimum compensation and employment standards for child care workers. The board, composed of nine members including worker representatives (from family child care, center workers, and school-age programs), employer representatives, parent advocates, and state agency officials, will address low pay and poor working conditions that contribute to workforce instability. It requires the board to hold public hearings, establish standards with a six-member vote, and protect workers from retaliation for participating in the process. The law aims to improve child care quality and affordability by ensuring fair compensation and stable employment for workers directly serving children.

Maddy summaryHB 2452 requires landlords in manufactured and mobile home communities to provide tenants with a standardized notice for rent increases, detailing the exact percentage and dollar amount of the increase. The notice must also explain if the increase exceeds Washington’s 5% annual limit and include supporting documentation for any claimed exemptions (such as community purchases or public housing programs). This applies specifically to tenants in manufactured/mobile home communities, not all rental properties. The bill amends existing laws to ensure transparency and compliance with rent increase rules.

Maddy summaryHB 2165 makes it a gross misdemeanor to intentionally create, possess, or display fake law enforcement items (like badges, vehicle decals, or insignia) that falsely identify someone as a sworn peace officer or reserve officer, or to misrepresent ordinary items as police property. It directly affects individuals or businesses selling or using fake police gear, such as costume shops or people posing as officers. Key exceptions include items clearly marked as honorary roles, historical displays, or protected artistic/satirical works (like parodies or educational materials). The law does not prohibit legitimate uses like historical reenactments or news coverage, and it specifies that the fake item must be displayed in a way that would reasonably mislead others.

Maddy summaryHB 2495 allows cities with populations over 700,000 to immediately remove vehicles obstructing streetcar operations or endangering public safety without waiting periods. It amends Washington state law to specify that vehicles blocking streetcar right-of-way must be removed "immediately" under Section 46.55.010(14)(a)(v), directly affecting property owners (both residential and private) and tow truck operators. Key provisions require proper authorization for removals (signed by officials or property owners), mandate recording of impound details, and prohibit tow operators from acting as property owner agents. The bill focuses on streamlining streetcar safety enforcement while adding liability warnings for property owners authorizing removals.

Maddy summaryHB 2610 expands property tax exemptions for nonprofit housing providers in Washington State by allowing temporary use of their properties for community events (like meetings or festivals) without losing the exemption, even if these uses aren't for affordable housing. The bill clarifies that such temporary uses qualify as long as rental fees cover maintenance costs, the property isn’t used for profit, and total non-housing use doesn’t exceed 50 days per year (with no more than 15 days for business activities). It specifically amends tax code sections to include these community purposes under existing exemption rules, while maintaining safeguards like requiring reasonable fees and prohibiting repeated non-compliant use. This directly affects nonprofit housing organizations seeking to host community events on their properties without risking tax liability.

Maddy summaryHB 2426 allows pollution control appeal hearings to use alternative board configurations, directly affecting businesses or individuals appealing environmental permits. The bill permits the hearings board to hear cases through an administrative appeals judge (meeting existing qualifications), a land use board member, or a single qualified member - only with all parties' consent and unanimous board approval. It requires these alternatives to prioritize efficient use of administrative resources. The change aims to streamline processing of appeals without altering the board’s core authority or decision-making standards.

Maddy summaryHB 1570 grants collective bargaining rights to student employees (those enrolled in academic or certificate programs) at Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, Western Washington University, and The Evergreen State College. It defines specific bargaining topics, including tuition remission and waivers, while excluding issues like academic calendars, tuition amounts, student admissions, and termination based on academic performance. Compensation agreements must align with legislative budget limits, though institutions may offer additional pay beyond these limits. The bill applies only to employees not already covered by other collective bargaining laws at these institutions.