Rep. Brandy Donaghy

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 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.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not substantive legislation) passed by the Washington state House of Representatives. It formally congratulates the Seattle Seahawks football team for winning the 2025 NFL regular season, NFC West Division championship, and Super Bowl 60. The resolution specifically recognizes their 14-3 record, defensive dominance, key player achievements (including MVP Kenneth Walker III), and community contributions. It has no legal effect beyond expressing the House's recognition and appreciation to the team organization.

Maddy summaryHB 1977 shifts legal liability for civil lawsuits involving servers who sell liquor to visibly intoxicated patrons from the servers themselves to the licensed retail establishments (like bars or restaurants). The bill requires retailers to cover all defense costs and any monetary judgments against servers in such cases, and prohibits judgments from becoming liens on servers' personal property. Servers remain personally liable for fines related to violations of liquor laws, and the bill does not affect the retailer's own liability for damages. This directly impacts servers working at licensed alcohol-serving establishments and the retailers who employ them.

Maddy summaryHB 2514 establishes a memorial on the Washington state capitol campus to honor service members from Washington who died in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation New Dawn (collectively termed the "global war on terror"). The bill creates a work group with legislative, veteran, and state agency representatives to plan the memorial’s design, location, funding, and construction. It requires the work group to submit recommendations to the capitol committee by July 2027, including names to honor, potential sites, and budget details. The memorial must also include a reflective component acknowledging veterans who died by suicide after service. This is a commemorative measure with no immediate policy or funding changes.

Maddy summaryHB 2139 increases Washington State's snowmobile registration fees from $50 to $75 for both initial registration and renewal, effective September 30, 2025. It also raises vintage snowmobile fees from $12 to $18 annually. The bill directly affects all snowmobile owners required to register their vehicles in Washington. This change modifies existing fee schedules under RCW 46.17.350 without adding new requirements or programs.

Maddy summaryHB 2481 bans grocery stores from using computer systems to charge different prices based on personal data like shopping habits, location, or inferred characteristics (e.g., income or race). It also requires a four-year temporary pause on all electronic shelf label systems that could collect consumer data from devices to adjust prices. The law directly affects grocery retailers using dynamic pricing technology, exempting small businesses. It aims to ensure prices remain fair and transparent, preventing personalized pricing without clear disclosure. The bill defines key terms like "inferred data" and "electronic shelf label systems" to clarify these prohibitions.

Maddy summaryHB 2483 creates a state registry requiring data brokers in Washington to register with the Department of Licensing by May 2028. It applies to businesses that collect and sell personal information like names, addresses, Social Security numbers, or biometric data (e.g., fingerprints) without consumer consent. The law defines "data broker" broadly but excludes credit bureaus, financial institutions under federal law, and businesses collecting data from customers or employees. The registry aims to increase transparency about who collects and sells Washington residents' personal data, without regulating how data is handled.

Maddy summaryHB 2144 requires Washington employers to provide written notice to employees before using electronic monitoring (such as AI tools, cameras, or software) to assist in performance evaluations. Employers must give at least 30 days' notice before starting new monitoring, 60 days for existing monitoring, and notify new hires at the time of the job offer. The notice must explain how monitoring is used (e.g., tracking productivity) and how data is verified. Violations can result in Department of Labor investigations and civil penalties up to $5,000 for willful violations, with enforcement applying to all employers in Washington state.

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.