Rep. Larry Springer

Maddy summaryWashington State's HJM 4004 is a joint memorial requesting Congress to amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act. It asks for expanded authority allowing state and tribal managers to use adaptive management tools - including lethal removal of sea lions - to protect endangered salmon stocks across all Washington marine waters and Puget Sound, beyond the current limited Columbia River authorization. The memorial cites a 2022 study showing pinniped populations contribute to salmon declines and a 2018 law that successfully reduced sea lion predation on the Columbia River. This request seeks to extend similar flexibility statewide for salmon recovery efforts. (Procedural memorial; not a bill with binding effect.)

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that formally commends the Seattle Seahawks organization for winning Super Bowl LX in 2026. It recognizes the team's historic championship victory, highlights the contributions of key players and staff, and acknowledges the support of Washington state fans. The resolution expresses appreciation from the House of Representatives and directs copies of the document to the Seahawks organization.

Maddy summaryThis Washington state joint memorial (HJM 4017) urges the U.S. federal government to take specific actions regarding Iran, directly affecting U.S. agencies and policymakers. It requests the U.S. refrain from military intervention, strengthen targeted sanctions against Iranian officials violating human rights, minimize harm from broad sanctions on civilians, and support Iranian democracy movements through diplomatic and humanitarian means. The resolution emphasizes prioritizing Iranian-led democratic processes and includes nine specific policy requests, such as expanding internet access and halting deportations to Iran. As a symbolic state resolution - not a binding law - it has no legal effect but formally expresses Washington’s position to federal authorities.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 4692) acknowledges the 84th anniversary of Executive Order 9066, which led to the forced relocation and internment of over 120,000 Japanese Americans during WWII, including 12,000 from Washington State. It recognizes Japanese American veterans, incarcerees, and civil rights activists from Washington, and urges reflection on the principle "with liberty and justice for all," without creating new policies or requiring government action.

Maddy summaryHB 2544 creates a pilot program to streamline water rights adjudication for the upper Columbia River area by prioritizing federal and tribal water rights claims before addressing other claimants. It modifies standard procedures to reduce costs for water users, requiring the Department of Ecology to first consult courts on resource availability and serve federal/tribal entities via personal or mail service with a 100-130 day return deadline. The pilot must conclude by June 1, 2033, and includes provisions for identifying additional claimants and using electronic filing/videoconferencing for efficiency. This process aims to determine if the streamlined approach would benefit statewide water rights adjudications.

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 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 summaryHB 2736 reinstates Washington's estate tax rates that were in effect immediately before May 20, 2025, for estates of decedents dying on or after July 1, 2026. It applies these specific tax rates (e.g., 20% on estates over $9 million) to Washington-resident decedents' taxable estates, directly affecting larger estates subject to state taxation. The bill amends RCW 83.100.040 to restore the pre-May 2025 rate structure, which includes stepped tax brackets starting at $0 for estates under $1 million and rising to 20% for estates over $9 million. This change would apply to estates settled after July 1, 2026, but does not affect estates of decedents dying before that date.

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 2517 streamlines permitting for high-capacity transit projects like rail systems by giving regional transit authorities new tools. It allows transit agencies to apply for land use and construction permits before owning property (with owner notice), and to build rail facilities that exceed local height/setback rules when necessary. The bill also requires written property owner permission before issuing permits for transit projects on private land. These changes apply specifically to transit authorities under Chapter 81.112 RCW and aim to accelerate major transit infrastructure development.