Rep. Roger Goodman

Maddy summaryHB 1608 bans the sale, possession, transport, or distribution of farmed octopus in Washington State, targeting commercial aquaculture operations. The bill directly affects businesses and individuals involved in octopus farming, as it prohibits these activities under new provisions in Title 19 RCW. Key mechanisms include a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per violation for noncompliance, enforceable by the attorney general. The legislation is based on the legislature’s findings that octopuses are highly intelligent, sentient creatures requiring protection from farming practices. It expands existing 2024 restrictions on octopus aquaculture by eliminating the commercial market for farmed octopus.

Maddy summaryHB 2469 establishes a task force to study whether Washington should create a state-owned public bank modeled after North Dakota's bank. The task force, appointed by the state treasurer, includes representatives from community banks, credit unions, agriculture, mining, logging, transportation, and commercial construction industries. It will examine legal barriers, potential benefits like funding infrastructure and disaster supplies, capital needs, and governance over one year, with a report due to the legislature by December 2026. The bill does not create the bank but seeks to determine its feasibility as a potential tool for state economic development.

Maddy summaryHB 2154 amends Washington State law to clarify how conservation districts may acquire and manage land for conservation purposes. The bill allows districts to obtain land (through purchase, lease, gift, etc.) without condemnation, but requires consent from land occupiers before using their property for demonstrations or conservation projects. It also specifies that district supervisors who are also land occupiers are exempt from certain conflict-of-interest rules. The bill directly affects conservation districts and landowners within their districts by changing land acquisition and usage procedures under RCW 89.08.220. These changes aim to streamline conservation work while requiring landowner agreement for district activities.

Maddy summaryHB 2328 requires all public school districts in Washington to create and maintain standardized school maps as part of their safe school plans. These maps must be updated annually, include site-specific details for emergency response, and be shared with local and state first responders. The bill directly affects school districts, which must now integrate these maps into their safety planning to ensure compatibility with emergency systems and protect sensitive data. This addresses longstanding issues where outdated or inconsistent mapping hindered emergency coordination, as noted in a 2019 legislative study. The policy aims to improve real-time response during emergencies by providing accurate, accessible facility information to first responders.

Maddy summaryHB 2184 requires Washington State occupational therapists to obtain a special "intramuscular needling endorsement" before performing this specific pain treatment technique. To qualify, therapists must complete 325 hours of training (including 100 hours of anatomy/pain management education, 75 hours of hands-on technique practice, and 150 supervised patient sessions) plus one year of full-time clinical experience. The endorsement process involves documentation of training and a clinical review by a qualified provider (such as a physician or licensed physical therapist). This bill directly affects occupational therapists seeking to offer intramuscular needling as part of their practice. It does not change other occupational therapy services but adds specific requirements for this technique.

Maddy summaryHB 2213 requires Washington scrap metal businesses to document every metal sale with detailed records, including seller ID, vehicle details, photos of the metal, and a signed declaration confirming the metal isn’t stolen. Businesses must digitally report transactions over $50 to a state database and limit cash payments to $30 per transaction, with the remainder paid via non-transferable check or electronic method. The law aims to deter metal theft by making it harder to anonymously sell stolen metal, directly affecting all scrap metal businesses operating in the state. Key provisions include mandatory photo documentation of metal and 10-day retention of high-value items.

Maddy summaryHB 2169 strengthens financial independence for Washington youth aged 18-21 in the care of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). It prohibits DCYF from using personal benefits (like Social Security) paid to these youth to reimburse care costs starting January 1, 2027. The bill requires DCYF to help eligible youth apply for Social Security benefits, assist in setting up managed financial accounts (such as ABLE accounts), and provide support for managing funds. If needed, DCYF must help identify an authorized representative to manage benefits, though it clarifies the department owes no fiduciary duty to youth or third parties managing these accounts.

Maddy summaryHB 1889 adopts recommendations from the Department of Social and Health Services to create a regulatory oversight plan for continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) in Washington. It requires CCRCs to submit detailed financial statements, disclosure documents, and implementation plans when applying for registration, starting July 2027, to ensure transparency about fees and solvency. The bill directly affects CCRCs (which provide long-term housing and care) and their residents - both those with formal residency agreements and those paying for services fee-for-service - by mandating clearer communication about financial health and service coverage. Key provisions include requiring audited financial reports showing 10-year projections, resident notification of financial decisions, and board participation opportunities, aiming to protect residents from unexpected cost shifts or service disruptions.

Maddy summaryHB 1642 allows specific retirement system members who were never given a choice between two plan options to transfer to plan 2. It applies to teachers who joined Teachers' Retirement System plans 2/3 between 1996-2007, school employees who joined School Employees' Retirement System plans 2/3 between 2000-2007, and public employees starting after 2025 (effective January 2026). Members must make an irrevocable January transfer choice for future service, but retirees cannot transfer. The legislature reserves the right to modify this provision.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Memorial 4003 is a non-binding resolution from the Washington State Legislature urging the U.S. government to join international efforts in developing a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. It calls for ending new fossil fuel exploration and expansion, phasing out existing production in line with climate science, and prioritizing worker and community support during the transition. The memorial aligns with Washington’s existing climate laws, including the Climate Commitment Act and the HEAL Act, which aim to reduce emissions and address environmental health disparities. It directly addresses the U.S. President, Congress, and the United Nations to advance global climate action.