Rep. Darya Farivar

Maddy summaryHB 1284 eliminates a tax deduction that allowed corporations and other business entities to exclude investment income from Washington's business and occupation tax. This affects companies earning income from investments (like stocks or loans), particularly those investing outside Washington, which previously avoided tax on that income. The bill amends tax code to remove this deduction, with a small exception allowing deductions for investment income under 5% of annual gross receipts. The legislature states this change aims to close a perceived tax loophole, increase revenue for public schools, and create fairness by requiring all businesses to pay tax on investment income earned within the state.

Maddy summaryHB 1181 clarifies who is covered by Washington's minimum wage law by updating definitions in the Washington Minimum Wage Act. It adds specific exclusions, such as farm interns with special certificates and minor league baseball players under collective bargaining agreements, while refining definitions for terms like "family member" and "retail establishment." These changes directly affect employers and workers in defined categories, ensuring the law applies only to eligible employees. The bill does not change the current minimum wage rate but refines coverage to align with evolving workplace structures.

Maddy summaryHB 1132 updates Washington's firearm dealer licensing rules to enhance safety. It requires dealers to implement strict security measures, including alarms monitored by law enforcement, locked storage for firearms during non-business hours, and digital surveillance systems covering all sales areas. The bill mandates annual background checks for all employees selling firearms and prohibits temporary sales outside licensed locations except at designated gun shows. It also requires dealers to annually certify compliance with all licensing conditions and face permanent license loss for violations. These provisions directly affect licensed firearm dealers operating in Washington state.

Maddy summaryHB 2064 authorizes Washington's Secretary of State to develop and test a secure electronic portal for specific voters who cannot use standard mail to return ballots. It directly affects service members, overseas voters, disabled voters (per RCW 29A.04.037), and eligible incarcerated voters (excluding those with revoked voting rights). The bill requires the portal to ensure voter secrecy, prevent duplicate voting, and restrict usage to only these covered groups, with counties reporting all portal activity. The Secretary of State must submit annual progress reports to the legislature, starting December 1, 2025, and complete a final report by December 1, 2028.

Maddy summaryHB 1138 requires Washington law enforcement officers to stop using deceptive tactics (like falsely claiming evidence exists) during criminal interrogations starting in 2026. It presumes statements obtained through deception are inadmissible in court for misdemeanor or felony cases, unless prosecutors prove the statement was voluntary. The bill mandates free, state-developed training for all officers on evidence-based techniques like the PEACE method, cognitive interviews, and trauma-informed approaches by July 2026. This directly affects law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and individuals being questioned in criminal investigations.

Maddy summaryHB 1111 allows individuals convicted of crimes before age 18 to petition the indeterminate sentence review board for early release after turning 24, provided they have no recent convictions or serious infractions. The bill requires a department assessment 5 years before eligibility, a dangerousness evaluation within 180 days of petition, and sets conditions for release, including victim input and potential rental assistance. It limits annual petitions to 70, prioritizing those under 25 or recently transferred from juvenile custody, and expires July 2035. The policy aims to align with brain development science by creating rehabilitation incentives for youth offenders.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1402 makes it an unfair practice for Washington state employers to include a driver's license requirement in job advertisements or applications unless the position's core functions genuinely necessitate operating a motor vehicle. This bill clarifies that transportation to and from the job site does not constitute a job function requiring a driver's license. Individuals harmed by a violation can pursue civil action to stop the practice and recover damages and attorney's fees.

Maddy summaryHB 1905 requires courts to appoint legal counsel for individuals detained under Washington's involuntary treatment laws. This bill directly affects people facing involuntary mental health or substance use disorder detention, ensuring they have representation during court proceedings. Key provisions amend statutes to mandate appointed counsel during involuntary commitment hearings and related legal processes. The law updates procedures to provide due process for detained individuals under the Involuntary Treatment Act, without specifying funding or eligibility details. This change aims to strengthen legal protections for those in involuntary detention.

Maddy summaryHB 1964 requires individuals requesting lists of people (like contact information) under Washington's public records law to sign a declaration stating the request is noncommercial and explaining its purpose. This applies specifically to requests for "lists of individuals," not general public records. The bill also clarifies that agencies cannot deny valid requests solely for being "overbroad" and allows them to block automated "bot" requests causing excessive interference. The law aims to prevent commercial misuse of public records while ensuring transparency for noncommercial requests.

Maddy summaryHB 1195 prevents local governments in Washington from denying permits for permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, indoor emergency housing, or shelters in residential or commercial zones within urban growth areas. It requires cities and counties to review such permit applications through an administrative process only, not public hearings, and establishes a waiver process if local rules block projects. The bill creates a dispute resolution system where the state department can review conflicts and order corrective action, including withholding state funds from noncompliant localities. The law does not apply to projects in critical areas, natural hazard zones, or agricultural/forestry lands.