Rep. Darya Farivar

Maddy summaryHB 1344 adds respite care to Washington's "basic plus waiver" program, allowing people with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their primary caregivers to access respite care funding more easily. The bill requires the state to seek federal approval to include respite care as an "aggregate service" (meaning funds can be used flexibly without extra approval after annual hours are exhausted), with respite care limited to 30% of the waiver's aggregate budget. It directly affects individuals relying on waiver services for community living and their unpaid caregivers, who often need breaks to maintain their own well-being. The state must submit a federal waiver amendment by September 1, 2025, and update the program upon federal approval. This changes how existing waiver funds can be used for respite care, not creating new funding.

Maddy summaryHB 1512 establishes a grant program to help low-income drivers address nonmoving traffic violations (like registration or insurance issues) through nonpunitive solutions such as repair vouchers, helmet programs, or community education, rather than fines. It directly affects low-income road users - defined as those on public assistance, WIC, Medicaid, or earning 125% of the federal poverty level - by providing alternatives to financial penalties. The bill also requires police to report detailed stop data (including race, age, and reason for stops) starting in 2026 and clarifies that stops for nonmoving violations can only be secondary to primary offenses like speeding or impaired driving. These provisions aim to reduce racial disparities in traffic enforcement while improving road safety compliance.

Maddy summaryHB 1826 requires mobility equipment manufacturers to provide independent repair providers and device owners with necessary parts, documentation, software, and tools at fair prices. It directly affects Washington residents who use mobility devices like power wheelchairs, scooters, and manual wheelchairs with power assists, addressing current repair delays averaging 4-7 weeks. The bill mandates that manufacturers make these resources available without unreasonable restrictions or costs, ensuring more repair options beyond manufacturer-authorized services. This aims to reduce delays that impact users' safety, employment, education, and daily living.

Maddy summaryHB 1623 prohibits employers from deducting credit card processing fees from employee tips. It requires that when customers pay tips via credit card, employees receive the full amount indicated on the credit card slip, without any reduction for transaction fees charged by the credit card company. This law directly affects tipped workers in Washington, such as servers and bartenders, and applies to all employers accepting credit card tips. The bill amends state law to ensure tips paid by credit card are paid in full to employees, eliminating employer deductions for processing costs.

Maddy summaryHB 1150 requires producers of consumer packaging and paper products to fund and manage recycling programs, shifting responsibility from taxpayers to manufacturers. It aims to improve recycling access - especially for rural residents and multi-family housing - by mandating producer-funded curbside collection systems and setting statewide collection and composting targets. The bill defines "covered materials" (like plastic, paper, metal packaging) and exempts certain items (e.g., infant formula packaging), while creating an advisory council to oversee implementation. Producers must meet specific collection rate goals, with smaller businesses qualifying for de minimis exemptions based on revenue thresholds. The law preserves local government authority over waste management but requires producers to integrate into existing recycling infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHB 1214 expands Washington's Working Families' Tax Credit to include all residents aged 18 and older, removing a prior age restriction that limited eligibility to those under 18. The bill updates eligibility rules in the tax code to allow individuals who meet federal credit requirements (including filing a federal return and meeting income thresholds) to qualify regardless of age, as long as they were 18 or older by the end of the prior tax year. It maintains existing credit amounts ($300-$1,200 based on children) and calculation methods, with annual inflation adjustments. This change directly affects low-income Washington residents aged 18+ who previously may have been excluded due to age.

Maddy summaryHB 1147 grants incarcerated individuals in Washington state prisons, residential habilitation centers, and state hospitals the right to civic engagement. It requires state agencies to facilitate activities like forming political advocacy groups, using facility spaces for meetings, participating in virtual forums with community groups, and accessing educational resources - without fear of punishment. The bill establishes a Civic Engagement Coordinator within the Office of Equity to handle complaints and ensure agencies uphold these rights. This policy directly affects justice-involved individuals by expanding their ability to participate in civic processes during their time in state custody.

Maddy summaryHB 1220 creates an exception to assault charges for individuals in behavioral health crisis who assault healthcare providers while receiving treatment. It specifically exempts such assaults from third-degree assault charges when the victim is a nurse, physician, or health care provider performing duties during behavioral health treatment under chapters 71.05, 71.34, or 10.77 of the Revised Code of Washington. This applies only when the person is detained, pending evaluation, or receiving voluntary in-patient behavioral health treatment. The bill modifies existing assault law to prevent criminal prosecution in these specific crisis treatment scenarios.

Maddy summaryHB 1897 creates legal liability protection for community-based public safety programs in Washington State. It shields these programs, their volunteers, and staff from lawsuits when providing core services - like outreach, case management, shelter, housing, or transportation - to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises, complex needs, or past legal system involvement, as long as actions are taken in good faith. The protection specifically covers activities directly tied to the program's purpose of addressing public safety issues as an alternative to jail or prosecution. However, it does not apply to cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct. This bill directly affects organizations responding to unmanaged substance use, mental health challenges, or poverty-related public order issues.

Maddy summaryHB 1396 creates an advisory council to increase transparency and accountability for Washington State's Office of Corrections Ombuds. The council, composed of 11 members including currently and formerly incarcerated individuals, family members, and experts in diversity and disability, will advise the ombuds on priorities and provide feedback on reports. The bill requires the ombuds to consult the council, share deidentified data and trends, and submit annual reports detailing complaints, investigations, and stakeholder input. It also mandates the ombuds to actively solicit feedback from incarcerated people and implement anti-racist training for council members. This bill directly affects incarcerated individuals, their families, and the ombuds office by restructuring oversight processes to center lived experience.