Rep. Darya Farivar

Maddy summaryHB 1816 allows cities and counties with over 200,000 residents to create civilian crisis response teams that handle specific 911 calls instead of police. These teams can serve as the primary response for calls involving mental health crises, safety checks, or resource requests (like shelter or food), but only when no active violence or weapons are reported. The bill requires teams to undergo training in de-escalation and scene safety, and mandates consultation with health authorities to set qualifications and operating protocols. It designates these teams as a "third 911 responder" alongside police and fire, operating outside traditional law enforcement and fire response systems.

Maddy summaryHB 1445 would create a state-run Washington Health Trust to provide universal, comprehensive health coverage to all Washington residents, eliminating premiums, deductibles, and copayments. The trust would cover essential health benefits including primary care, dental, vision, prescription drugs, mental health services, and maternity care for everyone, regardless of income, race, or immigration status. It prohibits discrimination by providers and requires all qualified health care facilities to participate, with the trust paying providers directly for covered services. The bill aims to replace fragmented private and public insurance systems with a single unified financing structure to simplify administration and reduce costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new reimbursement rules for health insurers covering Washington public employees' health plans. Starting in 2027, insurers must pay at least 150% of Medicare rates for primary care and behavioral health services, while capping payments at 200% of Medicare for most hospital services (350% for children's specialty hospitals). Rural hospitals and critical access facilities must receive minimum payments of 101% of Medicare costs. These requirements specifically apply to insurers serving public employees, not general health coverage.

Maddy summaryHB 1510 expands Washington's judicial retirement benefit program to include supreme court and court of appeals commissioners, who were previously excluded. It allows current commissioners to elect a 1.5% annual benefit multiplier for future service (effective 2026) and permits past commissioners to retroactively purchase higher benefits for prior service (2028 window), subject to a 75% cap on total benefits. Commissioners must pay 5% of salary plus 5.5% interest for retroactive purchases, with costs limited to the actuarial value of the increased benefit. This applies to members of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) under Plans 1 or 2.

Maddy summaryHB 1864 requires health plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, to cover ground ambulance transport to non-emergency facilities like urgent care clinics, mental health centers, or substance use disorder programs. It amends existing laws to mandate this coverage for behavioral health emergencies (effective January 1, 2025) and establishes reimbursement rules for medical assistance programs. The bill directly affects health insurers, ambulance services, and patients seeking non-emergency care. It creates a policy change ensuring coverage for transport to these facilities without requiring prior authorization for emergency situations.

Maddy summaryHB 1354 amends Washington state law to explicitly include temporary legislative session employees under the public employees' benefits board insurance programs. It clarifies that "employee" definitions now cover these temporary staff members (e.g., aides or support personnel hired specifically for legislative sessions), ensuring they receive the same health insurance benefits as other state employees. The bill makes this change through targeted amendments to existing statutes (RCW 41.05.011 and 41.05.065), without creating new benefits or altering coverage terms. This is a procedural clarification affecting only temporary legislative staff, not elected officials or permanent employees.

Maddy summaryHB 1059 strengthens oversight of self-insured employers and their third-party administrators in Washington State by requiring them to act in good faith when handling workers' compensation claims. It creates a new rule that allows the state director to withdraw a self-insurer's certification after three proven violations of good faith within three years (e.g., coercing workers to accept less compensation or hiding injury reports). Employers found violating this duty must pay penalties ranging from 1 to 52 times the worker’s average weekly wage, with investigations triggered by written complaints. The law applies to all workers’ compensation claims regardless of injury date and takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1313 requires businesses with 100 or more employees in Washington to provide 60 days' written notice before mass layoffs (50+ employees in 30 days), relocations (100+ miles), or terminations. The notice must include specific details like the reasons for the action, alternatives considered (e.g., reduced hours or transfers), and supporting data on operations or market conditions. Employers must notify affected workers, the state employment department, local governments, workforce councils, and unions. Exceptions exist for businesses seeking capital (with strict documentation) or facing natural disasters, but the law aims to increase transparency and give workers more time to prepare for job loss.

Maddy summaryHB 1350 updates Washington's child care subsidy reimbursement rates to better match the actual cost of high-quality care. It requires the state to use a new "cost of quality" rate model that covers full provider costs - including living wages, benefits, staff training, and materials - instead of relying solely on the current 85th percentile market rate. This directly affects licensed child care providers serving families in the Working Connections Child Care program and aims to stabilize the child care workforce. The bill maintains the existing baseline reimbursement rate but mandates future rate recommendations must reflect these updated cost calculations.

Maddy summaryHB 1180 implements specific recommendations from Washington's Sex Offender Policy Board regarding the criminal offense of failure to register as a sex offender. The bill amends state laws (including RCW 9A.44.132 and 9.94A.515) to clarify registration requirements and adjust sentencing levels for noncompliance. It directly affects individuals convicted of sex offenses who are required to register under state law. The key change updates how failure to register is classified and penalized within Washington's criminal sentencing framework.