Rep. Darya Farivar

Maddy summaryHB 2212 requires new commercial and industrial washing machines sold in Washington to include microfiber filters that capture tiny plastic fibers (under 5mm) starting July 1, 2028, with existing machines needing filters by July 1, 2034. It mandates clear labeling on machines and regular filter maintenance to prevent microplastics - released in high numbers per laundry load - from entering waterways. The bill also allows for future residential machine requirements if other states adopt similar rules and costs stay below $70 per unit. Violations face civil penalties up to $10,000 per offense, enforced by the Department of Ecology. This targets a major pollution source linked to health and marine ecosystem risks.

Maddy summaryHB 2217 creates a rehabilitative pathway for individuals in Washington state charged with certain non-violent, non-sex felony offenses who have no prior felony convictions. Eligible defendants may request a court to defer conviction and sentencing for up to one year, during which they must comply with conditions like community service or treatment. If they successfully complete the deferral period, the charges are dismissed; if not, they face sentencing for the original offense. The bill excludes violent offenses, most drug crimes, and certain DUI charges from eligibility.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 4675, adopted on January 28, 2026, is a ceremonial resolution expressing the Washington State House of Representatives' gratitude to the Washington National Guard for their service. It specifically acknowledges the Guard's roles in emergency response (including flood operations and search-and-rescue missions), disaster recovery efforts (like adapting from the Oso landslide), and national defense support (such as aerial refueling capabilities). The resolution directs copies to the Adjutant General, Governor, and other officials but does not create new laws or alter policies. It directly honors National Guard members, their families, and employers without imposing any financial or operational requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1809 requires Washington state to develop and implement a standardized 9-hour training program for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics on responding to behavioral health emergencies, such as overdoses and suicidal crises, by July 2026. It creates a voluntary "behavioral health endorsement" for EMTs who complete the training, allowing them to better connect individuals in crisis to community services instead of emergency departments. The bill mandates the Department of Health to adopt rules integrating this training into existing certification programs by January 2027. This aims to reduce reliance on emergency rooms for behavioral health crises while improving first responder preparedness and collaboration with co-response teams.

Maddy summaryHB 2227 would exempt sales of "qualified affordable housing" from Washington's real estate excise tax. This bill amends the state's tax code (RCW 82.45.010) to create this specific exemption for qualifying affordable housing properties. The exemption directly affects sellers of eligible affordable housing units, reducing their tax burden when selling such properties. The bill is currently pending in the House Finance Committee after being prefaced in December 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 2313 authorizes Washington cities to establish publicly owned grocery stores in underserved areas with food access gaps. Cities can acquire property (including via eminent domain), apply for state capital grants covering building rehabilitation and 24-hour "food locker systems," and use tax increment financing to fund store development and infrastructure. The bill requires annual reporting on financial status, community access, jobs created, and for third-party operated stores, sales data and compliance with contractual benchmarks like local produce sourcing. This directly affects cities seeking to address food insecurity through municipal grocery initiatives.

Maddy summaryHB 2662 requires Washington's state investment board to integrate environmental, social, and governance principles into managing public retirement and trust funds. It prohibits investments in companies involved in forced labor, coal production, tobacco manufacturing, severe environmental harm, or violations of international humanitarian law, while still prioritizing strong financial returns. The board must annually report on how these principles guide investment decisions and develop proxy voting guidelines to address related risks. This directly affects the board’s management of billions in state funds, including retirement accounts and public trust assets.

Maddy summaryHB 2651 allows Washington's Attorney General or county prosecutors to direct the state patrol to collect and securely retain digital evidence identifying federal agents accused of misconduct, such as location data, cell tower records, or facial recognition information. It applies to federal law enforcement officers and Department of Homeland Security contractors accused of misconduct like excessive force, assault, or constitutional rights violations. Complainants can only access this digital evidence through a court order in a related civil rights or criminal case. The bill establishes a clear process for gathering and limiting access to this data, focusing on factual evidence for accountability.

Maddy summaryHB 2173 prohibits Washington law enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings (like balaclavas or ski masks) during routine public interactions, while allowing exceptions for active undercover operations and protective gear used by specialized units like SWAT teams. The bill defines "facial covering" to exclude medical masks, helmets, and clear face shields. It also establishes that individuals detained in violation can sue officers for financial compensation, attorney fees, or other court-ordered remedies. The law applies to all "peace officers" as defined under state law during standard public duties.

Maddy summaryHB 2100 imposes a tax on large Washington companies for payroll expenses exceeding $125,000 per employee (mirroring the federal Medicare surtax threshold), effective July 2026. The tax revenue will fund the "Well Washington Fund," with 51% of annual revenues dedicated to supporting health care (including Medicaid), higher education, food assistance (SNAP), and energy/housing programs. The bill creates an oversight board of 25 legislative members to manage fund allocations, ensuring resources target services most impacted by federal budget cuts. This policy directly affects large operating companies with significant payroll, aiming to offset projected losses in state services from federal legislation.