Rep. Gerry Pollet

Maddy summaryHB 1381 requires counties in Washington with significant language minority populations to provide election materials (like registration forms, ballots, and instructions) in both English and the designated language(s) of those groups. A county qualifies as "covered" if census data shows at least 2.5% of voting-age residents in a single language group have limited English proficiency and higher illiteracy rates than the national average, or if it contains an Indian reservation meeting similar thresholds. The secretary of state will designate these language groups annually using census data, and counties have one year to comply after designation, with a grant program to support implementation. The bill takes effect only if funding is secured by June 30, 2025, and does not replace existing language assistance requirements under state law.

Maddy summaryHB 1793 requires authorized insurers in Washington to report specific details about fire loss claims to the Insurance Commissioner within 90 days of closing the claim. The report must include the property's zip code, date of loss, amount paid per coverage, and the known or suspected origin/cause of the loss (including whether it involved criminal activity). This bill amends RCW 48.05.320 to update the reporting requirements for fire losses, replacing a previous provision that directed reports to the Washington State Patrol. The change focuses on standardizing fire loss data collection for the Insurance Commissioner's use, without altering the underlying insurance claims process.

Maddy summaryHB 1870 allows Washington counties to levy an additional property tax of up to five cents per $1,000 of assessed value specifically for public health clinics. This tax can only fund the operation, maintenance, and capital expenses of clinics providing services like primary care, dental care, disease prevention, reproductive health, and behavioral health. The bill amends existing tax laws to exempt this new levy from standard county tax limits (like the $1.80 cap), ensuring it doesn’t count toward other spending restrictions. It directly affects counties and public health clinics, which would use the funds for low-barrier health services to underserved communities.

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 1136 establishes a program placing financial aid specialists in Washington high schools to help students complete the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) and Washington state financial aid forms. The specialists will target schools in educational service districts with the lowest FAFSA completion rates, especially those serving high percentages of low-income students (eligible for free/reduced lunch). Using data from the Student Achievement Council, they will provide direct support to students and families, including outreach at school events and through peer networks. The program requires annual reports tracking application completion rates and enrollment impacts, aiming to reduce barriers like perceived costs that prevent students from pursuing postsecondary education.

Maddy summaryHB 1292 establishes an ongoing annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for retirees in Plan 1 of Washington's Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) and Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), starting July 2026. The bill uses the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to calculate annual increases, capping the first adjustment at 3% and limiting yearly changes to no more than a 3% difference from the prior year. It consolidates the costs of past COLA increases over a 15-year period while requiring new benefit improvements to be paid over a 10-year amortization. The bill directly affects current and future retirees in both systems who qualify under Plan 1, excluding those covered by specific exception provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a standardized "portable orders for life-sustaining treatment" form that Washington residents can use to document their end-of-life care preferences, allowing the form to be recognized across all healthcare settings in the state. It establishes a statewide registry for these forms, requires healthcare providers to review them annually with patients, and provides legal immunity for providers who follow the documented preferences in good faith. The law directly affects residents making advance care decisions and healthcare providers (including doctors, nurses, EMTs, and hospitals) who must follow these orders. Key provisions include an opt-out option for registry submission, rules for verbal confirmation of forms, and protections against liability for providers acting in accordance with the documented preferences.

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 1036 requires Washington's community colleges, regional universities, and The Evergreen State College to include at least one labor representative on each governing board. This bill amends existing laws to mandate that labor representation be considered when appointing board members, alongside geographical diversity and representation of women, racial, and ethnic minorities. The labor trustee must be appointed by the governor and cannot be an employee of the higher education system. This change directly affects the composition of college governing boards but does not alter policies affecting students or faculty. The bill takes effect October 1, 2030.

Maddy summaryHB 1565 extends Washington's dual enrollment scholarship program, which covers costs for high school students participating in Running Start (a program allowing 11th/12th graders to take college courses at community colleges/universities). It directly affects eligible students who qualify for free/reduced lunch, the College Bound Scholarship, or Washington College Grant. The bill expands scholarship coverage to include textbooks, course materials, transportation, and food stipends (if funds remain), beyond previously covered tuition and fees. It appropriates $750,000 annually for 2026-2027 and extends the program until 2032, requiring the Washington Student Achievement Council to develop implementation rules and guidance.