Rep. Chris Stearns

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution that celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, a federal law ensuring students with disabilities receive appropriate public education. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves to honor the law's impact and encourage public recognition of its contributions. The resolution acknowledges the role of families, educators, and advocates in supporting students with disabilities across Washington state. It expresses the legislature's commitment to maintaining equitable educational practices and inclusive opportunities for all learners.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that expresses the Washington State House of Representatives' support for economic relationships between Washington, Mexico, and Canada. It does not create new laws or change policies but serves as a symbolic statement acknowledging the importance of trade ties that support nearly one million jobs in Washington. The resolution highlights how these trade connections benefit various sectors including aerospace, agriculture, technology, and manufacturing across the state. It is a non-binding declaration intended to recognize existing economic partnerships rather than implement specific regulatory changes.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States founding on July 4, 2026, specifically focusing on Washington State's role in that history. The bill formally recognizes the significance of the Declaration of Independence and encourages citizens, organizations, and businesses in Washington to participate in commemorative events celebrating American heritage and federalist principles. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of the nation's founding ideals and Washington's contributions to the country's development.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HR 4697) honoring Dr. Bernal Baca, recognizing his decades of service to Washington state. It highlights his work as a 30-year Yakima Valley College professor, founder of the Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs, leader in labor and education advocacy, and executive director of a Tacoma-based Latino community nonprofit. The resolution formally acknowledges his contributions to justice, education, and community building, with no policy changes or direct effects on specific groups. As a procedural measure, it serves solely to express the House's recognition of his legacy.

Maddy summaryHR 4700 designates March 9 as "Billy Frank Jr. Day" to honor the late Nisqually Tribe leader who dedicated his life to protecting tribal treaty fishing rights and environmental conservation. The resolution commemorates his pivotal role in landmark legal cases securing tribal fishing rights and his decades-long efforts to foster collaboration on salmon habitat restoration and natural resource management. It recognizes his legacy of consensus-building between tribes, state authorities, and diverse stakeholders to uphold treaty obligations and protect Washington's ecosystems. The resolution does not create new policy but serves as a symbolic tribute to his advocacy.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution designates November 22nd as "Kimchi Day" to symbolically recognize kimchi's cultural significance and its role in Washington state. It highlights kimchi's 2,000-year Korean history, UNESCO recognition of its preparation process ("Kimjang"), and the contributions of Washington's large Korean American community. The resolution has no binding effect and serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment, not a policy change. It aligns with South Korea's existing "National Kimchi Day" observed on the same date.

Maddy summaryThis Washington state joint memorial (HJM 4017) urges the U.S. federal government to take specific actions regarding Iran, directly affecting U.S. agencies and policymakers. It requests the U.S. refrain from military intervention, strengthen targeted sanctions against Iranian officials violating human rights, minimize harm from broad sanctions on civilians, and support Iranian democracy movements through diplomatic and humanitarian means. The resolution emphasizes prioritizing Iranian-led democratic processes and includes nine specific policy requests, such as expanding internet access and halting deportations to Iran. As a symbolic state resolution - not a binding law - it has no legal effect but formally expresses Washington’s position to federal authorities.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 4692) acknowledges the 84th anniversary of Executive Order 9066, which led to the forced relocation and internment of over 120,000 Japanese Americans during WWII, including 12,000 from Washington State. It recognizes Japanese American veterans, incarcerees, and civil rights activists from Washington, and urges reflection on the principle "with liberty and justice for all," without creating new policies or requiring government action.

Maddy summaryHB 2281 strengthens Washington State's government-to-government relationship with federally recognized tribes by requiring state agencies to consult with tribes before actions affecting tribal cultural sites or practices. It defines "tribal traditional cultural places" and prohibits agencies from imposing "undue burdens" on tribal traditions without proving a compelling government need and using the least restrictive approach. Tribes can seek legal remedies in court if agencies violate these protections, with specific burden-of-proof rules for cases involving sacred tribal knowledge. The bill directly affects tribes whose cultural sites or practices may be impacted by state projects like construction or land management.

Maddy summaryHB 2401 establishes the Washington State Boys and Men Commission to address systemic challenges faced by boys and men, particularly those who are boys of color, in rural areas, identifying as LGBTQ+, or socioeconomically disadvantaged. The commission will identify needs, recommend policy changes, and coordinate with state agencies on issues like mental health access, education pathways, and vocational opportunities. Crucially, the commission’s creation is contingent on securing non-state funding (grants or private contributions) sufficient to cover operational costs through December 2029, with the Office of Financial Management required to identify funding needs by June 2026. It will consist of nine appointed members (including tribal representation and a majority identifying as male) and operate under an executive director appointed by the governor. The commission’s duties include serving as a policy information hub and producing biennial reports with recommendations to the legislature and governor.