Rep. Chris Stearns

Maddy summaryHB 1713 establishes a process for automatic voter registration of tribal members in Washington. It requires the Secretary of State to create state-tribal compacts with federally recognized tribes (whose traditional lands include Washington) to automatically register eligible tribal members. Under the bill, tribes would submit resolutions to initiate compacts, and after approval, tribes would send voter data meeting specific criteria (citizenship, address, signature) to the state for automatic registration. This would add tribal members to voter rolls without requiring separate applications, with acknowledgment notices sent within five business days.

Maddy summaryHB 1679 allows Washington electric utilities to count investments in advanced nuclear reactor projects toward meeting their 2045 clean energy compliance requirements, specifically as one of up to 20% of their obligation under the Clean Energy Transformation Act. The bill amends existing law to explicitly include advanced nuclear projects as a valid "alternative compliance option," requiring such investments to be real, permanent, and quantifiable in emissions reductions. It directly affects utilities required to achieve 100% nonemitting electricity by 2045, providing a new pathway alongside renewables and efficiency measures. The policy change clarifies that nuclear investments must meet department criteria for verification, without conflicting with existing clean energy standards.

Maddy summaryHB 1583 requires Washington's Health Care Authority to apply for a federal waiver by September 1, 2025, to expand Medicaid coverage for "traditional health care practices" delivered through specific facilities. These practices include indigenous health knowledge and services provided by Indian Health Service facilities, tribally operated facilities under federal law, or urban Indian organizations. Coverage would be available to Medicaid beneficiaries receiving care at these facilities, but only if the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services approves the waiver. The bill does not change current Medicaid rules but seeks to add this coverage option through a federal waiver process.

Maddy summaryHB 1532 allows specific cities (with populations over 120,000, located in high-population counties, and where industrial/warehousing makes up over 25% of property valuation) to add a 0.3% sales tax to offset fiscal challenges caused by current sales tax laws. This supplemental tax, collected on taxable transactions within the city, must fund community improvements like infrastructure or services to boost local vitality. Cities using this authority must hold public meetings, maintain a budget transparency webpage, and survey residents before each biennial budget. The bill replaces an expiring state funding program set to end in July 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1111 allows individuals convicted of crimes before age 18 to petition the indeterminate sentence review board for early release after turning 24, provided they have no recent convictions or serious infractions. The bill requires a department assessment 5 years before eligibility, a dangerousness evaluation within 180 days of petition, and sets conditions for release, including victim input and potential rental assistance. It limits annual petitions to 70, prioritizing those under 25 or recently transferred from juvenile custody, and expires July 2035. The policy aims to align with brain development science by creating rehabilitation incentives for youth offenders.

Maddy summaryHB 1358 requires mobile home community owners in Washington to provide written notice of a potential sale or lease to all tenants, tenant organizations, and specific government agencies (like the Department of Commerce and local housing authorities) before marketing the community for sale. The notice must include details about the sale, a 70-day window for tenants to form a qualified purchasing group, and information on how to access community financial data. This bill amends existing laws to ensure tenants have a formal opportunity to compete for ownership before the property is sold to outside buyers. It applies directly to mobile home community owners and tenants, with specific requirements for notice delivery, timelines, and access to financial information during negotiations.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1822 establishes a new requirement for certain driver's license applicants in Washington state. It mandates that individuals under the age of 26 applying for their first driver's license must successfully complete an online course focused on driver safety in work zones and around first responders. The Department of Licensing is tasked with contracting for and providing this online course at no cost for Washington residents between 15 and 25 years old. This safety course also becomes a necessary step for obtaining an intermediate driver's license.

Maddy summaryHB 1853 requires Washington school districts to designate all public outdoor recreational spaces (like playgrounds and fields) as "green community schoolyards" available for community use outside school hours. It mandates the state superintendent to create a model shared-use agreement policy covering scheduling, costs, liability, equity, and fee structures to facilitate community access. School districts adopting this model policy become eligible for adjusted state funding under the school construction program. The bill directly affects school districts, community groups, and residents - especially those in underserved areas - by expanding access to outdoor recreation spaces without new land acquisition. It aims to improve physical activity access, community cohesion, and climate resilience through existing school properties.

Maddy summaryHB 1404 expands access to free school meals in Washington state by removing income-based eligibility requirements. It mandates that all public school students who request a meal receive it at no cost, regardless of family income, to address food insecurity and support academic success. The bill amends several education funding statutes (including RCW 28A.235.135 and 28A.235.160) to align meal access with this new policy. It directly affects every public school student in Washington, ensuring no child experiences hunger during the school day. The policy change replaces previous tiered eligibility systems with universal free meals for all requesting students.

Maddy summaryHB 1265 reclassifies buying sex as "commercial sexual exploitation" (a class C felony, up from a misdemeanor) and imposes tiered financial penalties on offenders based on prior convictions. The bill directly affects individuals who purchase sexual services, requiring fees ranging from $3,000 for first offenses to $10,000 for repeat violations. Revenue from these fees must fund local prevention efforts, including offender education programs like "john schools" and survivor support services. The bill specifically addresses exploitation of vulnerable groups, including children, LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, and those in poverty or foster care, as outlined in its legislative intent. It is currently pending in the House Committee on Community Safety.