Rep. Amy Walen

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 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 summaryHB 2738 would impose a 9.9% income tax on Washington residents with taxable income exceeding $1 million annually, applying to individuals (not households) with income over this threshold. The tax requires prior passage of a constitutional amendment and would generate revenue to fund public defense programs (7%) and state tax relief initiatives (93%), including sales tax relief and working families' credits. It defines "Washington taxable income" through modifications to federal adjusted gross income, with credits available for taxes paid to other states or business taxes. The bill, referred to the Finance Committee after its first reading on February 19, 2026, remains pending.

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 summaryHJR 4213 proposes amending Washington's state constitution to permit an income tax. If approved, it would allow the legislature to tax income above $1 million annually (adjusted yearly for inflation), with a maximum tax rate of 9.9%. The bill sets a threshold that excludes individuals earning $1 million or less per year from the tax, and requires annual inflation adjustments to this threshold using the Seattle-area consumer price index. This constitutional change must be voted on by Washington voters in the next general election.

Maddy summaryHB 2255 regulates third-party litigation funders in Washington state by requiring them to disclose their identity and citizenship to all parties in a lawsuit. It makes agreements with these funders void if they fail to meet disclosure requirements, while exempting standard contingency-fee attorneys, nonprofits, and health care providers. The bill defines "litigation financing" as funding for legal costs in exchange for a share of any settlement or judgment, excluding common scenarios like attorney fees or personal loans. It directly affects claimants, their attorneys, and third-party funders, but not regular legal services or nonprofit organizations.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 1898 modifies Washington state's truck and trailer length limits on public highways. It increases the maximum permitted length for three-axle flatbed trucks carrying empty loads or agricultural products from 75 to 85 feet, while maintaining existing limits for most other vehicles (e.g., standard trucks capped at 40 feet, tractor-trailers at 53 feet). The bill also creates new exceptions for manufacturer/distributor inventory transport (up to 82 feet for two trailers under 26,000 pounds) and emergency utility repairs (with safety lighting requirements). These changes directly affect commercial trucking companies, agricultural haulers, and utility providers transporting oversized loads.

Maddy summaryHB 1152 requires firearm owners in Washington to securely store firearms in vehicles and residences under specific conditions. In vehicles, unloaded firearms must be in a locked, concealed container (hard-sided for pistols, soft-sided with trigger locks for rifles/shotguns), with exemptions for farm vehicles, people living in vehicles, law enforcement, hunters, and military personnel. At residences, firearms must be locked or stored in a safe when not being carried or controlled by the owner or authorized user, with similar exemptions for antique firearms. The bill creates the Washington Office of Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention to coordinate prevention efforts and imposes penalties ranging from $1,000 civil fines to felonies if prohibited persons access firearms.

Maddy summaryHB 1160 clarifies how local governments in Washington handle design reviews for development projects. It defines key terms like "administrative design review," allowing planning directors to approve or deny permits based on objective standards without a public hearing, unless exceptions apply (e.g., historic districts or required public input). The bill specifically affects project permits for developments like subdivisions, site plans, and environmental permits, but excludes comprehensive plan updates. It streamlines the process by distinguishing administrative reviews from required public hearings, aiming to reduce delays in routine permit decisions.