Rep. Lisa Callan

Maddy summaryHB 2481 bans grocery stores from using computer systems to charge different prices based on personal data like shopping habits, location, or inferred characteristics (e.g., income or race). It also requires a four-year temporary pause on all electronic shelf label systems that could collect consumer data from devices to adjust prices. The law directly affects grocery retailers using dynamic pricing technology, exempting small businesses. It aims to ensure prices remain fair and transparent, preventing personalized pricing without clear disclosure. The bill defines key terms like "inferred data" and "electronic shelf label systems" to clarify these prohibitions.

Maddy summaryHB 2483 creates a state registry requiring data brokers in Washington to register with the Department of Licensing by May 2028. It applies to businesses that collect and sell personal information like names, addresses, Social Security numbers, or biometric data (e.g., fingerprints) without consumer consent. The law defines "data broker" broadly but excludes credit bureaus, financial institutions under federal law, and businesses collecting data from customers or employees. The registry aims to increase transparency about who collects and sells Washington residents' personal data, without regulating how data is handled.

Maddy summaryHB 2144 requires Washington employers to provide written notice to employees before using electronic monitoring (such as AI tools, cameras, or software) to assist in performance evaluations. Employers must give at least 30 days' notice before starting new monitoring, 60 days for existing monitoring, and notify new hires at the time of the job offer. The notice must explain how monitoring is used (e.g., tracking productivity) and how data is verified. Violations can result in Department of Labor investigations and civil penalties up to $5,000 for willful violations, with enforcement applying to all employers in Washington state.

Maddy summaryHB 2116 updates Washington state's school enrichment funding by setting new annual limits on property taxes districts can levy for programs like arts, sports, and after-school activities. For taxes collected through 2029, districts may levy up to $2.50 per $1,000 of property value, increasing to $3.00 per $1,000 starting in 2030. The bill also creates a state-local effort assistance program that provides supplemental funding to districts levying below $1.50 per $1,000, matching a portion of their levy up to a per-student cap adjusted for inflation. School districts must now obtain approval for their enrichment spending plans before seeking voter approval for new levies.

Maddy summaryHB 2724 proposes a new tax on Washington residents with annual adjusted gross income of $1 million or more, affecting approximately the top 0.5% of households. The tax revenue would be deposited into the state general fund to support K-12 education, health care, higher education, human services, and the working families' tax credit. Key provisions include exempting sales of family-owned small businesses and real property from the tax, aligning the state definition of taxable income with federal rules (modified for state purposes), and reducing other taxes like sales tax on essential items. The bill aims to make the state tax system less regressive by shifting more burden to high earners while maintaining current tax rates for lower-income residents.

Maddy summaryHB 2555 requires Washington's Health Care Authority to apply for a federal waiver by July 1, 2026, to expand Medicaid coverage for "traditional health care practices" delivered through specific providers. These practices include culturally rooted care methods used by American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Coverage would be available only to Medicaid beneficiaries receiving services at Indian Health Service facilities, tribally operated facilities under federal law, or urban Indian organizations. The bill does not change existing Medicaid eligibility but mandates a federal waiver process to include these services under state Medicaid plans.

Maddy summaryHB 2432 allows Washington school districts to prioritize selling or giving surplus technology hardware (like laptops and tablets) to public school students at reduced price or for free, instead of selling to the general public first. It specifically directs districts to prioritize students from families qualifying for free/reduced meals or earning at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. The bill amends existing law to require districts to document sales/grants and defines "surplus technology hardware" as devices issued to students during the school year. This policy change aims to reduce financial barriers for students needing technology for education and workforce development.

Maddy summaryHB 2159 creates a dedicated "preK promise account" managed by the state treasurer to fund Washington's state-funded early childhood education programs. The account receives and tracks donations, grants, and gifts separately from each source, and funds can only be used for eligible children in the existing early childhood education program (RCW 43.216.510). Unlike typical state funds, this account does not require annual appropriations for spending, and any leftover funds accumulate rather than returning to the general fund. The bill directly affects early childhood education programs and the children they serve, establishing a new funding mechanism for these services.

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 2038 creates a "youth behavioral health account" funded by a 0.4% tax on the gross income of social media platforms operating in Washington, starting January 2026. The tax applies to platforms defined as services allowing social interaction (like Facebook or TikTok), excluding email, gaming, or review sites. Funds will support telebehavioral health services for school-aged youth, a state coordinator for youth behavioral health, and implementation of a statewide strategic plan for prenatal through age 25 care. The bill explicitly states the tax does not apply to 501(c)(3) non-profits.