Rep. Zach Hall

Maddy summaryHB 2632 requires Washington state and local government agencies to replace the term "alien" with "noncitizen" in all new statutes, codes, and official documents enacted after July 1, 2026. The bill directly affects state agencies, courts, and local governments that draft or update legal documents, ensuring consistent terminology for individuals who are not U.S. citizens or nationals. Key provisions mandate this terminology shift unless federal law requires otherwise, while also urging review of existing documents to remove "alien" references. The bill focuses solely on updating government language, with no new rights or obligations for residents.

Maddy summaryHB 2531 adjusts how ambulance transport providers in Washington pay a quality assurance fee to align with federal Medicaid reimbursement rules. It replaces the previous 5.5% fee calculation with a new method based on federal reimbursement rates and actual emergency transport data, requiring annual adjustments. The fee funds emergency ambulance services through Medicaid reimbursements without reducing existing state funding, and providers must pay quarterly based on their prior-quarter transports. This directly affects all ambulance transport providers in Washington who serve Medicaid patients.

Maddy summaryHB 2472 requires all contractors and certified fitters working on fire sprinkler systems in Washington to hold state-issued licenses and certificates. Fire code officials can demand to see these credentials during inspections, and failure to provide them results in an immediate stop-work order until compliance is verified. The law also empowers officials to order removal and replacement of improperly installed systems if public safety is at risk. These requirements apply directly to contractors and fitters performing fire sprinkler work across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes September 30, 2026, as Every Child Matters Day in the Washington State House of Representatives to honor victims and survivors of Indian boarding schools. It acknowledges the historical removal of Indigenous children from their families and communities, which aimed to assimilate them and resulted in cultural destruction and unmarked graves. The resolution also commends efforts to identify and preserve resources documenting the existence of these schools and the experiences of the children who attended them.

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 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 summaryHB 2741 creates the Washington Electric Transmission Authority to expand and upgrade the state's power grid infrastructure. The authority will identify priority transmission corridors by October 2027 and coordinate projects to improve reliability during extreme weather, connect renewable energy resources, and support Washington's carbon neutrality goals by 2030. It establishes a 10-member board with diverse expertise (including utilities, tribes, clean energy, and community representatives) to oversee the authority and ensure projects address grid capacity needs. The bill directly affects utilities, local communities, and state agencies responsible for managing transmission projects and meeting clean energy targets.

Maddy summaryHB 2617 eliminates Washington's current "fund split" funding method, which forces public colleges and universities to use tuition revenue for mandatory costs like faculty salaries and benefits. Instead, it requires the state to cover these costs directly, freeing tuition revenue to improve educational quality and student services. The bill also mandates a study by the Washington State Institute for Public Policy to define essential student services (such as counseling, tutoring, and career support) and determine their required funding levels, with a report due by December 2026. This aims to address structural underfunding that has reduced program offerings, increased class sizes, and strained institutional budgets.

Maddy summaryHB 2739 establishes the Washington Institute for Scientific Advancement to offset federal funding cuts threatening research in Washington. It authorizes $6 billion in state bonds to fund critical scientific research at public universities and institutions, directly affecting fields like cancer treatment, veterinary medicine, climate science, and semiconductor technology. The bill aims to sustain ongoing projects jeopardized by federal grant reductions, including Washington State University's veterinary disease lab and University of Washington's $2.6 billion annual economic contribution. Proceeds will be allocated over three biennia to maintain research programs and prevent loss of scientific talent and economic impact.

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.