Rep. Zach Hall

Maddy summaryHB 2145 prohibits drug manufacturers from restricting how 340B-covered safety net providers (like community health centers, HIV clinics, and tribal health centers) access discounted medications. It specifically bans manufacturers from denying or limiting delivery of 340B drugs to these providers or their contracted pharmacies, and prevents them from requiring data sharing as a condition for drug access. The law allows covered entities to sue violators for up to $5,000 per day per violation and requires penalties for noncompliance. This directly protects low-income patients who rely on affordable medications through Washington's safety net providers.

Maddy summaryThis is a House Resolution (not a law), introduced and adopted by the Washington State House of Representatives. It formally recognizes the importance of reflecting on the history of Chinese American exclusion in Washington state, including the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, the Tacoma and Seattle riots of 1885-1886, and ongoing discrimination. The resolution aims to promote education about this history and honor the contributions of Chinese Americans to Washington's cultural and civic life. It serves as a symbolic commitment to remembering this chapter of state history for public awareness and remembrance.

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 2386 standardizes the forms employers must use when handling wage garnishments in Washington State. It requires employers to provide specific details in their "first answer" form, including the defendant's employment status, preexisting garnishments, earnings calculations, and exempt amounts using a prescribed format. The bill mandates that plaintiffs include minimum exemption amounts and maximum garnishment percentages on the form, with employers allowed to treat non-compliant garnishments as non-continuing. This affects employers who withhold wages under court-ordered garnishments.

Maddy summaryHB 2352 aligns conflict of interest rules for state officers and employees with those already required for municipal officers. It revises the definition of "beneficial interest" to prohibit ownership of more than 1% in entities doing business with the state (previously allowing up to 10% for state staff), matching the standard municipal officers have followed for decades. This change directly affects state employees and officials who may hold financial stakes in contracts, sales, leases, or grants involving state agencies. The bill eliminates the previous 10-times-laxer standard for state-level staff, ensuring consistent ethical requirements across all government levels. It focuses solely on clarifying the financial interest threshold, without altering other ethics provisions.

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 2697 expands eligibility for a property tax break that helps owners maintain historic properties by allowing two additional 7-year extensions (totaling 24 years) for properties in cities under 20,000 population, removing the prior requirement for "distressed area" designation. It requires owners to apply 90 days before expiration for extensions, which local review boards may approve or deny at their discretion. The bill directly affects owners of qualifying historic properties in smaller cities, aiming to promote revitalization of historic districts. Extensions cannot be granted after January 1, 2057, and the tax break ends with the property's cost considered as new construction upon termination.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 4675, adopted on January 28, 2026, is a ceremonial resolution expressing the Washington State House of Representatives' gratitude to the Washington National Guard for their service. It specifically acknowledges the Guard's roles in emergency response (including flood operations and search-and-rescue missions), disaster recovery efforts (like adapting from the Oso landslide), and national defense support (such as aerial refueling capabilities). The resolution directs copies to the Adjutant General, Governor, and other officials but does not create new laws or alter policies. It directly honors National Guard members, their families, and employers without imposing any financial or operational requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 2459 allows Washington school districts to build new schools in rural areas outside urban growth boundaries, provided the site is adjacent to an existing school in the same district. It requires counties to adopt policies for rural school siting in their comprehensive plans and mandates environmental mitigation for such projects. The bill also permits extending public utilities (like water or sewer) to these rural schools serving urban students, with costs borne by the school district, and includes a 20-year reimbursement option for property owners benefiting from the extension. The law expires on June 30, 2031.

Maddy summaryHB 2183 requires all Washington counties to create and adopt extreme heat response plans by July 1, 2027. Each plan must include immediate response strategies, long-term adaptation measures (like building upgrades and cooling assistance), and specific protections for vulnerable groups including seniors, outdoor workers, low-income households, and children. Counties must also establish tribal partnerships, public education programs, medical emergency protocols, and systems to track heat-related illnesses. Existing plans meeting these standards are exempt from the 2027 deadline, and counties must review plans during regular comprehensive plan updates.