Rep. Jenny Graham

Maddy summaryHB 2416 adjusts Washington's climate emissions program to fairly treat the state's only waste-to-energy facility under the Climate Commitment Act. It requires the state's Department of Ecology to recognize in the emissions reporting system that this facility produces fewer greenhouse gases than landfilling its waste, as confirmed by a 2024 department study. The bill amends emissions reporting rules (RCW 70A.65.080) to create special provisions for this facility, ensuring its unique status is reflected in the state's cap-and-invest program. This directly affects the facility's municipal solid waste management system and ensures it is not unfairly burdened compared to other waste management methods under the climate law.

Maddy summaryHB 2114 changes Washington's license plate replacement policy for defective plates. It eliminates all fees and taxes for replacements within 24 months of original issuance when plates become illegible due to manufacturing defects (e.g., peeling paint or unreadable numbers). For replacements requested between 24 months and five years after issuance, only the cost of the plate itself is charged - not full fees or taxes. This directly affects Washington drivers who receive faulty plates that deteriorate faster than expected, ensuring they aren't charged for the same fees paid at initial purchase.

Maddy summaryHB 2110 establishes minimum personnel requirements for ambulance services during interfacility specialty care transports, which are transfers of critically ill or injured patients between medical facilities. The bill requires ambulances providing specialty care transport - defined as care needing physician, registered nurse, or specially trained paramedic-level personnel - to have sufficient staff, including at least one emergency medical technician (EMT) under secretary-promulgated standards. It amends existing Washington state law (RCW 18.73.030 and 18.73.150) to clarify definitions and standards for these specialized transports, ensuring consistent protocols for patient safety during critical transfers. This directly affects ambulance services, EMTs, and hospitals coordinating patient transfers.

Maddy summaryHB 2124 raises the threshold for retirees and beneficiaries to choose a lump sum payment instead of a monthly retirement benefit from $50 to $250 annually adjusted. The bill requires that any lump sum payment must be the greater of the calculated value of future monthly benefits or the retiree’s total contributions plus interest. It directly affects Washington state employees and beneficiaries receiving monthly retirement benefits below $250, primarily those in public retirement systems. The law also includes provisions for reinstating service if a lump sum recipient returns to work within two years.

Maddy summaryHB 2104 makes permanent a 2023 pilot program providing financial assurance for local and tribal fire departments in Washington to use certified aircraft (like planes dropping water or fire retardant) during the initial response to wildland fires. It removes the program’s expiration date, ensuring ongoing state funding to help fire departments deploy aviation resources quickly without waiting for state mobilization. This directly affects local fire departments by guaranteeing they can afford aircraft use when needed, especially during high-risk summer conditions with dry fuels. The bill requires that aviation deployment be directed by trained air operations commanders and aims to prevent small fires from growing large, protecting communities, natural resources, and air quality.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that formally honors John Michael Sattgast for his 35 years of dedicated service as a communications professional for the House Republican Caucus in the Washington State Legislature. It recognizes his work producing over 4,000 radio stories and coordinating media coverage for state representatives, as well as his leadership roles with the National Conference of State Legislatures. The resolution acknowledges his contributions to sharing legislative history and public information, noting his receipt of the 2023 Legislative Staff Achievement Award. This measure serves as a commemorative tribute rather than establishing new policy or affecting government operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally acknowledges the service of Representative Steve Tharinger to his district and the Washington state legislature. It recognizes his long career in public service, including his time as a Clallam County Commissioner, his work on the House Capital Budget Committee, and his advocacy for environmental protection and healthcare. The resolution serves as a commemorative tribute to his contributions and personal qualities rather than establishing new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryHB 2343 requires publicly owned game farms in Washington (like those operated by the Department of Fish and Wildlife) to obtain water quality permits under the state's concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) program, which they currently avoid. It mandates these facilities to implement specific manure pollution prevention plans, groundwater monitoring, and reporting protocols - similar to private farms - when housing over 5,000 game birds. The bill explicitly includes pheasants and similar game birds in CAFO regulations and ensures public facilities meet the same water quality standards as private operations to prevent nitrate contamination of drinking water wells. This aligns public game farm management with existing environmental protections for private agricultural operations.

Maddy summaryHB 2203 creates a new offense for drivers who operate vehicles on public roadways closed due to emergencies (e.g., barricades, emergency vehicles), with two penalty levels: a serious misdemeanor for general violations, or a felony if the act causes injury to first responders or involves minors/vulnerable adults. Convicted individuals face license suspension (60-90 days) and must reimburse public agencies for emergency response costs, capped at $25,000 per incident. The bill directly affects drivers who ignore emergency closures, particularly those with minors in the vehicle or who endanger first responders. It establishes clear penalties and financial accountability for reckless interference during emergency operations.

Maddy summaryHB 2133 makes permanent a property tax exemption for multipurpose senior citizen centers that was originally established temporarily in 2017. The bill modifies state law to ensure these centers no longer lose their tax exemption after the temporary period ends, directly affecting qualifying senior centers that provide community services. This change removes the temporary nature of the exemption created under Chapter 301, Laws of 2017, ensuring ongoing tax relief for these facilities.