Maddy summaryHB 2342 establishes the Washington State Religious Liberty Commission to advise state officials on religious freedom issues and handle complaints of religious discrimination. The commission will review petitions alleging discrimination based on religious belief or practice, then within 90 days either mediate disputes, dismiss claims, or refer cases to the Washington State Human Rights Commission. It will consist of five members appointed by the governor and legislative leaders, with requirements for balanced representation across religious practices, geography, and demographics. The commission’s duties include educating the public and employers about religious liberty protections under state and federal law, without replacing existing human rights enforcement mechanisms.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 2383 extends the maximum initial detention period for involuntary mental health evaluation from 120 to 168 hours (7 days) in Washington State. It requires crisis responders to personally interview individuals before filing petitions, with video options if a professional is present, and mandates tribal notification when American Indian or Alaska Native individuals are involved. The bill also clarifies court procedures for issuing warrants, appointing counsel, and ensuring notice of rights during the evaluation process. This directly affects people with behavioral health disorders who refuse voluntary treatment and tribal communities through new notification protocols.
Maddy summaryHB 2263, the Public Counsel Integrity Act, requires all Washington local governments (cities, counties, school districts, etc.) to use their own public attorneys for legal services instead of hiring private law firms. The bill bans contracts with outside counsel for routine legal work, mandates quarterly reporting of all legal spending, and imposes penalties - including personal liability for officials - for violating the ban. Local governments may temporarily use private attorneys only in emergencies with attorney general approval, and must share public counsel resources through interlocal agreements. The law aims to prevent conflicts of interest, protect taxpayer funds, and ensure residents receive conflict-free legal representation.
Maddy summaryHB 2378 directs Washington's Department of Labor and Industries to clarify that HVAC/refrigeration specialty electricians may perform specific electrical connections between indoor and outdoor units of ductless mini-split HVAC systems. This applies only when work follows manufacturer instructions, uses equipment certified by accredited labs, and is limited to wiring integral to the system. The bill aims to reduce installation delays and costs for residential and light commercial projects while maintaining safety standards. It explicitly limits the scope to these electrical connections and does not override existing electrical codes or certification authority.
Maddy summaryHB 2234 allocates funds from Washington's Climate Commitment Account to directly offset increased utility costs for public schools resulting from the Climate Commitment Act. It amends RCW 28A.150.260 to require specific funding allocations for schools facing higher energy bills due to climate regulations. The bill creates a dedicated mechanism within the existing climate account to provide financial relief, ensuring schools aren't disproportionately burdened by environmental compliance costs. This provision affects all Washington public schools experiencing utility cost increases tied to state climate policies. The funding is drawn from the broader climate account, which also supports other environmental programs, but this allocation is specifically targeted at school utility expenses.
Maddy summaryHB 2308 requires drivers in Washington to provide proof of motor vehicle liability insurance or financial responsibility (like a bond or deposit) when requested by law enforcement. It sets a minimum $1,000 penalty for failing to show proof, mandates vehicle impoundment for repeat violations or if an uninsured driver causes an accident, and allows drivers to dismiss citations by submitting proof of insurance later (by mail or in person). The bill also clarifies that officers cannot access other content on a phone used to display insurance proof and excludes commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and ATVs from these requirements. This directly affects all drivers operating registered vehicles in Washington who must maintain insurance coverage.
Maddy summaryHB 2370 requires state-funded transitional and permanent supportive housing programs to assess all residents for substance use disorders and mandate treatment compliance (including abstaining from alcohol and non-prescription drugs) as a condition for remaining in housing. It directly affects individuals receiving housing services and the organizations operating these programs. The bill mandates tracking specific data points - like assessment dates, treatment participation, and discharge reasons - in a state database and requires annual reports on participant numbers, substance use diagnoses, and treatment compliance durations. These provisions aim to standardize accountability and monitor program effectiveness through data collection.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Washington state agencies to allow legislators to visit specific state-run and contracted facilities within 10 business days of a written request. It applies to facilities operated by Corrections, Children’s Services, and Social Health Services, including prisons, group homes, assisted living centers, and residential care facilities. Agencies cannot deny access due to staffing shortages or administrative convenience, and must provide written reasons for denials based on safety concerns. The law aims to support legislators’ oversight role by ensuring timely access to facilities serving constituents.
Maddy summaryHB 2377 clarifies the definition of "applicant" to mean a person applying with genuine intent to be considered for employment, directly affecting employers with 15+ staff and job seekers. It adds a 5-day correction window for employers after receiving written notice of a pay transparency violation (for postings through July 2027), preventing penalties if errors are fixed promptly. The bill limits remedies to those with genuine employment interest, reducing opportunities for opportunistic lawsuits while maintaining enforcement for willful or repeated violations. It modifies penalties to $100-$5,000 per violation and makes administrative remedies the exclusive path for enforcement.
Maddy summaryHB 2335 would repeal tax increases on businesses enacted in 2025, specifically targeting provisions from 2025 Chapter 420. It removes a surcharge on businesses with over $250 million in taxable income (RCW 82.04.288) and eliminates an "Advanced Computing Surcharge," along with 13 other tax provisions from the 2025 law. These changes would directly affect high-grossing businesses and financial institutions subject to the repealed tax rates. The bill takes effect April 1, 2026, reversing specific tax increases implemented by the 2025 legislature.