Rep. Mike Volz

Maddy summaryHB 1852 requires cities, counties, and code cities in Washington to receive fair market value (or equivalent compensation) when transferring or selling real property to non-government entities or individuals. The bill applies to all local government-owned real property transfers, ensuring such transactions cannot occur at below-market rates without justification. It exempts state forestlands, federally granted educational lands, and properties subject to bond covenants. This policy change directly affects local governments' ability to dispose of surplus public land, mandating fair compensation to prevent undervalued sales.

Maddy summaryHB 1495 establishes a two-year pilot program in eastern Washington to provide financial support for college and career training. It directly affects high school graduates in 10 counties east of the Cascade Mountains who meet income limits (150% of state median family income), enroll in local postsecondary programs within a year of graduation, and apply for federal/state aid. The program offers up to $5,000 annually for tuition and fees (after other aid is applied) to 100 students yearly, plus a separate high school component providing full community college tuition for two years at three selected schools. Funding comes from state matching funds (up to $500,000 for 2026 and $1 million for 2027) paired with private contributions, with reporting required on student outcomes by December 2028. The program expires August 1, 2029.

Maddy summaryHB 1179 would allow Washington seniors aged 61+ and disabled veterans with VA disability ratings of 80% or higher to freeze their property tax valuation. Qualifying residents would pay no tax on a portion of their home's value based on income: lower-income households get full relief on all taxes, while others receive partial relief up to $70,000 of home value. The exemption uses "combined disposable income" to determine eligibility and applies the frozen valuation (based on 1995 or qualification year) to reduce taxes. This law would take effect for property taxes collected starting in 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1585 requires Washington counties to verify that registered voters have proof of U.S. citizenship by July 1, 2025. It directs county election offices to check if voters have submitted acceptable documentation (like a passport, naturalization certificate, or specific certified U.S. birth certificate) and to send notices if they lack it. Voters without proof face registration cancellation 14 days before the 2025 general election unless they provide documentation. The law expires January 1, 2027, and explicitly rejects birth certificates from Puerto Rico issued before July 2010 and Washington wallet-sized birth registrations as valid proof.

Maddy summaryHB 1761 standardizes when local elected officials in Washington State (counties, cities, towns, and special districts, excluding school boards) must take their oath of office. The bill requires the oath to be taken either at the last regular meeting of the governing body before the official assumes office or any time after that meeting, replacing a previous allowance to take it up to ten days early. It also clarifies that new terms for these officials begin immediately after December 31st following the election, unless election results aren't certified by January 1st. This bill directly affects thousands of local officials across the state by simplifying the process and removing conflicting rules.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1109 modifies the regulations for public facilities districts concerning their authority to impose sales and use taxes. It extends the maximum period for collecting these taxes from 40 years to 55 years when used to finance or refinance regional centers and related parking facilities. The bill also specifies the conditions under which certain public facilities districts are eligible to impose these taxes and allows them to increase their tax rates to mitigate documented revenue losses from past legislative changes.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 4650 is a commemorative resolution recognizing Representative Bruce Q. Chandler for his 26 years of distinguished service to the 15th Legislative District and the State of Washington. It honors his contributions in areas such as agriculture, business, early learning, and state budgeting.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 4664 is a commemorative bill that honors the life and legacy of former Speaker Frank Chopp. It recognizes his extensive public service, advocacy for social justice and housing, and his record as the longest-serving Speaker in Washington state history.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1636 eliminates the per-transaction volume limit for spirits sales made by certain licensed retailers in Washington State. Specifically, it removes the previous cap of 24 liters per single sale when combination spirits, beer, and wine licensees sell spirits to other retailers for resale. This change aims to simplify the administration of wine and spirit sales. The bill directly affects retailers holding a combination spirits, beer, and wine license and other licensed establishments purchasing spirits from them.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1760 aims to remove regulatory barriers for organizations that sell manufactured homes to low-income households at cost. The bill directly affects these organizations and the low-income individuals they serve by facilitating access to affordable housing options. It achieves this by amending RCW 46.70.011, which pertains to vehicle dealer regulations and related definitions. This change is intended to streamline the process for these specific types of manufactured home sales.