Rep. Hunter Abell

Maddy summaryHB 1911 creates a new special license plate option titled "Washington state honey bees and pollinators" (plate #36) for Washington vehicle owners. This plate, costing $40 for initial registration and $30 annually, would join existing special plates like "Washington apples" and "Seattle Mariners" in the state's license plate program. The bill amends state code to add this plate type and specifies that fees support pollinator research and education efforts. It does not create new funding or policy changes beyond the plate designation and associated fees.

Maddy summaryHB 2029 prohibits Washington state governmental entities (including courts, the legislature, and agencies) from granting or recognizing legal personhood to non-human entities. The bill specifically bans this for artificial intelligence, inanimate objects, bodies of water, land, real property, atmospheric gases, astronomical objects, weather, plants, nonhuman animals, and other non-human taxonomic groups. Legal personhood - defined as the rights and obligations of a natural person under state law - is explicitly barred from being extended to these categories. This bill directly affects how state agencies and courts may legally treat non-human entities, preventing them from being granted personhood status. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment requiring the Washington State Senate to confirm the governor's appointments to vacant Supreme Court seats. Currently, the governor appoints justices to fill vacancies without Senate approval; this change would add a confirmation step for all such appointments. The amendment would modify Article IV, Section 3 of the state constitution to state that appointments "shall be subject to confirmation by the senate as provided by statute." It directly affects the governor (who makes appointments), the Senate (which must confirm), and the process for filling Supreme Court vacancies. The change would take effect if approved by voters at the next general election.

Maddy summaryHB 1928 requires the Washington State Senate to confirm the governor's appointments to vacancies on the Supreme Court. The Senate must vote on confirmations before a legislative session ends if appointed during session, or at the next session if appointed outside sessions, needing a two-thirds majority. Rejected appointees cannot be reappointed for two years, and confirmed appointees serve until the next general election. The bill takes effect only if voters approve a related constitutional amendment in the 2026 election.

Maddy summaryHB 1835 requires Washington's Liquor and Cannabis Board to deny or not renew cannabis licenses for properties where local governments (cities, counties, tribes, or port authorities) provide written objections stating that zoning laws prohibit cannabis operations there. This directly affects cannabis businesses seeking new licenses or renewals, as local zoning decisions now override the board's discretion. The bill amends state law to mandate that the board consider these written objections before approving any license application. It ensures state cannabis licensing aligns with local land-use regulations, preventing licenses for properties that conflict with community zoning rules. The policy change applies to all cannabis business types, including cultivation, retail, and processing.

Maddy summaryHCR 4402 is a symbolic resolution (not a law) passed by Washington's legislature. It expresses the state's intent to work with the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) to strengthen regional supply chain security for critical minerals used in clean energy, defense, and technology. The resolution encourages PNWER to develop long-term strategies for sustainable mineral sourcing and research into alternatives, while urging Washington legislators attending PNWER meetings to support these efforts. It does not create new programs or funding but serves as a statement of policy direction.

Maddy summaryHB 1435 creates a state grant program to help local and tribal law enforcement agencies hire more officers. It provides up to 75% of entry-level salaries and benefits (capped at $125,000 per officer position) for 36 months, requiring a 25% local cash match. Grants cannot cover non-salary costs or fund officers recently hired by the same agency. The program requires agencies to apply through a formal process, report on hiring impacts, and includes a $100 million appropriation for fiscal year 2026.

Maddy summaryHouse Joint Resolution 4208 proposes a constitutional amendment to divide Washington state into two autonomous regions: the Puget Sound region and the Columbia region, subject to voter approval. The Puget Sound region would consist of 13 western counties, while the Columbia region would encompass 26 eastern counties. Each region would be empowered to draft its own constitution, establish a regional legislature with a senate and house, and elect a regional governor. Additionally, the bill stipulates that each region would own the assets within its boundaries and assume a proportion of the state's liabilities based on its population.

Maddy summaryHB 1436 allows Washington cities and counties to impose a 0.10% sales tax to fund additional commissioned law enforcement officers. Local governments must use the revenue to hire more officers if their officer-to-population ratio is below the national average, or for other criminal justice programs (like domestic violence services or homelessness initiatives) if their ratio is already above average. The state collects the tax and returns the funds directly to the local jurisdiction. This bill aims to address Washington’s low ranking in law enforcement staffing per capita and high crime rates by creating a dedicated funding mechanism for local governments.

Maddy summaryHB 1872 expands exemptions from certain firearm restrictions for specific groups in Washington State. It exempts current and retired peace officers, military personnel, veterans, shooting sports instructors, and concealed pistol license holders from background check waiting periods after they’ve already passed background checks. The bill also creates new exemptions for these groups regarding restrictions on "excess capacity magazines" and "assault weapons" under existing law. These changes directly affect the named groups by reducing regulatory barriers for firearm access and use while maintaining existing background checks. The bill does not change the definition of "assault weapon" but clarifies exemptions for authorized individuals under the new provisions.