Rep. Hunter Abell

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 2085 proposes dividing Washington state into two autonomous regions: the Puget Sound region and the Columbia region, affecting all state residents. It establishes a joint legislative task force, composed of legislative leaders, to develop a plan for this division. This task force will create two regional committees to evaluate and recommend strategies for the creation of each autonomous region. The bill intends for this division to be achieved through a constitutional amendment, with each region having its own governors, legislators, and judges, while Washington remains a single state for federal elections.

Maddy summaryHB 1266 establishes the Washington State Commission on Boys and Men within the governor's office to address issues affecting boys and men across six focus areas: mental/physical health, education, careers, fatherhood, the preschool-to-prison pipeline, and court system experiences. The commission, composed of 11 appointed non-legislative members (with diverse representation requirements) and 4 legislative advisory members, will monitor legislation, coordinate with other commissions (like the women's and LGBTQ commissions), gather data, and submit biennial reports to the legislature and governor. Its key duties include identifying needs, advising state agencies on policies affecting boys and men, holding public hearings, and advocating for removing barriers they face. This is a structural commission creation bill, not a policy change, with no direct fiscal impact detailed in the provided text.

Maddy summaryHB 2036 prohibits individuals convicted of violent offenses involving a firearm from earning early release credits under Washington's sentencing laws. It directly affects people serving sentences for violent crimes where a firearm was used or involved, as defined by existing law. The bill amends RCW 9.94A.729 to explicitly deny all "good time credits or earned release time" for sentences tied to such offenses. This change modifies current early release eligibility rules, ensuring offenders convicted of firearm-related violent crimes cannot reduce their sentences through earned credits. The policy focuses on restricting sentence reductions for specific high-risk offenses, not altering general sentencing guidelines.

Maddy summaryHB 1854, titled the "Family Housing Act," would allow counties in rural Washington to permit land subdivisions for family members outside urban growth areas under specific conditions. It directly affects rural families seeking to transfer or sell land to relatives (like parents, children, or spouses) while maintaining family ownership continuity. Key provisions require the original land to be family-owned for over five years, limit each family member to one new lot, and allow flexible lot sizes (as long as they support a home and basic infrastructure like wells), without requiring standard lot sizes. The bill aims to address restrictions under the Growth Management Act that have limited family farming and housing options in rural communities. It is currently pending in the House Local Government Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1323 makes it a crime to intentionally block state highways with three or more people without a permit, particularly when the action creates safety risks like impeding ambulances or causing injury. Organizers face class C felony charges with a minimum 30-day jail sentence and $5,000 fine (non-reducible below $1,000), while participants could face serious misdemeanor penalties. The law specifically targets dangerous blockades that endanger public safety or obstruct emergency response, not peaceful protests. It requires courts to impose minimum penalties for violations, including prior offenses.

Maddy summaryHB 1896 authorizes counties and cities in Washington to impose a 0.1% local sales and use tax, with the revenue credited against state tax obligations, to fund hiring additional commissioned law enforcement officers. The bill requires that funds be used primarily for hiring officers to reach at least the national average of officers per capita, with limited exceptions for "criminal justice purposes" like domestic violence services or homelessness programs. It also expands the Criminal Justice Training Commission’s mandate to increase the number of basic law enforcement training courses. The legislation aims to address Washington’s low law enforcement officer-to-population ratio and rising crime rates by providing a dedicated local funding mechanism.

Maddy summaryHB 1446 would rename Washington state's third Monday in February holiday from "Presidents' Day" to "George Washington's Birthday (observed)" on the state's official holiday calendar. The bill directly affects state employees and government operations by changing the statutory name of the holiday in RCW 1.16.050, while keeping the date (third Monday in February) and observance unchanged. It does not alter the holiday's date, create new policies, or change how the holiday is celebrated - only updating the official title to reflect the historical name used in federal documents. The bill cites George Washington's foundational role in U.S. history as the rationale for the name change.

Maddy summaryHB 1912 establishes a system for tracking and reporting sales of fuel used for agricultural purposes, which are exempt from the state's Climate Commitment Act. Fuel sellers, including retail stations and suppliers, can register with the Department of Ecology to track and report these exempt sales. Registered sellers must make exempt fuel available at a differential rate or credit purchasers to reflect the absence of associated compliance costs under the climate act. This ensures the agricultural exemption is properly applied and monitored, affecting fuel sellers, suppliers, and agricultural users starting January 1, 2026.

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.