Rep. Stephanie Barnard

Maddy summaryHB 2167 would automatically reduce Washington’s state sales tax rate if the legislature ever passes an income tax or tax on individual earnings. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Revenue to lower the sales tax rate by an amount matching the projected revenue increase from such a new tax. This measure directly affects all Washington residents and businesses that pay sales tax, aiming to offset potential new tax burdens. The bill is conditional - it only triggers if a future income tax is enacted - and does not change current tax rates.

Maddy summaryHB 2101 exempts services involving live animals, birds, and insects from Washington's retail sales tax. This directly affects businesses like petting zoos, animal shows, and educational programs that provide live animal demonstrations. The bill amends the state tax code to explicitly exclude these services from the definition of "retail sale" under RCW 82.04.050. As a result, businesses offering such services will no longer be required to charge customers sales tax on these specific activities.

Maddy summaryHB 2189 lowers the age requirement for voluntary workers' compensation settlements from 50 to 40 years old for workers with self-insured employers, directly affecting those under 50 who currently cannot use this option. The bill maintains the existing 50-year threshold for state fund claims but aligns self-insured settlement eligibility with 44 other states that allow settlements for workers over 18. Key mechanisms include keeping the 180-day waiting period before settlement, requiring board approval, and mandating a review by an industrial appeals judge if a worker is unrepresented by an attorney. The bill preserves the same settlement structure - covering all benefits except medical care - with options for lump-sum or structured payments based on state wage averages.

Maddy summaryHB 2166 amends Washington State law to grant state employees two unpaid religious holidays per year for observance of faith-based practices. It specifically adds a provision allowing employees to select two days annually for religious observance (e.g., Hanukkah, Eid al-Fitr, Passover) after consulting with employers, unless the absence would cause undue hardship. The bill does not create new paid holidays but expands existing unpaid holiday options for state workers, including those in schools and public institutions. It reaffirms existing state legal holidays while listing additional recognized days (like Hanukkah and Eid) that are not legally designated as paid holidays.

Maddy summaryHB 2130 repeals specific tax provisions from Senate Bill 5814 (2025 session) that imposed new taxes. It removes sections of Chapter 422, Laws of 2025 (including codified sections 101, 201, 301 and uncodified sections 1, 401-404) that affected taxpayers. The repeal takes effect April 1, 2026, and is declared an emergency to preserve public finances. This bill directly reverses the tax changes enacted by ESSB 5814.

Maddy summaryHB 1000 expands the definition of a "major violation" under Washington's drug sentencing law (VUCSA) by adding specific scenarios that would trigger harsher penalties. It directly affects individuals convicted of drug offenses who meet new criteria, such as conducting three or more separate drug transactions, distributing large quantities beyond personal use, manufacturing drugs, or knowingly distributing fentanyl causing harm. Key provisions include listing factors like high position in drug distribution, sophisticated operations, or using professional roles (e.g., pharmacist) to facilitate drug trafficking. This bill changes sentencing guidelines - not criminal law - by clarifying when drug offenses qualify as "major" for enhanced penalties. It does not alter what constitutes illegal drug activity but affects sentencing outcomes for qualifying cases.

Maddy summaryHB 1363 modifies Washington state licensing requirements for child care and early learning providers. It establishes specific staff-to-child ratios (21 children to 1 staff member for preschoolers, 31 to 1 for school-age children) and sets a minimum 34 square feet of indoor space per child. The bill also clarifies that private schools operating early learning programs without state subsidies are exempt from certain state-mandated educational requirements, though they must still meet basic health and safety standards. Additionally, it creates professional development support for providers to meet new training standards, including scholarships and specialized trainings on topics like inclusion and infant care. These changes directly affect licensed child care centers, family providers, and early learning programs operating under state licensing.

Maddy summaryHB 1595 establishes a 16-member advisory committee to develop a five-year statewide economic development plan, directly affecting Washington state government and economic sectors. The committee must include diverse representation from communities, industries (like tech, agriculture, and tourism), state agencies, and commissions focused on minority and women's business development. Key mechanisms require the committee to hold public meetings, provide input on plan priorities, and submit the first proposal with recommended legislation by November 2025, with updates every five years. The plan must include measurable goals and policy recommendations to guide state economic strategy.

Maddy summaryHB 1236 increases penalties for littering in Washington State by creating tiered fines: a class 2 civil infraction for ≤1 cubic foot, a misdemeanor for 1-10 cubic yards, and a gross misdemeanor for >10 cubic yards. Offenders must pay restitution equal to 4x cleanup costs for misdemeanors or 2x for gross misdemeanors, with funds distributed to landowners and law enforcement. The bill also establishes a littering solutions task force under the Department of Ecology, requiring input from state agencies, counties, and industry groups (like waste management, retail, and tourism) to develop recommendations by November 2026. The task force must address specific issues like cigarette butts, road cleanup costs, and reducing litter at public sites such as parks and roadways.

Maddy summaryHB 1164 requires Washington cities and counties to expand urban growth area (UGA) boundaries to include land adjacent to existing residential areas with access to urban services, enabling more residential development. Specifically, it mandates adding parcels sharing boundaries with residential land or located across roads from such areas, while allowing cities to maintain existing density and service connections. The bill excludes protected natural areas (like critical aquifers), agricultural lands, and designated resource zones from expansion. This policy aims to increase housing supply near existing infrastructure without raising local government costs, directly affecting land-use planning in participating municipalities.