Rep. Stephanie Barnard

Maddy summaryHB 1708 requires Washington cities and counties to use a new state-provided dashboard tool to publicly report specific data on homelessness efforts. The dashboard must display annual metrics including housing unit gaps (needed vs. permitted), spending on housing assistance, households served, addiction treatment access, crime rates near encampments, and encampment locations - especially near schools. The Department of Commerce will contract for the application, and the Municipal Research Center will compile the data for public posting on its website. This policy directly affects all local governments by mandating standardized reporting on homelessness programs, not by providing new funding or services.

Maddy summaryHB 1584 would end automatic mail-in voting for nonabsentee voters (those not absent from their county, such as most registered voters) in Washington, requiring them to vote in person at polling places or voting centers on election day. The bill maintains limited absentee voting for voters who are absent (e.g., military personnel or overseas citizens) but removes mail-in ballots as the default option for all registered voters. It aims to address ballot security concerns and restore public trust in elections, as stated in the legislature’s findings. The bill amends multiple election laws to implement these changes, including updating voting definitions and ensuring accessibility for voters with disabilities at in-person locations.

Maddy summaryHB 1324 redirects revenues from Washington's Climate Commitment Act (CCA) auction system to fund major state transportation projects, including the I-5 Columbia River bridge replacement and the US 395 North Spokane corridor. The bill amends existing law to require that CCA auction proceeds - previously restricted from road projects - be allocated specifically to highway and bridge infrastructure, rather than solely to climate or environmental programs. Key provisions mandate that funds support projects improving freight movement (like the Gateway freight project) and reducing congestion, which the bill states contributes to lower greenhouse gas emissions. This reallocation changes how CCA revenue is spent but does not alter the underlying auction system or funding amounts.

Maddy summaryHB 1087 expands Washington's "endangerment with a controlled substance" law to include fentanyl and other high-potency synthetic opioids, in addition to methamphetamine. It directly affects individuals who knowingly expose dependent children or adults to these substances. The bill amends the law to specifically list fentanyl (and its salts/isomers) and other defined high-potency synthetic opioids as covered substances, making such exposure a class B felony. This change explicitly excludes cases where substances are administered under a valid prescription, as outlined in chapter 69.50 RCW.

Maddy summaryHB 1797 requires Washington's Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to cooperate with all law enforcement officers during criminal investigations, including responding to requests to search facilities like child care centers. The bill mandates this cooperation as defined under state law, specifically covering investigations into criminal activity. It directly affects DCYF staff and law enforcement agencies by establishing a clear obligation to assist during searches of institutions regulated under RCW 13.40.020. This is a procedural policy change focused on interagency coordination, not new funding or penalties.

Maddy summaryHB 1092 modifies Washington state law to clarify when children may be removed from homes due to safety concerns. It expands grounds for removal to include un-prescribed use of strong opioids or other Schedule I/II drugs while caring for a child, and requires courts to prioritize health/safety during removal decisions. The bill mandates a shelter care hearing within 72 hours (excluding weekends/holidays) to determine if a child can safely return home, and requires courts to ensure parents receive notice of their rights and access to legal counsel. It also requires efforts to place children with relatives before long-term shelter care and specifies that parental waiver of hearings must be fully informed.

Maddy summaryHB 2057 requires Washington State agencies to identify and track new programs funded by the state. Specifically, the state auditor must publish an annual draft list (by July 1) of all new programs from the previous fiscal year, including program names, descriptions, funding amounts, and agencies involved. Three years after a program's initial funding, the auditor must conduct a review to assess its effectiveness, efficiency, and alignment with original goals, then recommend improvements or termination. This law directly affects state agencies creating new programs, the state auditor, and legislative committees overseeing budget decisions. The bill aims to ensure taxpayer money is used efficiently by mandating regular reviews of new state initiatives.

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 1344 adds respite care to Washington's "basic plus waiver" program, allowing people with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their primary caregivers to access respite care funding more easily. The bill requires the state to seek federal approval to include respite care as an "aggregate service" (meaning funds can be used flexibly without extra approval after annual hours are exhausted), with respite care limited to 30% of the waiver's aggregate budget. It directly affects individuals relying on waiver services for community living and their unpaid caregivers, who often need breaks to maintain their own well-being. The state must submit a federal waiver amendment by September 1, 2025, and update the program upon federal approval. This changes how existing waiver funds can be used for respite care, not creating new funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Washington's estate tax law to allow a deduction for tangible personal property (like farm equipment or business assets) used for "qualified purposes" if owned by a "qualified nonfamilial heir." It directly affects estate tax filers who leave such property to non-family members (e.g., business partners or close associates) who meet specific usage requirements. The key change adds "qualified nonfamilial heir" to the existing deduction criteria, expanding eligibility beyond family members. This applies to property used on the decedent's death for purposes like farming or business operations. The bill does not change tax rates or create new taxes, only modifies who qualifies for an existing deduction.