Rep. Stephanie Barnard

Maddy summaryHB 1108 proposed establishing a legislative task force on housing cost driver analysis in Washington state. This task force would have included legislators, economists, and representatives from various housing sectors, such as developers, landlords, tenants, realtors, and city/county officials. Its main purpose was to research and identify the primary factors contributing to the cost of homeownership and rental housing. The task force was intended to report its findings and recommendations to the legislature by December 1, 2026. However, the Governor vetoed this bill on May 20, 2025.

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 summaryHB 1018 expands Washington state's energy facility site certification process to include fusion energy facilities. This means that proposed fusion energy projects will now be eligible for review and approval by the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC). The bill integrates fusion energy into the existing framework for siting major energy infrastructure, aiming to streamline the application process for such facilities. This policy change aligns with the state's goals to develop clean energy sources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1106 expands eligibility for property tax relief to more disabled military veterans in Washington state. It lowers the required combined service-connected disability rating from 80% to 40% or higher for veterans to qualify for property tax exemptions on their primary residence. This change allows a broader group of disabled veterans to receive a reduction in their annual property tax obligations, provided they meet other existing criteria related to residency, ownership, and income thresholds. The bill aims to recognize the sacrifices of veterans by making property tax relief more accessible.

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 1722 addresses state-level age restrictions affecting 16 and 17-year-old students in secondary career and technical education programs. It directs state agencies to review and revise rules that create barriers for these students in fields such as emergency medical services (EMS) and fire services. Specifically, it creates a process for 16-year-olds to begin EMS training and requires the Director of Fire Protection to assess age restrictions for fire services training and certification. The bill also prevents minors with professional licenses requiring competency in preventing infectious disease transmission from being prohibited from occupations due to exposure risks.

Maddy summaryHB 1461 updates the monetary thresholds that require joint operating agencies in Washington State to use sealed bids for certain contracts. It raises the estimated cost for purchasing materials, equipment, or supplies that triggers a sealed bid from $15,000 to $30,000. For construction work, the threshold for projects involving more than one craft or trade increases from $25,000 to $150,000. The bill also sets a specific threshold of $75,500 for single-craft construction projects, which was previously $25,000.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1824 modifies the state's inspection requirements for birthing centers in Washington. It allows birthing centers accredited by a recognized body to be exempt from state licensure surveys, provided the accrediting body's standards are substantially equivalent to state requirements. To qualify, an on-site accreditation survey must have occurred within the last three years, and relevant reports must be provided to the Department of Health. The Department of Health retains authority to review accrediting standards, survey areas not covered by accreditation, and conduct validation surveys on a portion of accredited centers.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 1842 allows public utility districts in Washington to form, own, or use "captive insurers." This bill amends state law to explicitly include these districts as eligible "captive owners" within the existing framework for local government self-insurance. By doing so, public utility districts gain the option to manage their own insurance risks through their own insurance companies. This provides an alternative approach to risk management beyond traditional insurance markets for these entities.