Rep. Joe Schmick

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 4679) commends Wapato School District for its Ichishkiin language program, which teaches the Yakama Nation's Indigenous language to students in grades 4-12. It recognizes the district as the first in Washington state to offer the Washington State Seal of Biliteracy in an Indigenous language and highlights the program’s national recognition, including being named "Exemplary Program of the Year" by the National Johnson-O'Malley Association. The resolution honors the school’s collaboration with the Yakama Nation and its role in preserving Indigenous language heritage through public education.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 4692) acknowledges the 84th anniversary of Executive Order 9066, which led to the forced relocation and internment of over 120,000 Japanese Americans during WWII, including 12,000 from Washington State. It recognizes Japanese American veterans, incarcerees, and civil rights activists from Washington, and urges reflection on the principle "with liberty and justice for all," without creating new policies or requiring government action.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 4677) declares the Washington State House of Representatives' recognition of the elevated behavioral health challenges faced by construction workers, including higher suicide rates, substance use disorders, and stress linked to job demands. It does not create new rules or funding but formally acknowledges these issues through a series of "WHEREAS" statements highlighting the industry's unique risks. The resolution calls for reducing stigma and promoting collaboration to improve access to behavioral health resources tailored for construction workers. It directly affects construction workers across Washington by affirming their health needs without implementing concrete policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution (HR 4691) adopted by the Washington State House of Representatives on February 16, 2026. It formally commends the contributions of U.S. presidents, specifically highlighting George Washington and Abraham Lincoln's roles in establishing freedom and ending slavery, and recognizes the third Monday in February as Presidents' Day. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies; it solely expresses the House's symbolic honor for presidential legacies. It directly affects no one but serves as a formal statement of recognition by the state legislature.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not substantive legislation) passed by the Washington state House of Representatives. It formally congratulates the Seattle Seahawks football team for winning the 2025 NFL regular season, NFC West Division championship, and Super Bowl 60. The resolution specifically recognizes their 14-3 record, defensive dominance, key player achievements (including MVP Kenneth Walker III), and community contributions. It has no legal effect beyond expressing the House's recognition and appreciation to the team organization.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution honoring Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh for his 2025 MLB achievements, including setting a record for home runs by a catcher (60) and winning the Home Run Derby as the first switch-hitting catcher. It recognizes his role in helping the Mariners win their first division title since 2001 and his awards like the Silver Slugger and Players' Choice Player of the Year. The resolution formally expresses the Washington State House of Representatives' appreciation and transmits copies to Raleigh, the Mariners organization, and MLB. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or affect policy.

Maddy summaryHB 2545 requires Washington's Department of Health to establish rules by July 2027 allowing ambulatory surgical facilities (outpatient centers) to perform elective heart procedures called percutaneous coronary interventions. The bill directly affects patients seeking these procedures outside hospitals and ambulatory surgical facilities that may expand services. It mandates an independent review of factors like patient safety, access, and costs before creating these rules, while ensuring University of Washington's cardiac training volumes are maintained. The law aims to expand access to heart care in outpatient settings without disrupting existing hospital cardiac services.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally acknowledges Washington state's strong cultural, economic, and trade ties with Taiwan. It highlights that Taiwanese Americans (over 100,000 in Washington) contribute to the state's democracy and prosperity, while noting Taiwan's status as a top U.S. trading partner ($158.6 billion in 2024) and its role as a major buyer of Washington agricultural products (e.g., $3.8 billion in U.S. farm goods, including sweet cherries and potatoes). The resolution also recognizes Taiwanese investments creating over 20,000 jobs in sectors like semiconductors and shipping. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryHB 2620 invalidates a 2025 forest buffer rule adopted by Washington's Forest Practices Board and requires the Board to restart the rulemaking process for riparian buffers around nonfish streams. The bill mandates the Board to develop a measurable economic viability standard for the timber industry by January 2027, ensuring rules consider impacts on small landowners and operational mills. It also requires the Board to reevaluate scientific studies used in the prior rulemaking, ensuring longer-term monitoring and actual evidence of aquatic resource impacts before adopting new standards. This legislation directly affects the Forest Practices Board, timber industry stakeholders, and rural communities dependent on forest revenue.

Maddy summaryHouse Resolution 4675, adopted on January 28, 2026, is a ceremonial resolution expressing the Washington State House of Representatives' gratitude to the Washington National Guard for their service. It specifically acknowledges the Guard's roles in emergency response (including flood operations and search-and-rescue missions), disaster recovery efforts (like adapting from the Oso landslide), and national defense support (such as aerial refueling capabilities). The resolution directs copies to the Adjutant General, Governor, and other officials but does not create new laws or alter policies. It directly honors National Guard members, their families, and employers without imposing any financial or operational requirements.