Rep. Jim Walsh

Maddy summaryHB 2735, titled "Establishing a constitutional floor in family law cases," would require Washington courts to apply specific constitutional principles when making custody decisions. It establishes a "presumption of parental fitness" (meaning parents are considered fit unless proven otherwise), mandates strict scrutiny for state interventions in parent-child relationships, and requires clear, contestable court orders without secret evidence. The bill directly affects parents and courts handling family law cases in Washington, aiming to align family law procedures with constitutional protections like due process and parental rights. Named "Troxel II" after a U.S. Supreme Court case on parental rights, it proposes no new custody rules but sets procedural standards for existing cases. The bill is currently in committee review.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 4701) is a symbolic measure passed by the Washington State House of Representatives to honor Black History Month in 2026, marking the 100th anniversary of the national observance. It recognizes the historical contributions of Black Americans to Washington state and the nation through decades of cultural, scientific, and civil rights advancements. The resolution encourages year-round celebration of Black history in schools, communities, and institutions, emphasizing that "Black history is American history" and "Black culture is American culture." As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or directly affect specific groups.

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 summaryHB 2255 regulates third-party litigation funders in Washington state by requiring them to disclose their identity and citizenship to all parties in a lawsuit. It makes agreements with these funders void if they fail to meet disclosure requirements, while exempting standard contingency-fee attorneys, nonprofits, and health care providers. The bill defines "litigation financing" as funding for legal costs in exchange for a share of any settlement or judgment, excluding common scenarios like attorney fees or personal loans. It directly affects claimants, their attorneys, and third-party funders, but not regular legal services or nonprofit organizations.

Maddy summaryHB 1065 creates new rules for family burial grounds on privately owned land in Washington State. It defines such grounds as areas for burying related individuals (by birth, marriage, or adoption), requiring a 25-foot setback from property lines, no more than 10% of the parcel area, and no restrictions on burial types (e.g., ground burial or cremation). Owners must record each burial with the county auditor within 30 days (including location coordinates and deceased details) and disclose the burial ground’s existence to potential property buyers. The bill exempts these grounds from most cemetery regulations under state law, clarifying they cannot be sold or monetized.

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 joint legislative memorial requests Washington's Governor to express state interest in hosting a federal nuclear energy innovation campus. It directs the Governor to prepare a state response to the U.S. Department of Energy's request for information, outlining Washington's capabilities in nuclear technology, workforce, and infrastructure. The memorial aims to position Washington to participate in a federal initiative focused on advancing nuclear energy technology, job creation, and grid reliability. It is a procedural request, not a law, directing state action to pursue a federal opportunity.

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 summaryHB 2430 increases Washington's crime victim penalty assessment to $1,000 for felony/gross misdemeanor convictions and $500 for misdemeanors, while creating a waiver for indigent defendants. It allows courts to impose additional surcharges (up to $50,000) on defendants with "substantial financial resources" (household income over 200% of area median income) based on offense severity. The collected funds must be deposited into a county fund exclusively supporting comprehensive victim services, including testimony assistance and restitution help, with strict requirements for program eligibility and administration. This affects all convicted adults (except specific motor vehicle crimes), counties managing the funds, and local victim support programs. The bill also requires cities to contribute a portion of non-parking revenue to this fund.

Maddy summaryHB 2715 allows Washington port districts and port development authorities to use public funds to purchase zero- or near-zero emission cargo handling equipment and supporting infrastructure for their own use or for tenants/lessees. It specifically prohibits using these funds for fully automated marine container handling equipment (defined as remotely operated systems with minimal human control). The bill applies directly to port districts, their authorities, and their tenants, aiming to promote cleaner port operations while restricting fully automated systems. The policy change expires on December 31, 2031.