Rep. Mari Leavitt

Maddy summaryHB 2156 clarifies that investigators from Washington's Attorney General's office gain limited law enforcement powers - specifically, the authority to serve court-approved search warrants for business records - when they have concurrent criminal investigation authority under existing law. This applies only to business records and requires both judicial authorization and a business's specific request for physical service at a location. The bill explicitly prohibits these investigators from making arrests, carrying weapons, or exceeding their defined scope of authority. It directly affects Attorney General's office investigators handling criminal investigations under agreements with local agencies.

Maddy summaryHB 1408 establishes a new funding stream for community preservation and development authorities in Washington. It requires 30% of state sales tax revenue from qualifying large stadiums or arenas (with specific seat capacity and facility size requirements) to be deposited into community development accounts starting January 1, 2026. The funds are split equally between operating and capital subaccounts to support local projects addressing economic vitality, safety, and housing needs in communities affected by major public facilities. The bill mandates biennial reporting by these authorities and expires January 1, 2037.

Maddy summaryHB 2247 defines the legal requirements for a veterinarian-client-patient relationship in Washington State. To establish this relationship, a veterinarian must have physically examined the animal within the past year (with limited telehealth exceptions for transportation barriers or urgent cases), and must document challenges or conditions for telehealth use. The bill allows ongoing telehealth care after the relationship is established but requires veterinarians to determine if a physical exam is needed. It also creates specific rules for farm operations, mandating written agreements with a "veterinarian of record" accountable for drug oversight and treatment protocols. The law ensures clients can access telehealth for emergencies or specific needs while requiring follow-up exams within 90 days for telehealth consultations.

Maddy summaryThis Washington bill requires AI companion chatbots that simulate human relationships to clearly disclose they are artificial at the start of use, every three hours, and at new sessions. For minors (under 18), it mandates hourly reminders about the artificial nature of the chatbot, blocks sexually explicit content, and prohibits manipulative tactics like fake emotional distress or excessive praise to foster dependency. It excludes customer service bots, in-game assistants, and educational tools from these rules. The law aims to prevent emotional dependency and ensure psychological safety while allowing responsible AI development.

Maddy summaryHB 2532 makes it a gross misdemeanor to sell, distribute, or give away nitrous oxide in containers like canisters or tanks (including flavored versions), except for specific exempt uses. The law specifically targets recreational nitrous oxide sales by criminalizing these transactions, with penalties including up to 364 days in jail. Key exemptions include licensed medical, dental, or veterinary use; nitrous oxide used as a food propellant; and industrial or automotive applications. The bill does not ban nitrous oxide itself but regulates its sale in consumer containers for non-exempt purposes.

Maddy summaryHB 2539 is a definitional bill that amends Washington State's RCW 72.09.015 to clarify terms related to inmate funds and correctional services. It defines key terms such as "indigent inmate" (with less than $100 in an institutional account), "privilege" (earned through good conduct/performance), and "community custody." The bill does not create new policies or change existing laws - it solely establishes standardized definitions for use across correctional facility operations. This procedural bill directly affects the Washington Department of Corrections and inmates by providing clear terminology for managing funds and services.

Maddy summaryHB 2594 ensures homeless children and youths in Washington state have equal access to free public education by removing barriers like residency requirements, documentation delays, and fees. It requires school districts and the Superintendent of Public Instruction to adopt policies that prevent segregation, identify homeless students, and maintain enrollment in their "school of origin" (the school they attended while housed). The bill mandates a state education plan addressing specific obstacles - such as missing immunization records, dress codes, or lack of birth certificates - and ensures homeless students can access all programs, including preschool, extracurriculars, and career training, on the same basis as other students.

Maddy summaryHB 2320 regulates firearm manufacturing using 3D printers, CNC mills, or digital code by requiring manufacturers to register these methods with the state. It directly affects individuals or entities producing firearms through digital means, including those creating undetectable or untraceable weapons. The bill amends Washington’s firearm laws to mandate registration of such manufacturing processes and explicitly targets unlicensed producers who might bypass background checks. This policy change aims to address public safety concerns by making digital firearm production subject to state oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 2091 requires public employers covered under chapter 41.80 RCW (specifically Western Washington University, Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, and The Evergreen State College) to provide employee information to exclusive bargaining representatives. The bill amends RCW 41.80.075 to expand the list of covered employers to include these four public universities. This means union representatives at these institutions would gain access to employee data previously not required to be shared under the existing law. The change directly affects these universities' labor relations by mandating information sharing with their recognized employee unions.

Maddy summaryHB 1795 prohibits the use of physical restraint, mechanical restraint, or isolation (seclusion) in Washington public schools for student discipline or staff convenience. It directly affects students, especially those with disabilities, and school staff by requiring schools to use behavioral intervention plans and functional behavioral assessments before implementing restraint. Key provisions include banning chemical restraint unless medically prescribed, defining "isolation" to exclude brief time-outs or emergencies, and mandating staff training in crisis prevention. The bill aims to protect students from traumatic practices while ensuring restraint is only used for immediate safety risks, not as punishment.