Taylor McAvoy

Photo by Taylor McAvoy

Northwest

Sexual assault survivors push legislative change

Seeking systematic reforms, victims spoke up this legislative session.

By Taylor McAvoy

Northwest

New laws targeting sexual harassment await governor’s pen

Four key bills targeting sexual harassment passed both chambers and were waiting to be signed by the Washington…

Legislature passes new protections for student newspapers

Northwest

Legislature passes new protections for student newspapers

If signed, the new law will also protects student advisers who defend the free speech rights of student…

By Taylor McAvoy

Northwest

Washington State set to expand abortion coverage

With the governor’s signature, the Reproductive Parity Act will allow state funding for abortion and contraception services.

Senators Phil Fortunato, R-Auburn, and Barbara Bailey, R-Oak Harbor, hosted a press conference on Wednesday to introduce their bills meant to increase school safety and mental health awareness. Photo by Taylor McAvoy

Northwest

Lawmakers introduce provision to allow guns in schools

The bill would allow, but not require, adults to carry concealed weapons.

Lawmakers introduce new gun legislation late in session

Northwest

Lawmakers introduce new gun legislation late in session

If passed, the new law would allocate money to schools for emergency response and raise the age required…

Voluntary waiver of firearm rights is close to becoming law

Northwest

Voluntary waiver of firearm rights is close to becoming law

The bill would allow those who feel they are at risk of suicide to add their name to…

Rep. Kristine Reeves, D-Federal Way, battled tears during the House floor debate on a bill to ban bump stocks, while her colleague Tana Senn, D- Mercer Island turned to comfort her. Photo by Taylor McAvoy

Northwest

Washington State moves closer to bump stock ban

Before heading to the governor’s desk, the bill will return to the Senate for another vote.

Photo by Visitor7/Wikimedia

Northwest

Proposal to eliminate the death penalty passes the Senate

After passionate floor debate, the bill moves to the House.

Washington State Capitol. Photo by Nicole Jennings

News

Washington may soon teach sexual abuse prevention in schools

The State Legislature is considering training aimed at improving child safety.

Photo by Kathryn Decker/Flickr

Northwest

State legislators look to “ban the box”

The House of Representatives votes to end questioning criminal history on job applications.

By Nicole Jennings

Northwest

Bill expanding wrongful death actions passes the Senate

The bill would do away with a law that opponents say is antiquated and xenophobic.

Lawmakers consider a plan to help homeless college students

Northwest

Lawmakers consider a plan to help homeless college students

In addition to education, the program would help students find housing and provide meal plans and stipends for…

Students could utilize the proposed program to attend state colleges, including the University of Washington in Seattle. Photo by Punctured Bicycle/Wikimedia

Northwest

Proposed bill would provide free college tuition to some students

The Evergreen Free College Program being called for would benefit both middle-income and low-income students.

Lawmaker pitches vocational scholarships at rural community colleges

Northwest

Lawmaker pitches vocational scholarships at rural community colleges

The bill would provide assistance for residents that make less than 70 percent of the state median income.

Photo by Visitor7/Wikimedia

Northwest

Program before lawmakers could strengthen mental health crisis response

The aim is to provide those in need with services instead of jail time.

Photo by Nicole Jennings

Northwest

Proposed law would make tampons free for some college students

The bill would ensure that those with low incomes can have access to clean products, say proponents.

Photo by Visitor7/Wikimedia

Northwest

A bill before lawmakers would outlaw concealed carry on private property

Opponents say that such a move would undermine the safety and rights of gun owners.

University of Washington students walk to their meeting in the state reception room in the capital building in Olympia. Photo by Taylor McAvoy

Northwest

Students lobby for state funded tuition grants

University of Washington students from the Bothell, Seattle, and Tacoma campuses met with lawmakers on Monday to lobby…

Photo by Cacophony/Wikimedia

Northwest

Affirmative action could make a comeback in Washington State

Two decades after a voter-approved initiative made the practice illegal, legislators are calling for a reversal.