News
New forecast show state revenues won’t be quite as robust as expected
Democratic budget writers say they will be cautious but able to fund their priorities. Senate put out a…
Latest State Legislature
Northwest
Sexual assault survivors push legislative change
Seeking systematic reforms, victims spoke up this legislative session.
Northwest
Legislators come to agreement on deadly force reform
The agreement between lawmakers, activists, and police amends the upcoming I-940 ballot initiative.
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…
Northwest
State Legislature passes last-minute budget deal and property tax cut
The plan includes $1 billion for public education and $400 million in tax cuts for property owners.
Northwest
Olympia stunner: Compromise over police use of force
It was not always a civil process, but two diametrically opposed groups managed to find common ground.
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…
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.
Northwest
Bump stock ban becomes law; semiautomatics bill up next
It will be illegal in Washington to sell or own devices that make semiautomatic guns fire more rapidly.
Northwest
Home healthcare worker bill approved by state Legislature
In protest, House Republicans refused to vote on the controversial bill.
Northwest
Lawmakers are now at odds over a Sound Transit car-tab fix
The Senate and House disagree over whether lost revenue from a lower fee should be offset right away.
Northwest
Behind the scenes of the governor’s veto of the public records bill
How negotiations between Jay Inslee’s office, lawmakers, and media organizations led to the end of the controversial legislation.
Northwest
State Senate OKs new way to calculate Sound Transit car fees
It should result in reduction of the cost of vehicle licenses. The bill now goes to the state…
Northwest
Governor’s carbon tax proposal is dead in the state Legislature
The bill’s failure sets the stage for a possible initiative on the November ballot.
Northwest
Inslee vetoes public records bill; lawmakers get a do-over
Meantime, news organizations, including this one, have agreed to pause a lawsuit over access.
Northwest
Lawmakers introduce provision to allow guns in schools
The bill would allow, but not require, adults to carry concealed weapons.
Northwest
As the legislative session ends, a look forward to November
What did they do, and what matters to you?
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…
Northwest
Lawmakers go into damage control over public records bill
Legislators try to frame the bill as a win for open government, while opponents hope for veto by…
Northwest
Carbon tax proposal inches through Legislature
Governor’s pitch to tax carbon makes it to the Senate floor, but time is running out.