Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Legislative News

First bills drop ahead of WA’s 2025 legislative session

OLYMPIA - Washington lawmakers have begun teeing up legislation ahead of the 2025 session. Monday marked the first day they could pre-file bills. Legislators will have 105 days to push their …

OLYMPIA – In a development impacting Washington State politics, the Ninth Circuit Court has dismissed an emergency motion to stay a federal court decision regarding legislative district …

Blending education and technology a goal for Wellman

OLYMPIA - On the last Monday morning of the 2024 legislative session, Washington State Sen. Lisa Wellman’s office brimmed with sunlight, an early peek at spring, as she sipped tea from a white …

Counties required to adopt security system

Under a bill Secretary of State Steve Hobbs endorsed, all counties are required to install “Albert Systems,” a technology that notifies counties when there is an attempted cybersecurity …

Officers will soon be allowed to work part-time

Washington remains 51st in the nation for police officers per capita, and one answer to that problem might be allowing officers to work part-time.  SB 5424, sponsored by Sen. John Lovick, …

Parental authority initiative approved, but concerns linger

OLYMPIA - The “Parent’s right to know,” a citizen-led initiative regarding parental authority over kids in public schools, will become law in June.  While the measure won …

Building trust in law enforcement a key goal, Lovick says

OLYMPIA - Sen. John Lovick describes himself as a Black man with brown skin who wore a blue uniform for a combined 37 years as a former state trooper and Snohomish County Sheriff.   …

OLYMPIA - Governor Jay Inslee signed House Bill 2375 into law on Friday, expanding a property tax exemption to senior citizens and disabled individuals living in detached accessory dwelling units …

OLYMPIA — Thanks to a new law signed by the governor on Monday, High school students in Washington will soon have expanded opportunities to earn college credits through the popular Running …

Property crimes can now be hate crimes

OLYMPIA - Some property crimes now can be classed as hate crimes if they are racially motivated or if they target other marginalized communities. Sen. Andy Billig, D-Spokane, said he was …

Same-day report required for stolen guns

OLYMPIA - When a student at Seattle’s Ingraham High School was shot and killed two years ago, an investigation revealed the gun used in the crime was stolen. Now, advocates from that …

Police given more leeway to pursue suspects

OLYMPIA—The Legislature approved new rules that give police more leeway to engage in high-speed pursuits, which will become law on June 5, 2024. “As you know, the people of the state …

OLYMPIA - An initiative prohibiting imposition of a state income tax was approved on March 5 by the state Legislature. “This is a great day for everyone in Washington,” said Rep. Jim …

Washington State mandates zero-emission transition for school buses amid concerns

OLYMPIA - School districts are required to transition to zero-emission school buses under a law recently approved by the state House and Senate. The bill received numerous amendments after …

Washington State takes steps to reduce ballot rejection with new signature verification law

OLYMPIA - Washington State is recognized for its effective voting processes, but officials say too many ballots are rejected because signatures don’t match. “I think we can do a lot …

OLYMPIA, Wash. — A bill granting a property tax exemption for 'detached' accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on properties owned by senior citizens and disabled persons cleared its final …

New bill advances equal professional opportunities for immigrants

OLYMPIA - Undocumented individuals are now a small step away from pursuing careers in nursing, dentistry, architecture, psychology, and much more under a bill now waiting for the governor’s …

A bill seeks reduction of lead in cookware

OLYMPIA - Parents shouldn’t have to worry that the pots and pans they cook in could be poisoning their kids, say scientists and legislators, and a bill proposed in the state Legislature would …

Proposal gives Attorney General authority to oversee hospital consolidations

OLYMPIA - Healthcare workers say the state should have the power to review hospital consolidations to make sure levels of care are not reduced when a hospital is purchased. Sen. Emily Randall, …

Voters to decide fate of state’s climate act

OLYMPIA - The debate over how Washington reduces greenhouse gasses is headed for a showdown in November. To supporters, The Climate Commitment Act (CCA) is a "gold standard" environmental …

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