State Democrats unveil new wealth inequality tax in Olympia
As state lawmakers continue work to get a budget deal done, a group of Senate Democrats are injecting a new idea into the mix: A tax on wealth inequality.7 years ago
Washington likely won’t abolish the death penalty this year
The bill to abolish Washington state's death penalty failed to meet a deadline in the House Wednesday, meaning it likely won't move forward this year.7 years ago
Non-violent robbery no longer subject to three strikes law
The Washington State Legislature has passed a bill to remove the crime of second-degree robbery from the list of crimes subject to the three strikes law, which comes with an automatic life sentence.7 years ago
Block the box bill gets new life in Olympia, passes House
Many thought the bill was dead. It aimed to allow traffic cameras to lawfully fine drivers for block the box infractions. Now it has new life, passed the House, and is headed for the state Senate.7 years ago
Washington’s car tab relief likely to play out on ballot
It appears legislative efforts to get drivers relief from high car tab bills that came with ST3, the $54 billion light rail expansion that voters approved in 2016, has hit a wall again.7 years ago
State House passes bill to strengthen sanctuary status for illegal immigrants
On the same day President Trump threatened to start shipping immigrant detainees to sanctuary cities, lawmakers in Olympia took another step forward to solidify Washington's sanctuary state status.7 years ago
What King County judges need to address prolific offenders
A recent report found much of the crime is being committed by a relatively small group of the same repeat offenders who are continually kicked back out onto our streets. Two King County judges explain.7 years ago
Big victories for sexual assault survivors in Olympia
In the wake of the Me Too movement sexual assault reform became one of the top priorities for state lawmakers this session, and now two bills make some of the most aggressive sexual assault reforms in years are headed to the governor’s desk.7 years ago
Bills for HOV cheaters, multiple DUI offenders move forward in Olympia
A handful of transportation bills continue to make their way through the Washington State Legislature, including bills to increase punishments for multiple instance DUI offenders, heftier penalties for HOV violators, and more.7 years ago
Bills for plastic bag ban, capital gains tax survive in Olympia
It's a busy couple of days in Olympia, with dozens of bills getting hearings or votes before a final committee cut off on Tuesday, including a ban on plastic bags, and a bill to vacate marijuana convictions.7 years ago
Washington lawmakers consider separate capital gains tax proposals
There are two proposals in Olympia to establish a capital gains tax in Washington state. They are receiving heavy support, and opposition.7 years ago
State mandatory sex education bill dead in Olympia (for now)
The proposal for mandatory statewide sex education in all K-12 public schools in Washington state appears to be dead in the Legislature, for now anyway.7 years ago
Lawmakers still working on education funding fixes after McCleary
Funding Washington state's basic education wasn't entirely fixed with the McCleary decision. Lawmakers are attempting further correct issues between rich and poor communities.7 years ago
Amazon, Microsoft on opposite ends of tax debate in Olympia
Washington state lawmakers are considering a new bill that would increase B&O taxes across various categories to fund education in high-skilled fields.7 years ago
Veteran walking across country for PTSD, suicide awareness
Jimmy Novak recently retired after 21 years of service in the Army that included multiple deployments. Now he's walking across the country to raise awareness for PTSD and veteran suicide.7 years ago
Bill to abolish Washington death penalty moves forward in Olympia
It’s been on state Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s wish list for years, but this session it’s looking more and more likely that a bill to abolish Washington State’s death penalty will finally cross the finish line... but not without a fight.7 years ago
Survivors, advocates worry about potential change to sex assault statute of limitations bills
There are two bills still working their way through the Legislature, one in the Senate, SB 5649, and another in the House, HB 1231, that would eliminate the statute of limitations for eight sex crimes involving victims 16 and under, including rape, molestation, and exploitation while extending them to 20 years for most sex crimes involving victims 16 and older.7 years ago
It’s the year of the license plates in the state Legislature
From everyone’s favorite TV clown, JP Patches, to wine country, the Seattle Storm, and veterans and their families, there's a lot of interest in specialized license plates within the state Legislature.7 years ago
Homeless have King County Courthouse workers feeling unsafe
A King County judge is sounding the alarm about what he and his fellow coworkers have to deal with on a regular basis. The surrounding homeless, drug using, and assaults is causing many to feel unsafe on their way to the courthouse.7 years ago
State proposal to crack down on repeat DUI offenders gains second life
A proposal from Republican State Senator Mike Padden to make a fourth DUI in 15 years a felony is back in play. The current law's look-back period is for four DUI's inside of 10 years.7 years ago
Oso families, survivors, responders to honor 43 people lost in mudslide
Families and county officials hold a remembrance ceremony every March 22 to remember lost loved ones in the Oso landslide. This year is the 5th anniversary of the tragedy.8 years ago
‘This is Home’: Mailbox sculpture to be unveiled on 5th anniversary of Oso slide
On the fifth anniversary of the Oso mudslide that devastated a community, a memorial is set to be unveiled on Thursday.8 years ago
Survivors, prosecutors show support for rape kits at Senate committee hearing
There was a strong show of support on Monday as a state Senate committee heard from survivors, law enforcement and others pushing a bill to clear the state's massive rape kit backlog.8 years ago
