Lawmakers push to make clergy mandatory reporters — Will this attempt finally succeed?
Washington lawmakers are once again tackling the sensitive issue of mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect by clergy members.2 years ago
Protest, but play nice: Washington weighs new rules on student aid, campus demos
If you're a college student in Washington and love a good protest, listen up — your taxpayer funded financial aid could be on the line, but not as much before.2 years ago
Could cow burps and farts be taxed under the Climate Commitment Act?
House Bill 1630 mandates that dairy farms and feedlots report their annual methane emissions -- largely coming from cow burps and farts -- to the state.2 years ago
Ranking the future: WA lawmakers eye overhaul of local elections with ranked choice voting
House Bill 1448 is looking to shake things up by introducing ranked choice voting to local elections. Lawmakers have brought it back, hoping the second time is the charm.2 years ago
Washington aims to curb drunk driving with bold civil protection orders
If passed, the Washington bill would create an entirely new kind of legal tool: the Impaired Driving Protection Order (IDPO).2 years ago
Racing into trouble: New Washington bill targets chronic speeders
Lawmakers are championing a Washington bill that seeks to clamp down on chronic speeders.2 years ago
Some Washington lawmakers push for campus abortion access during bill’s first hearing
Washington Democratic lawmakers are proposing taxpayer-funded colleges and universities provide abortion access.2 years ago
Child sex dolls may soon be banned in Washington
A bipartisan effort to ban child sex dolls in Washington had its first hearing on Monday in the state Legislature.2 years ago
Capping the chaos: Washington rent stabilization bill moves forward
In one of its first acts of the 2025 legislative session on Monday, Washington State House Democrats have resurrected an attempt at rent stabilization.2 years ago
State Senate bill with new gun-free zones in parks, where kids are present moves ahead
Washington lawmakers revised a gun-free-zones bill that would have prohibited firearms and weapons in most locations where kids are present.2 years ago
New bill proposes state taxpayers fund health insurance for student athletes
Star collegiate athletes like starting quarterbacks and lesser known players, like third stringers on a school's softball team, could see state taxpayers pay for their health insurance.2 years ago
From outlawed to mainstream: Washington cannabis workers push for union rights
Once upon a time, cultivating cannabis could land you behind bars. Fast forward to today and it's a bona fide career path in Washington.2 years ago
‘The times call for action:’ Ferguson pledges reforms amid challenges from Trump, budget deficit
Bob Ferguson, the newly sworn-in governor of Washington, delivered an ambitious inaugural address on Wednesday emphasizing immediate action to address the state's challenges.2 years ago
Text, ‘No thanks!’ New state bill aims to tackle intrusive mobile messages, calls
Washington lawmakers held a hearing on Wednesday in an attempt to shield residents from the relentless barrage of unwanted spam phone calls and text messages.2 years ago
Sober roads ahead: Washington lawmakers renew push to lower BAC limit to 0.05
In a renewed effort to combat impaired driving, lawmakers are trying once again to lower the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers from 0.08 to 0.05.2 years ago
Inslee’s final State of the State Address: A call for equity and resistance
Governor Jay Inslee issued his final State of the State address Tuesday to a joint session of the Washington Legislature.2 years ago
Washington’s wild animal bill: A big step toward ending traveling animal acts
Big changes could be coming to Washington's circuses and traveling shows. Senate Bill 5065, which got its first hearing on Tuesday, takes aim at the use of wild animals in traveling entertainment.2 years ago
‘Perception’ and ‘bias’ can be factors in proposed state hate crime bill
Several House Democrats are sponsoring an expansion of Washington's hate crimes laws to include a perpetrator's perception of the victim's characteristics, regardless of the victim's actual attributes.2 years ago
Fierce justice for furry friends: Proposal would toughen laws on animal cruelty and fighting
Washington lawmakers held a hearing Monday on a bill that would expand the punishment of people involving animal cruelty and illegal fighting contests.2 years ago
Washington lawmakers take aim at fashion industry polluters on first day of session
State lawmakers are taking aim at the fashion and shoe business during the first day of the 105-day legislative session.2 years ago
The Washington budget mystery: How big is the state’s deficit really?
Washington faces a budget deficit, but is it really $12 billion as Bob Ferguson states? Democrats and Republicans can't agree on the number.2 years ago
Washington faces transportation funding crisis but road usage charge still iffy proposition
With Washington facing a multi-billion dollar budget shortfall, legislative leaders stress the importance of expanding and maintaining the state's existing roadways. However, the question of where the necessary funding will come from in the long run remains unresolved.2 years ago
Democratic Governor-elect Ferguson proposes bold spending cuts, echoing what Republicans have wanted
Governor-elect Bob Ferguson revealed plans to ask all state agencies to reduce their projected spending by 6%, as Washington faces a projected $12 billion budget shortfall over the next four years.2 years ago
