LATEST POLITICAL NEWS FROM ACROSS THE PUGET SOUND REGION

MyNorthwest Politics

Snitching on schools that violate rules is part of a new WA bill. (Getty Images)...
Matt Markovich

Snitching on schools: Senate passes bill to tattletale on schools not following state education laws

Snitching on schools that don't follow the rules may be possible until a new WA bill.
2 years ago
Nurses have seen an increase in communicable diseases which a new House bill tries to address. (Get...
Matt Markovich

WA House pushes through controversial public health bill after heated late-night debate

The Washington State House of Representatives passed a controversial public health bill over the weekend.
2 years ago
patty murray daylight saving time...
MyNorthwest Staff

Sen. Patty Murray wants Elon Musk talking to Congress: ‘We need real answers from DOGE’

Senator Murray urges Musk to address cost-cutting measures and their impact on the public in a Congressional hearing.
2 years ago
A bill gives more discretion to judges over misdemeanor charges....
Matt Markovich

Washington House passes divisive bill to ease misdemeanor dismissals

The Washington House narrowly passed a bill allowing courts to dismiss specific misdemeanor charges, sparking significant debate.
2 years ago
Speaker Laurie Jinkins oversaw the House vote requiring permits before being allowed to purchase a ...
MyNorthwest Staff

Bill requiring permits for gun purchases passes House on party-line vote

Washington State House Democrats mandate permits for gun purchases, impacting would-be gun owners and the ongoing gun control debate.
2 years ago
Bob Ferguson and Drew Stokesbary...
Charlie Harger

House Republican Leader highlights improved relations after Inslee’s exit

The atmosphere in Olympia feels different to Washington House Republican Leader Drew Stokesbary of Auburn, who credits Democratic Washington Governor Bob Ferguson for creating what he describes as a more constructive working environment.
2 years ago
millionaires' tax...
Matt Markovich

Workers with immigration hearings can use paid sick leave to attend under bill passed by WA House

The State Senate has passed a bill that allows workers to use paid sick leave to attend or prepare for immigration proceedings.
2 years ago
Bill to protect reproductive and gender-affirming care...
Matt Markovich

State Senate passes bill strengthening patient privacy from hostile out-of-state inquiries

In a move to further protect individuals seeking reproductive and gender-affirming care, state Senate Democrats passed a divisive bill in response to increasing efforts by other states to gain access to the patient information of individuals seeking an abortion or gender care in Washington.
2 years ago
Washington State Supreme Court determined voter signature verification is constitutional....
MyNorthwest Staff

Washington State Supreme Court upholds signature verification on ballots

The Washington Supreme Court confirmed that signature verification on ballots is constitutional, ensuring the integrity of mail-in voting in Washington.
2 years ago
Photo: A firearm is displayed....
Frank Lenzi

Guns could soon be banned from more public places in Washington

Under a bill passed Wednesday by the state Senate, guns would be banned in parks, government buildings, and on county fairgrounds when a fair is open.
2 years ago
Associated Press

Trump changes course, delays tariffs on most imports from Mexico until April

President Donald Trump will “likely” suspend the 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico for most products and services for a month, broadening an exemption that was granted on Wednesday only to autos.
2 years ago
Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, is removed from the chamber as President Donald Trump addresses a joint ses...
MyNorthwest Staff

WA lawmakers help House censure Texas Rep. Al Green for Trump address outburst

Republican Washington Rep. Dan Newhouse introduced a censure against Democrat Texas Rep. Al Green for disrupting President Donald Trump during his address.
2 years ago
Capitol Hill entrepreneur and community figure Rachael Savage announced her candidacy for Seattle m...
Jason Rantz Show

Seattle mayoral candidate ditches liberalism to challenge Harrell as a Republican

Capitol Hill entrepreneur and community figure Rachael Savage announced her candidacy for Seattle mayor in February, joining the growing list of challengers to incumbent Bruce Harrell.
2 years ago
millionaire's tax ferguson heywood...
Matt Markovich

Washington bill could allow juvenile killers to seek early release from prison

A new bill making its way through the Washington State Senate is drawing attention for its controversial provision that could allow individuals convicted of no more than three murders before the age of 18 to petition for early release from prison.
2 years ago
A proposal would allow drivers who broke the law to take driving courses instead of suspended licen...
Matt Markovich

Speed now, study later? Washington democrats push to swap license suspensions for driving courses

Democratic lawmakers in Washington are continuing their trend of easing penalties for repeat traffic offenders. This time, they are allowing drivers with multiple moving violations, like speeding, to take a safe driving course instead of serving a full 60-day license suspension. The final vote in the House also underscores another partisan divide over bills that […]
2 years ago
The Supreme Court at sunset in Washington, D.C. (File phoot: Jon Elswick, AP)...
MyNorthwest Staff with Wire Reports

Former WA attorney general: Supreme Court ruling may pose greater challenges for Trump administration

A sharply divided Supreme Court on Wednesday reinstated a lower-court order for the Trump administration to release frozen foreign aid, but it was not clear how quickly money would start flowing.
2 years ago
The Washington State Attorney General’s Office has joined a lawsuit against the U.S. Office of Pe...
MyNorthwest Staff

Washington joins lawsuit to help roughly 1,000 local federal workers from mass firings by Trump

The Washington State Attorney General’s Office has joined a lawsuit against the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and other federal agencies over the Trump administration’s firing of federal employees.
2 years ago
State lawmakers are considering raising cost of annual Discover Pass from $30 to $45...
Frank Lenzi

Are hiking, camping and fishing trips about to get more expensive in Washington?

It may soon become more expensive to visit Washington state parks. Senate Bill 5390 would boost the cost of an annual Discover Pass from $30 to $45.
2 years ago
Senator Maria Cantwell was highly critical of Trump's address to Congress. (Getty Images)...
Bill Kaczaraba

Washington lawmakers react to Trump’s congressional speech

President Trump's speech to Congress Tuesday night got the expected results, with high praise from Republicans and heavy criticism from Democrats, including Washington Senator Maria Cantwell.
2 years ago
Photo: A young child holds a pair of trans pride flags at a noon gathering on the steps of the Miss...
Matt Markovich

WA Democrats push bold gender-affirming care amendment as opposition rises over minors’ rights

Senate Joint Resolution 8204, if passed, would enshrine the right to gender-affirming care in the state’s constitution.
2 years ago
washington democrats...
Matt Markovich

Jumping the gun? Millionaire initiative backer moves to repeal law that doesn’t yet exist

In a move that has left many scratching their heads, Let’s Go Washington has launched an initiative to repeal a law that doesn’t even exist yet.
2 years ago
Mayor Bruce Harrell’s office is clarifying some of his comments made during last week's "State of...
MyNorthwest Staff

Mayor Harrell clarifies comments after appearing to praise ‘innovators’ surrounding Trump

Mayor Bruce Harrell's office reexamines his remarks about Musk during last week's speech, addressing public concerns and clarifications.
2 years ago
Luke Duecy

Will Trump’s tariffs impact Washington’s economy? Homebuilders, farmers weigh in

How will President Donald Trump's tariffs impact Washington's economy?
2 years ago
Sen. Murray to skip Trump speech, as other lawmakers bring special guests...
Bill Kaczaraba

Sen. Murray to skip Trump speech, as other lawmakers bring special guests

U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) will not attend President Donald Trump’s joint Congressional address, citing significant concerns over the administration's actions.
2 years ago