LATEST POLITICAL NEWS FROM ACROSS THE PUGET SOUND REGION

MyNorthwest Politics

Image: A traffic camera in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood....
Matt Markovich

Bill altering traffic safety camera use includes 75% discount for some violators

A substitute amendment approved by a House committee added some controversial elements, including reduced penalties for low-income violators.
3 years ago
health coverage assistance...
Matt Markovich

State Senate approves health coverage assistance during labor disputes

The bill’s sponsor Senator Karen Kieser, D-Des Moines, said it will provide a safety net to people who have no access to any other health insurance.
3 years ago
standard time permanent...
Kate Stone

Out of time: Push for permanent standard time in WA fails to clear legislature

On permanent standard time, Washington would still have 4 p.m. sunsets in the winter, but would lose the 10 p.m. sunsets in the summer.
3 years ago
graffiti seattle...
Kate Stone

Graffiti crimes can once again be prosecuted in Seattle, court rules

City Attorney Ann Davison announced the ordinance is once again in effect. If you tag something, prepare to be charged with a gross misdemeanor.
3 years ago
Cans and plastic bottles brought in for recycling fill containers at a recycling center in Sacramen...
Matt Markovich

Could a 10-cent bottle deposit system be in the state’s future?

In a bid to encourage recycling and promote environmental sustainability, state lawmakers are considering the bottle deposit system.
3 years ago
Tacoma Measure 1...
Matt Markovich

Pilot program to provide free rent to low-income residents could cost the state $251 million

The Evergreen Basic Income Pilot Program aims to provide recurring cash payments for two years to 7,500 low-income state residents.
3 years ago
Image: A dispenser at a Walgreens store dispenses coupons for Mentos vitamins....
Matt Markovich

Coupon discrimination by large grocery stores targeted in Senate bill

Senate Bill 6265 would require larger grocery stores to honor posted electronic coupons even if consumers have not subscribed to the store’s app or website.
3 years ago
cell phone policy...
Frank Sumrall

Cell phones would be banned in Wash. schools under new bill

Some Washington public schools and districts have already executed a phone ban, including the Peninsula School District.
3 years ago
Matt Markovich

Should you be required to have liability insurance if you own a gun?

A Washington Senate bill requiring liability insurance for gun owners is providing a new twist on the argument that citizens have right to bear arms.
3 years ago
animal abuse...
Frank Sumrall

Bill toughening animal abuse punishments passes Washington House

Animal cruelty in the first degree is a Class C felony in Washington, punishable by up to five years in prison an fine as high as $10,000.
3 years ago
election workers harassment...
Matt Markovich

Penalties for in-person harassment of election workers debated

The State Senate is debating a bill that would make the penalties for harassing an election worker in person the same as if it were done online.
3 years ago
clergy duty child abuse...
Frank Sumrall

Lawmakers arguing whether clergy have a ‘duty’ to report child abuse

A previous version of this bill requiring clergy to report child abuse was introduced last year, but it stalled in the state Senate.
3 years ago
Kate Stone

Limits on natural gas may get stripped out of new state bill

While the bill takes out some of the more stringent bans, it adds a few new regulations that could impact consumers .
3 years ago
Matt Markovich

State lawmakers try again to lower legal blood alcohol limit for DUIs

State lawmakers will make another attempt to lower the state's legal blood alcohol limit to 0.05 from the current 0.08. Only Utah has made a similar move.
3 years ago
sports referees atttacks...
Matt Markovich

‘I quit breathing’: Bill raises penalties for attacks on referees, school staff

The bil would elevate the penalty for anyone who interferes "by force or violence" to a class C felony.
3 years ago
Photo: The Boeing Co. logo is displayed outside of company offices....
Matt Markovich

Boeing sued for negligence over 2022 murder of employee

Rachel Washington, the executor of Isaiah Washington's estate, initiated the legal action in Washington's King County Superior Court in December.
3 years ago
Image: Doctors work in a hospital....
Steve Coogan

Initiative allowing ability to opt out of WA Cares program certified, ballot next?

An initiative that would allow people to opt out of the new tax for the state-run long-term-care program could be headed to the November ballot.
3 years ago
port townsend baby death...
Kate Stone

Washington child safety laws questioned after Port Townsend baby’s death

The law states poverty or substance abuse themselves do not constitute "imminent physical harm" to a child that would allow social services to take custody.
3 years ago
homeless hostile architecture...
Matt Markovich

Senate bill aims to prohibit use of hostile architecture preventing homeless camps

If architecture is erected specifically "to prevent people from sitting or lying at street" level, it would be prohibited.
3 years ago
Image: A portion of the 1040 U.S. individual income tax return form is shown....
Steve Coogan

Initiative that would outlaw state income taxes certified, ballot may be next

An initiative to outlaw income taxes at the state, county and city level could be headed to the ballot on November after it was certified Wednesday.
3 years ago
Former council member shocked to find unresponsive man in her back seat...
Frank Sumrall

Tanya Woo chosen to join Seattle City Council for citywide seat

Newly-elected councilmembers Bob Kettle, Cathy Moore, Maritza Rivera and Rob Saka all endorsed Tanya Woo for the Position 8 seat.
3 years ago
Images: In this combination of photos, President Joe Biden, left, speaks on Aug. 10, 2023 in Salt L...
Associated Press

Trump, Biden win New Hampshire primaries

The former president clinched his second straight victory in his quest for the 2024 GOP nomination. Biden prevailed even though he wasn't on the ballot.
3 years ago
Image: Money...
Steve Coogan

Initiative to repeal capital gains tax certified; ballot could be next

Initiative 2109, which would repeal the state of Washington's capital gains tax, could be on the November ballot after it was certified Tuesday.
3 years ago
Seattle police officers respond to a crime scene. (Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)...
Matt Markovich

Bill proposes statewide ban on police from hogtying suspects

One official estimated that about two-thirds of the 276 law enforcement agencies in the state have policies prohibiting the use of hogties.
3 years ago