Thursday, May 22, 2025
Legislative News

OLYMPIA - House Republican Deputy Leader Mike Steele  and  Rep. Keith Goehner  have announced the inclusion of more than $26 million in district-funded projects in the 2024 …

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 …

Legislature approves initiative banning state income tax amidst public support and equity concerns

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 …

Legislature passes bill for ADU tax exemption for seniors, disabled

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 …

OLYMPIA - House Republican Deputy Leader Mike Steele  and  Representative Keith Goehner  have introduced three separate House Resolutions to honor the outstanding achievements of high …

Foster parents rally for change in state law amid rising fentanyl crises

OLYMPIA - As the prevalence of fentanyl rises, so too does the frequency of critical incidents related to parental substance abuse among foster children, often resulting in fatalities or …

Legislature to hear three citizen-led initiatives amid debate on Police Pursuit, Parental Rights, and State Income Tax

OLYMPIA -  Three citizen-led initiatives will receive hearings in this session of the Legislature, said Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig, D-Spokane, and Speaker of the House Laurie …

State proposes pesticide ban despite current research

OLYMPIA - Neonicotinoid pesticides are known for their harmful effects on the nervous systems of insects, and a proposal in the state legislature calls for them to be banned for household use. …

Holocaust education bill dies

OLYMPIA - An effort to make Holocaust and genocide education mandatory in Washington public schools has failed to win enough support to pass in this year’s Legislature. "We've been trying …

OLYMPIA - With a few hours to spare before the house of origin cutoff deadline on Tuesday, Rep. Keith Goehner had two bills pass the state House of Representatives. The House unanimously passed …

Condom use requires partner consent, proposal says

OLYMPIA - Testifying before lawmakers, Mina Hashemi recounted how, three years ago, she was shocked to see that the condom she had explicitly asked for during sex had been removed.  …

Clergy members could become mandatory reporters of child abuse

OLYMPIA - When Sen. Noel Frame, D-Seattle, learned how Jehovah’s Witness elders in Spokane had covered up child sexual abuse for years, she looked to the law for answers.  Frame found …

OLYMPIA - House Bill 2257, sponsored by 12th District Rep. Keith Goehner to create the Backcountry Search and Rescue Account, passed the state House of Representatives unanimously on Tuesday.

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