Northwest
More bills falter as time dwindles for Washington Legislature
The third deadline in as many weeks came Tuesday in the Washington Legislature. It meant the end of…
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Northwest
Washington state Senate approves tax on personal income over $1M
The bill will next go to the House, as Gov. Bob Ferguson is indicating he’d like to see…
Northwest
Stricter standards for Washington sheriffs approved in state Senate
A lead law enforcement group and Republicans are opposed. The bill would provide a way for the state…
Northwest
Tighter rules for challenges to voter registrations clear WA House
A spike in challenges by conservatives is fueling Democrats’ desire to make changes that will curtail frivolous claims.…
Northwest
WA income tax on higher earners clears first legislative hurdle
Democrats rejected GOP amendments before pushing their tax on millionaires through a Senate committee. The bill was revised…
Northwest
Washington tribes could get more say in management of state logging lands
A bill to add two tribal representatives to the Board of Natural Resources is awaiting a Senate vote.…
Northwest
The bills that didn’t survive the WA Legislature’s first major deadline
A 60-day legislative session can be a cruel thing if you’re hoping to see a bill passed.
Northwest
Ferguson rejects WA lawmakers’ initial crack at income tax legislation
The Democratic proposal targets household earnings over $1 million.
Northwest
WA Senate leader explains dim outlook for a new tax on big businesses
Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen previously backed the payroll tax, but suggests there’s no political path for it.…
Northwest
WA Senate OKs guardrails for license plate readers
The legislation passed Wednesday mandates that reader data be deleted after 21 days and says it can’t be…
Northwest
Lower drunk driving limit approved by WA Senate
The bill drops it to 0.05%, and the state would join Utah with the toughest standard in the…
Northwest
Washington’s newest Supreme Court justice is sworn in
Colleen Melody is officially the Washington state Supreme Court’s newest justice.
Northwest
An icy reception for Gov. Bob Ferguson’s proposed budget cuts
Advocates for schools, public universities, and climate programs are among those unhappy with the raft of cuts the…
Northwest
Push for youth social media safeguards revived in WA Legislature
A proposal would prohibit addictive feeds and push notifications at certain times for minors. Opponents believe it’s unconstitutional.
Northwest
How Washington state lawmakers want to regulate AI
Reining in chatbots, protecting kids from harmful content, and requiring disclosure of AI-generated material are among the ideas…
Northwest
Washington may ban sales of farmed octopus
Octopus is back on the policy menu for Washington state lawmakers.
Northwest
What Gov. Bob Ferguson said in State of the State address
The speech drew a more positive reaction from fellow Democrats than last year’s inaugural address. He touched on…
Northwest
Road damage from WA flooding to cost at least $40M
Last month’s heavy flooding inflicted at least $40 million to $50 million of damage on Washington’s highways, state…
Northwest
WA’s 2026 legislative session is getting underway. Will anyone be smiling when it’s over?
Washington state lawmakers begin a 60-day session today, in which a fiscal reckoning, flood recovery, and their own…
Northwest
Top Ferguson aide who went on hiatus to return in new role
A top adviser to Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson is back at work with a new title and portfolio.