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Watch Gov. Jay Inslee’s Monday news conference here

He is to be joined by the state superintendent to give an update on the coronavirus response.

Gov. Jay Inslee is to hold a news conference Monday at 2:30 p.m. to provide an update on the state’s COVID-19 response. He is to be joined by Chris Reykdal, state superintendent of public instruction. This feed is from TVW.

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Washington state lawmakers in the House chamber on the first day of the 2026 legislative session. (Photo by Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero/Washington State Standard)
More bills falter as time dwindles for Washington Legislature

The third deadline in as many weeks came Tuesday in the Washington… Continue reading

Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, makes remarks on Monday during the floor debate over legislation he sponsored to tax personal income over $1 million a year. (Photo by Bill Lucia/Washington State Standard)
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 more changes.

Sen. John Lovick, D-Mill Creek, on the Senate floor on Feb. 12, 2026, remarks about his bill to set stricter standards for sheriffs. The legislation was approved, sending it to the House. (Photo by Bill Lucia/Washington State Standard)
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 to remove elected sheriffs and restrict volunteer posses.

A voter puts a ballot in the drop box at the Ballard branch of the Seattle Public Library in King County in August 2024. This voting location is one of the most popular in the county. (Laurel Demkovich/Washington State Standard)
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. The bill next goes to the Senate.

The Washington state Capitol on Friday. (Photo by Bill Lucia/Washington State Standard)
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 to expand an exemption for small businesses and make other changes.

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson, left, shakes hands with Cowlitz Indian Tribe Chairman Bill Iyall after signing an executive order to improve the state’s relations with tribal governments on Oct. 22, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Washington governor’s office)
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. Supporters say the change could add valuable perspective to the panel.

A view of the Washington state Capitol building in Olympia, obscured by a slight mist, Jan. 27, 2025. (Photo by Bill Lucia/Washington State Standard)
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… Continue reading

Washington State Capitol building in Olympia. (Courtesy photo)
Ferguson rejects WA lawmakers’ initial crack at income tax legislation

The Democratic proposal targets household earnings over $1 million.

Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, during Senate floor debate on Jan. 28, 2026. (Photo by Bill Lucia/Washington State Standard)
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. He and others are forging ahead with an income tax proposal.

State Sen. John Lovick, D-Mill Creek, looks on toward the end of the roll call vote for his Senate Bill 5067, which would lower the blood alcohol limit for drunk driving to 0.05% from 0.08% in Washington. The bill passed the Senate on a 26-23 vote on Jan. 28, 2026. (Photo by Bill Lucia/Washington State Standard)
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 nation. It still needs House approval.

Bill Lucia / Washington State Standard State Sen. Yasmin Trudeau, D-Tacoma, makes floor remarks on Feb. 4, 2026 about Senate Bill 6002, which would set state regulations for license plate readers. The bill passed 40-9, with only Republicans opposed.
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 shared except in court proceedings.

Washington state Supreme Court Justice Colleen Melody is sworn in Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, in Olympia, Washington. (Photo by Jake Goldstein-Street/Washington State Standard)
Washington’s newest Supreme Court justice is sworn in

Colleen Melody is officially the Washington state Supreme Court’s newest justice. Melody… Continue reading

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