Northwest
Bill that would reduce car tab rates passes the state House
Transit advocates fear it will cut funding for key projects.
Northwest
Vetoed tax cut for manufacturers again pushed in bipartisan effort
Bill would lower business and occupation tax by 40 percent over four years.
Northwest
Senate votes to extend college financial aid to state Dreamers
The bipartisan effort is intended to send a message to the other Washington while creating opportunities for young…
Northwest
Orca Protection Act aims to protect Pacific Northwest’s iconic whales
Senator Kevin Ranker says the orca population in Puget Sound is down to 83, the lowest it had…
Northwest
State House speaker talks taxes, death penalty, and harassment
Democrat Frank Chopp has had the speaker title since 1999, and he says he’s not retiring this year.
Northwest
Lawmakers want to rein in Washington’s many tax breaks
The vast majority of the state’s tax exemptions benefit businesses.
Northwest
Senator proposes revoking firearm rights in cases of harassment
The bill would expand an existing law that takes guns from perpetrators of domestic violence.
Northwest
Lawmakers consider a bill to raise the legal tobacco age
The bill has support from Attorney General Bob Ferguson.
Northwest
American Indian activists rally in Olympia
More than 100 were on hand to lobby state government on issues including the welfare of indigenous women…
Northwest
Hundreds gather in Olympia for 40th annual March For Life
The march, which is timed to the anniversary of Roe v Wade, took place as legislators considered bills…
Northwest
Bill to ban the death penalty heard in committee
The hearing attracted passionate testimony from both sides of the issue.
Northwest
State legislators combat federal ruling on net neutrality
One Senate bill would prohibit internet service providers from exercising “deceptive” tactics and impairing or blocking legal web…
Northwest
Lawmakers again consider requiring health plans to cover abortions
Democratic lawmakers are hopeful that this is the year for the Reproductive Parity Act.
Northwest
Bills intended to expand and empower voters move ahead in Olympia
They will allow same-day voter registration and local redistricting to empower minorities.
Northwest
Governor signs bill to settle water-use dispute
The bill allows for limited drilling of new wells and also limits water withdrawals in new wells.
Northwest
Ballot initiative threat has energy industry warming to carbon tax
Support for the governor’s proposed tax is tepid, but it’s there.
Northwest
Senate Democrats push safety for sanitation workers
The bill would address concerns over training and access to safety information.
Northwest
Capital budget passed, but affordable housing across the state still threatened
Some projects aimed at homeless families and disabled veterans won’t happen.
Northwest
Lawmakers advance a voluntary waiver of gun rights for those at risk of suicide
Under the proposed law, it would take those who volunteer 14 days to retain their right to a…
Northwest
State lawmakers re-consider eliminating statute of limitations on sex crimes
Having passed the House last year, the bill now appears to be stuck in a Senate committee.