Articles from the 'Wnpa' series
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Fallout from I-976: Senator balance transportation budget despite revenue shortfall
Facing a shortfall of $450 million, lawmakers patched together a budget in late February to fund highway maintenance, the Washington State Patrol and other transportation projects. The Senate Transportation Committee developed a pr... — Updated 3/6/2020
Vice President arrives with federal health experts to 'epicenter' of U.S. coronavirus outbreak
On the day Washington state recorded its 11th death from the COVID-19 virus, Vice President Mike Pence arrived in Pierce County to meet with Gov. Jay Inslee and state health... — Updated 3/5/2020
House passes bill to expand court-ordered gun confiscation
Courts could be one step closer to ordering people subject to vulnerable adult protection orders to surrender their firearms after the House voted 55 to 42 on Friday, Feb. 14 in favor of a bill that expands authority to do so.... — Updated 2/21/2020
Parents and teachers express concerns over mandatory sex ed
Parents, students, and educational professionals voiced their concerns in a public hearing about a bill that would mandate comprehensive sexual education in public schools beginning as soon as kindergarten. Lorraine Jenne, chair... — Updated 2/21/2020
Senate passes bill requiring comprehensive sex-ed in public schools
A proposed law to require school districts to implement a comprehensive sexual education curriculum emphasizing healthy relationships and consent was passed after a 28-21 vote by the state Senate yesterday. If signed into law, Engr... — Updated 2/21/2020
House lawmakers pass bill to ban expansion of ICE detention center in Tacoma
The state House of Representatives voted 85-12 on a bill that would ban the expansion of an Immigration Customs Enforcement detention center in Tacoma. House Bill 2640 asserts that the privately-owned building, used to detain... — Updated 2/14/2020
Lawmakers move to ban styrofoam food containers in Washington state
Lawmakers plan to eliminate the use of styrofoam food-service products in Washington state by enacting a bill to stop its sale and distribution. Senate bill 6213, sponsored by Senator Mona Das, D- Kent, and its companion House... — Updated 2/14/2020
Lawmakers aim to make childcare more accessible and easier to certify
Parents could have better access to childcare providers if lawmakers pass a bill that aims to make the childcare certification process cheaper and easier. The primary sponsor of House Bill 2556, Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, said he... — Updated 2/14/2020
Washington state moves to eliminate youth solitary confinement
Washington state lawmakers plan to ban solitary confinement as a form of punishment in juvenile detention facilities. “Nationally, there’s a growing consensus that solitary confinement is both unconstitutional and inhumane,... — Updated 2/12/2020
Democratic controlled house passes clean fuels bill despite bipartisan opposition
People will be asked to use a lot less gasoline and to convert to alternative clean fuels in the next 15 years if a proposal before the Legislature becomes law. After lengthy debate, Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1110... — Updated 2/11/2020
Lawmakers propose a plan to treat mentally ill people without their consent
People unable to care for themselves due to mental illnesses could be subject to receiving treatment, even without their consent, if Washington state legislators pass a law to establish executorships for people who are... — Updated 2/11/2020
Armed 2nd Amendment supporters rallied in resistance at Capitol
Roughly 100 gun rights activists marched on the State Capitol on Friday, Jan. 31, and rallied in opposition to recently proposed gun regulation bills. Matt Marshall, leader of the... — Updated 2/11/2020
Lawmakers consider a grow-your-own recreational marijuana bill
People may be allowed to grow up to six of their own cannabis plants and up to 15 plants per household if the Legislature passes House Bill 1131 or its companion, Senate Bill 5155. Under current law, people can obtain... — Updated 2/11/2020
Advisory votes on tax increases under fire
Advisory votes that give voters a chance to let lawmakers know their opinions on legislation to increase taxes may be removed from future ballots. Instead, senators are considering replacing advisory votes with a public opinion... — Updated 2/11/2020
Lawmakers propose cap and trade amid continued push for an emission-reduction policy
A proposed cap and trade program is under consideration in the Senate as lawmakers continue to explore ways to meet the state’s greenhouse gas reduction goals. Senate Bill 5981, with Sen. Reuven Carlyle, D-Queen Anne, as its... — Updated 2/11/2020
More drug offenders would be sentenced to treatment instead of prison under proposed law
Proposals moving through the Legislature would expand the eligibility of incarcerated people to receive treatment for substance abuse in lieu of or concurrently with prison sentences. Senate Bill 6211 was heard by the Law and... — Updated 2/11/2020
Governor signs into law tax bill to help fund higher education
Fewer businesses will be asked to foot the bill for higher education programs after Gov. Jay Inslee signed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6492 on Monday, Feb 10. The bill will... — Updated 2/11/2020
Senate passes bill requiring comprehensive sex-ed in public schools
A proposed law to require school districts to implement a comprehensive sexual education curriculum emphasizing healthy relationships and consent was passed after a 28-21 vote by the state Senate yesterday. If signed into law, Engr... — Updated 1/23/2020
Proposed law adds a fee to plastic bags at check out
In an attempt to reduce plastic pollution, a bill banning retailers from handing out free single-use plastic bags in the state of Washington is moving in the Legislature. The bill,... — Updated 1/21/2020
Industry leaders worry clean-fuel program could hurt economy
Democrats in the state Legislature are backing bills aimed at reducing carbon emissions and pollutants put into the atmosphere by transportation fuels with the goal of achieving a 95% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from... — Updated 1/21/2020
Gun rights advocates rally at Capitol
OLYMPIA - On what turned out to be a cold and rainy day, nearly 150 people from across Washington gathered Jan. 17 on the state Capitol steps in support of their right to bear... — Updated 1/21/2020
Governor talks up state's positives, notes areas to improve
OLYMPIA -- Gov. Jay Inslee stood before the Washington Legislature to deliver his 2020 State of the State Address on Tuesday, Jan. 14. "Washington state indeed embodies the best in... — Updated 1/21/2020
Five new lawmakers were sworn in for the 2020 state legislative session
Two state Senators and three new House of Representatives members were welcomed into their newly appointed positions for the 2020 legislative session in Washington this week. In the House, there are currently 57 Democrats and 41... — Updated 1/21/2020
Democrats push to require firearm training for concealed carriers
OLYMPIA -- A proposal by Senate Democrats would require concealed pistol license applicants to complete a safety course. Senate Bill 6294 would require conceal-carry permit holders to complete eight hours of training that would... — Updated 1/21/2020
Complaint alleging racist language filed against Democratic lawmaker
Washington Asians for Equality and the American Coalition for Equality filed a complaint to the Secretary of Senate and Senate Counsels against Sen. Patty Kurderer, D-Bellevue, demanding an apology for her use of what they... — Updated 1/21/2020
