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.