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Voluntary waiver of firearm rights is close to becoming law

Northwest

Voluntary waiver of firearm rights is close to becoming law

The bill would allow those who feel they are at risk of suicide to add their name to…

Northwest

Legislators rewrite statute to exempt their records from public disclosure

Critics slam the move as a blow to government transparency.

Rep. Kristine Reeves, D-Federal Way, battled tears during the House floor debate on a bill to ban bump stocks, while her colleague Tana Senn, D- Mercer Island turned to comfort her. Photo by Taylor McAvoy

Northwest

Washington State moves closer to bump stock ban

Before heading to the governor’s desk, the bill will return to the Senate for another vote.

Photo by Visitor7/Wikimedia

Northwest

Proposal to eliminate the death penalty passes the Senate

After passionate floor debate, the bill moves to the House.

Photo by Visitor7/Wikimedia

Northwest

A fight over the role of unions erupts in Olympia

State Democrats push labor union-friendly bills while Republicans cry foul play.

Washington State Capitol. Photo by Nicole Jennings

News

Washington may soon teach sexual abuse prevention in schools

The State Legislature is considering training aimed at improving child safety.

John Kerry in Olympia to advocate for governor’s carbon tax

Northwest

John Kerry in Olympia to advocate for governor’s carbon tax

Former U.S. Secretary of State said “Washington has an opportunity to lead.”

Photo by Kathryn Decker/Flickr

Northwest

State legislators look to “ban the box”

The House of Representatives votes to end questioning criminal history on job applications.

By Nicole Jennings

Northwest

Bill expanding wrongful death actions passes the Senate

The bill would do away with a law that opponents say is antiquated and xenophobic.

Lawmakers consider a plan to help homeless college students

Northwest

Lawmakers consider a plan to help homeless college students

In addition to education, the program would help students find housing and provide meal plans and stipends for…

Students could utilize the proposed program to attend state colleges, including the University of Washington in Seattle. Photo by Punctured Bicycle/Wikimedia

Northwest

Proposed bill would provide free college tuition to some students

The Evergreen Free College Program being called for would benefit both middle-income and low-income students.

Lawmaker pitches vocational scholarships at rural community colleges

Northwest

Lawmaker pitches vocational scholarships at rural community colleges

The bill would provide assistance for residents that make less than 70 percent of the state median income.

Photo by Cacophony/Wikimedia

Northwest

Bill to tax oil in pipelines advances in state Senate

The measure would also update state oil spill contingency plans.

Bigfoot eludes state recognition yet again

Northwest

Bigfoot eludes state recognition yet again

A twice-failed bill would have named the mythic creature as the official state cryptid.

Inslee pushes back against offshore drilling in Washington

Northwest

Inslee pushes back against offshore drilling in Washington

Statements from the governor and the state attorney general come in response to a shift in federal plans.

Photo by Visitor7/Wikimedia

Northwest

Program before lawmakers could strengthen mental health crisis response

The aim is to provide those in need with services instead of jail time.

Carbon tax plan advances in the state Senate

Northwest

Carbon tax plan advances in the state Senate

Bill moves out of committee with lower tax rate than governor proposed, a “monumental step.”

Photo by Nicole Jennings

Northwest

Proposed law would make tampons free for some college students

The bill would ensure that those with low incomes can have access to clean products, say proponents.

Light rail funding could be in trouble if car tab taxes decrease. Photo by Richard Eriksson/Flickr

Northwest

Republican lawmakers call for further action on car tabs

Senate Democrat slams their efforts as “unthoughtful sledgehammers.”

Photo by Visitor7/Wikimedia

Northwest

A bill before lawmakers would outlaw concealed carry on private property

Opponents say that such a move would undermine the safety and rights of gun owners.