Washington State Legislature

461 Stories

Washington's ferry system has a trust problem

Officially, the Washington State Ferries had a 99% reliability rating in January. But in waterfront communities hurt by too few boats and ferry-run cancellations, people remain skeptical. During the legislative session, elected leaders are working to address the problem.
- Joshua McNichols
Does Washington state need an independent prosecutor to charge police with misusing deadly force?

This year, a proposal to create a new, independent prosecutor at the state level is advancing at the Washington Legislature. House Bill 1579 would establish a unit within the Attorney General’s office to pursue charges against police officers accused of misusing deadly force.
- Amy Radil
Washington grocery workers hope for protections if Kroger-Albertsons merger goes through

Grocery workers concerned about the Kroger-Albertsons merger’s impact on their jobs, are hoping a bill in Olympia will offer some protection.
- Ruby de Luna
How will Washington state Democrats handle GOP-backed voter initiatives?

Washington state Democrats say they're closer to knowing which voter initiatives will receive hearings in the Legislature.
- Jeanie Lindsay
Washington bottle deposit proposal fizzles out in Legislature

Washington state lawmakers proposed a bill that would create a bottle deposit program in the 2024 legislative session. While the bottle bill proved popular in committees, it ultimately did not have support on the House floor.
- Dyer Oxley
Is Washington really 'The Evergreen State'? The question remains

State lawmakers have launched efforts over the years to make "The Evergreen State" Washington's official nickname. Apparently, we've been using it unofficially for generations.
- Dyer Oxley
Kirkland students' bill to put Narcan in schools passes the Senate, heads to House

A bill to put opioid reversal medication in every Washington public school passed out of the state Senate and is now headed to the House.
- Katie Campbell
The future of Washington state's carbon auction may come down to gas prices

Washington state Republicans hope you'll think about high gas prices when you vote this fall. A GOP-backed initiative to repeal the Climate Commitment Act -- which charges companies for emitting carbon into the atmosphere -- is likely headed to your ballot. Republicans argue it’s a misguided policy that’s been too painful for average Washingtonians filling their tanks. Democrats in Olympia are now racing to smooth out rough edges on Governor Inslee's signature environmental law – like those pesky high carbon auction prices. They’re making a case to save the law … which they argue is a necessary tool to help combat climate change.
- Libby Denkmann
Natural gas, opioids and DUIs: Highlights from week 3 of Washington's legislative session

Preventing more deaths on Washington roads and responding to the opioid crisis were top of mind for many in Olympia this week, with lawmakers about a third of the way through the year's legislative session.
- Jeanie Lindsay
Why some Seattle area seniors are choosing dorm-sized apartments

There’s an old kind of housing – that’s making a comeback. It’s kind of like a dorm for adults, but where people have their own bathrooms. The epicenter of this micro-housing renaissance is in Redmond and Kirkland. And it’s getting noticed by lawmakers - and seniors.
- Joshua McNichols

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Washington State Legislature

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