Washington lawmakers pass bill keeping drugs illegal
Washington lawmakers approved a major new drug policy as they returned to work for a special session Tuesday, saying it strikes a balance between public order and compassion for those struggling with substance abuse.
Why a drug decriminalization crisis looms for Washington state lawmakers
If a new law is not passed, Washington would become the second state in the U.S., after Oregon, to decriminalize possession of personal-use amounts of drugs.
DNR chief Hilary Franz announces campaign for Washington governor
Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz launched her campaign for Washington governor on Wednesday.
Washington state to decriminalize drugs unless lawmakers act; Gov. Inslee calls special session
Gov. Jay Inslee is calling lawmakers back to work after they rejected a bill setting out a new statewide drug policy, putting Washington on the brink of decriminalizing possession of fentanyl and other drugs while also depriving it of much-needed investments in public health.
Washington insurance commissioner will not seek reelection
Longtime Washington state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler said Monday he would not seek reelection.
Attorney General Bob Ferguson explores run for Washington governor
Democrat Bob Ferguson, Washington's attorney general, announced Tuesday that he is forming an exploratory committee for a possible run for governor in 2024.
Washington Governor Jay Inslee announces he will not seek 4th term
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced Monday that he would not seek re-election after serving three terms as governor: “We’ve made Washington a beacon for progress for the nation. I’m ready to pass the torch."
'Enough is enough'; Seattle floats drug ordinance after Legislature fumbles state law
After the ‘Blake fix’ failed to pass in Washington’s Legislature, cities and counties around the state are preparing their own plans for how they’ll operate after current drug laws come off the books.
Washington becomes 10th state to enact semi-automatic rifle ban, law effective immediately
The law blocks the sale, distribution, manufacture and importation of more than 50 gun models, including AR-15s, AK-47s and similar style rifles. The measure does not bar the possession of the weapons by people who already have them.
New Washington gun law already faces federal court challenge
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed a trio of bills meant to address gun violence Tuesday, one banning the sale of certain semi-automatic rifles, one imposing a 10-day waiting period on firearms purchases and one clearing the way for lawsuits against gun makers or sellers in certain cases.
Legislative session ends as WA lawmakers pass two-year, $69 billion budget
Lawmakers in Washington state closed out the legislative session by adopting a $69 billion operating budget for the next two years that pays for teacher and state employee raises, and devotes new money to mental health support, emergency housing and rental aid.
Fact focus: Posts distort Washington estranged minors law
A bill written to protect young people seeking reproductive health services or gender-affirming care that was widely misrepresented online passed the Democrat-controlled Washington legislature Wednesday.
Gov. Inslee signs bill to remove death penalty from state law in Washington
Five years after the state Supreme Court ruled the death penalty unconstitutional, Gov. Jay Inslee signed a bill officially striking it from Washington law.
Semi-automatic rifle ban passes Washington state Legislature, heads to Gov. Inslee's desk
The Washington law would block the sale, distribution, manufacture and importation of more than 50 gun models, including AR-15s, AK-47s and similar style rifles. The bill will go into effect immediately once it’s signed by Gov. Jay Inslee.
Bill to set minimum marriage age of 18 stalls in Washington Legislature
A bill in Washington state to require a minimum marriage age of 18 has stalled again in the Legislature. Washington is one of just a handful of states that don’t specify a minimum age for marriage.
Inslee signs bill to strengthen prosecution of hate crimes
Beginning in July, hate crimes will be classified as crimes against a person – including assaults that do not end in physical injury.
Gov. Inslee signs bill allowing speed safety cameras in active work zones starting July 2024
Starting July 2024, work zones on Washington state highways will begin using automated speed safety cameras whenever construction crews are present.
Seattle, feds seek to end most oversight of city's police
The U.S. Justice Department and Seattle officials asked a judge Tuesday to end most federal oversight of the city’s police department, saying its sustained, decade-long reform efforts are a model for other cities whose law enforcement agencies face federal civil rights investigations.
Washington Supreme Court upholds capital gains tax in effort to balance state's tax code
The Washington Supreme Court on Friday upheld the state's new capital gains tax, which was adopted by lawmakers in an effort to balance what is considered the nation's most regressive tax code.
Washington Supreme Court upholds capital gains tax
The Washington Supreme Court on Friday upheld the state's new capital gains tax, which was adopted by lawmakers in an effort to balance what is considered the nation's most regressive tax code.