What’s moving along, and what’s not, in the WA Legislature?
The Washington Legislature faces a key deadline this Friday. While many ideas have been heard, the state’s projected budget shortfall is filtering what laws will make it to the governor's desk.
Confusion, concern at Seattle VA hospital after federal spending freeze
In Seattle, there is confusion and concern at the VA hospital as reports surface that federal agencies are seeing their spending halted.
How WA bills are performing ahead of Friday deadline
Legislators in Olympia are approaching a Friday deadline to pass bills with fiscal impacts onto the full House and Senate
VA layoffs, funding cuts raise concern in Seattle
There's confusion and concern at Seattle's VA hospital as reports surface that federal agencies are seeing their cash flow halted.
WA signature verification bill debated in legislature
Lawmakers are considering more rules around verifying signatures on petitions for initiatives, with strong opposition coming from initiative backers and the state’s top election official.
WA signature verification bill faces opposition from initiative backers
Lawmakers are considering more rules around verifying signatures on petitions for initiatives, with strong opposition coming from initiative backers and the state’s top election official.
WA Senate panel advances mental health benefits for pilots
A proposal to ensure pilots and other airport employees would get paid family and medical leave benefits when out of commission for FAA medical recertification advanced in the state Senate Friday.
Washington Senate panel advances mental health benefits for pilots
The bill was inspired in part by a 2023 incident where an off-duty pilot in crisis allegedly tried to shut off a plane’s engines mid-flight.
Bills aimed at improving community safety in WA advance
A Washington bill that seeks to reform pre-trial release policies for both adults and juveniles, as well as enhance judicial accountability, has passed out of the House Community Safety Committee.
2 bills aimed at improving community safety advance in WA State Legislature
The revised legislation mandates that judges provide a written explanation for their decisions regarding the pre-trial release of certain suspects.
WA Senate panel advances age-based restrictions for social media platforms
Proponents say the restrictions are necessary to protect children from the harms of social media, while critics question the legality of the law.
WA Gov. Ferguson advocates for proposal limiting governor’s emergency powers
Governor Ferguson stepped in last week to advance a bill to give the legislature more say in a state of emergency.
Washington’s state flag could change under proposed legislation
House Bill 1938 would create a committee to redesign the green banner state flag.
Lawmakers weigh increased penalties for people who try to elude police
If passed, a new bill would increase penalties for fleeing police. Some say this hasn't worked in the past, while others believe it will act as a deterrence.
WA lawmakers discussing bill to reform pre-trial release policies
A new bill would change the way Washington judges set bail for suspects who are deemed public safety threats.
WA legislative committee advances new standards on wood stoves
Senate Bill 5174 would align Washington’s air quality standards regarding wood burning devices with ones published by the EPA.
WA leaders criticize Trump, tell him to 'follow the damn law'
Governor Bob Ferguson and other state leaders had sharp words for President Trump on Thursday afternoon.
Bills protecting youth refs makes way to WA Legislature after hockey incident
Two bills aimed at helping prevent assaults at schools and during extracurricular activities are making their way through the Washington State Legislature.
Washington lawmaker proposes regulations for self-checkout machines
Grocery clerks support the regulations, citing safety and workload concerns, while grocery stores believe they have a handle on things.