Washington legislatures adjourn without reaching a solution on drug possession bill
A contentious bill on drug possession penalties failed to pass out of Washington State Legislature. With the current possession law expiring this summer, the risk of decriminalizing hard drugs in Washington is looming.
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.
'It is unacceptable'; Washington legalizes hard drugs by default
Possession of hard drugs in Washington, like fentanyl and meth, will become legal by default this summer.
Gov. Inslee expected to sign legislation banning semi-automatic weapons
A bill that will ban the sale, manufacture and import of assault weapons in Washington is one signature away from becoming law, sparking an uptick in gun sales, according to local gun stores.
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.
Bill to permanently allow cocktails to go passes WA Senate, now heading to Gov. Inslee's desk
A bill that would permanently allow cocktails to-go from restaurants and distilleries was approved by the state senate, and is now heading to Governor Jay Inslee’s desk for signature.
Bill could crack down on WA pet stores who source dogs from out-of-state puppy mills
Pet stores will no longer be able to source their dogs from out-of-state puppy mills or offer loans for people to purchase their pets if a bill that passed the Washington State Senate this week becomes law.
Bill to loosen standards for police pursuits awaits final vote in Senate
A bill loosening the standards for police pursuits in Washington needs a final vote in the Senate before it can go to the Governor's desk to be signed.
Senate OKs bill allowing duplexes, fourplexes in Washington
A key housing bill that would legalize duplexes and fourplexes in most neighborhoods in nearly every Washington city has been approved by the state Senate.
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.
War on Fentanyl: Bill to make ownership of pill presses illegal in Washington heads to Governor's desk
Law enforcement could soon have more tools to stop fentanyl pill mills from cranking out dangerous drugs in the state of Washington.
Washington buys 30,000 abortion pills ahead of potential federal ruling to discontinue drug
On Tuesday, Gov. Jay Inslee announced that the state has stockpile purchased 30,000 doses of mifepristone, a pill most commonly used in medically-induced abortions.
WDFW: Coastal razor clam digs begin April 6, daily limit increases to 20 clams
The Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced the next round of coastal razor clam digging will run from April 6-12.
Senate Bill 5078, which could allow the state to sue members of firearms industry, passes out of committee
State lawmakers say Senate Bill 5078 was passed out of committee in Olympia Friday. The bill calls for the firearms industry to adopt controls to protect the public. Under the bill making its way through the legislature, if those members of the industry contributed to the illegal use of firearms, they could face legal action.
Police ask for public's help in finding missing Olympia woman
Police are requesting the community’s help to find a missing woman from the Olympia area.
Police pursuit bill moves out of committee with amendments
A police pursuit bill that would allow law enforcement to chase after suspects at a lower standard of evidence has moved forward and out of a house committee Tuesday evening.
WA Senate committee moves assault weapons ban forward
On Tuesday, Washington lawmakers took one step closer to an assault weapons ban at the state level.