Washington State Patrol promotes a woman to assistant chief for first time in agency's history
For the first time in Washington State Patrol history, a woman is now the assistant chief. Shannon Bendiksen was promoted to the position in June 2021, and Chief John Batiste's hosted a promotional ceremony on Feb. 2.
Insurer groups sue over Washington state credit scoring ban
Washington state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler’s adoption this week of a rule prohibiting insurers from using credit scoring to set rates for auto, homeowner and renter insurance has already drawn a legal challenge from insurer groups.
Senate approves bill increasing redistricting plan transparency
The Washington Senate on Wednesday unanimously approved a measure that seeks to create more transparency around the state’s redistricting process following last year’s chaotic final hours of work that led to complaints its deliberations may have violated open meetings laws.
Gov. proposes division to handle homeless encampments along state highways
The Washington State Senate, as requested by Gov. Jay Inslee, proposed a bill on Feb. 2 that would create a subdivision of the Department of Social and Health Services that would focus on ‘intergovernmental coordination to address the cleaning of homeless encampments.
Lacey students walk out to call attention to incidents of racism, sexual assaults
Dozens of students in Lacey walked out of class Wednesday morning in protest after a racist incident at a basketball game.
2 bills call for higher penalties for hazing after death of WSU fraternity pledge
Two bills that raise the penalties for "hazing' are making their way through the state legislature, and both were inspired by the death of a Washington State University freshman two years ago.
WA Legislature considers curbing governor’s emergency powers
Majority Democrats in the Legislature are indicating they may be open to putting restrictions on the governor’s broad emergency powers as Washington’s COVID-19 state of emergency approaches two years.
Inslee proposes bill making it illegal for elected officials to lie about election outcomes
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Friday urged state lawmakers to approve a bill that would make it a crime for elected officials or candidates to knowingly lie about election outcomes if those claims result in violence.
Gov. Inslee signs into law delay of Washington’s long-term care program
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Thursday signed into law an 18-month delay of the state’s new long-term care program that creates a defined benefit to help offset the costs of such care.
Father speaks out after video shows Black student athlete being called slurs during game
A father in Lacey is speaking out against racism after his son was the victim of a derogatory video.
Washington's unemployment rate falls to 4.5% in December
The Washington Employment Security Department reports the state's unemployment rate continues to slowly improve as the pandemic rages on.
Large fire that damaged 5 buildings in Olympia deemed arson, police looking to ID persons of interest
Investigators determined that a large fire that damaged five buildings in downtown Olympia back in December was arson.
WA Senate approves bill further penalizing election worker harassment
The Washington state Senate on Wednesday unanimously approved a measure that would make it a Class C felony to harass an election worker, with violations potentially resulting in a five-year prison sentence and a $10,000 fine.
WA Legislature considers limits on Gov. Inslee's emergency powers
It’s been 679 days since Governor Inslee declared a state of emergency regarding COVID—a prospect which is shaping up to a bipartisan effort to curb his emergency powers.
Gov. Inslee calls on Washington lawmakers for ‘bold’ action in State of the State speech
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Tuesday called on state lawmakers to take action on a multitude of issues during their 60-day legislative session, including addressing the homelessness crisis, helping children impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and taking more steps to address climate change.
WA lawmakers eye 'tweaking' police reform laws as 2022 legislative session opens
The 2022 Washington State legislative session opened its 60-day session on Monday with ‘fixes’ on the minds of many lawmakers.
Washington lawmakers set to kick off mostly remote session
Lawmakers in Washington state are preparing to kick off a new legislative session amid the backdrop of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and much of their work will be done remotely as leaders try to limit the possibility of exposure.