Washington state, not cities, to handle homeless encampment cleanup
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There is now an effort by the state to take responsibility for the homeless camps you see along our highways?but it may not mean what you think.

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.

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.

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.

WA Legislature considers limits on Gov. Inslee's emergency powers
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Gov. Inslee in his State of the State address said they need to take action on issues like homelessness, climate change and transportation, but some lawmakers want to put limits on the governor's powers to invoke a state of emergency.

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.

Washington State begins 2022 legislative session as COVID looms
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Washington's 60-day legislative session began Monday, and it comes as two state senators have tested positive for COVID-19.

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.

WA legislator Andy Billig contracts COVID-19

Washington lawmaker Andy Billig tested positive for COVID-19, Senate Democrats announced Saturday.

Pandemic still backdrop as WA lawmakers start new session

The 2022 legislative session in Washington will look much like the one a year ago: a limited number of lawmakers on site at the Capitol, and committee hearings being fully remote due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Washington orders 5.5 million at-home tests for public

Gov. Jay Inslee said Wednesday the state has ordered 5.5 million at-home tests to distribute to the public and will improve booster vaccine access and supply about 10 million free protective masks amid a steep increase in COVID-19 cases due to the more contagious omicron variant.

Washington’s new secretary of state mandates vaccines

In one of his first acts as Washington Secretary of State, Democrat Steve Hobbs has told his some 300 staff to become vaccinated against COVID-19 by Feb. 25, or face losing their jobs.