Bill to ensure legal counsel to low-income Washingtonians facing eviction advances through Legislature

A "right to counsel" measure that is getting closer to approval by the Legislature would make Washington the first state to ensure that low-income tenants have legal representation when faced with an eviction.

House OKs bill making police intervene to stop undue force

The Washington state House on Wednesday approved a measure requiring police to intervene if they see a fellow officer using, or attempting to use, excessive force.

Law enforcement reform bills advance in Olympia

A series of bills aiming to restrict a police officer’s use of force is moving through the legislature in Olympia.

Washington state Senate approves ban on Native American mascots at schools

The Washington Senate has approved a measure to ban the use of Native American names, symbols and images as school mascots, logos and team names at most public schools in Washington.

Washington Senate passes first draft of budget plan

The Washington Senate on Thursday passed its two-year budget spending proposal that lawmakers said focuses on helping those hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic.

Review: Suspect in Portland protest killing likely fired at police before being fatally shot

A fugitive wanted in the highly-publicized killing of a demonstrator in Portland, Oregon, last summer probably fired first at police in Washington state before they fatally shot him, investigators found.

Bill in Washington state would ban Tacoma private immigration jail

The Washington Legislature has approved a bill aimed at shutting down one of the country’s largest for-profit, privately run immigration jails.

Washington state OKs bill to give voting rights to parolees

Washington state lawmakers have voted to automatically restore voting rights to people who have been released from prison after committing felonies, even if they’re still on community supervision.

Emergency rule bans credit scoring in Washington for 3 years

Washington state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler on Tuesday issued an emergency rule prohibiting insurers from using credit scoring to set rates for personal property for three years after the current coronavirus pandemic is declared over.

One hurt in storage unit fire
video

It happened around 1:30 am at a storage unit in Olympia.

Ethnic studies graduation requirement gaining support in Washington

The Washington State Board of Education has voted unanimously to adopt a resolution to establish an ethnic studies graduation requirement.

Judge sentences man accused of threatening reporters on Capitol Campus

A man accused of spraying three people with bear spray and threatening two journalists while armed with an assault weapon pleaded guilty to assault, harassment and criminal trespass charges.

Court overturns automatic life sentences for young Washington state killers

The Washington state Supreme Court on Thursday overturned the automatic life-without-parole sentences given to two men for murders committed when they were 19 and 20, saying judges must consider the youth and brain development of such defendants in sentencing them.

Lawmakers in Olympia on verge of major policing overhaul

Lawmakers are on the cusp of overhauling policing and police accountability in Washington state, acting with unusual urgency to curb bad behavior by officers following last year’s turbulent protests for racial justice.

Washington House OKs bill expanding tax credit for low-income families

A bill that would expand a tax credit for the state’s low-income workers and families passed the House earlier this week, with an amendment that would ensure the exemption is available to eligible taxpayers for the first time.

State House approves bill for Billy Frank Jr. statue

A statue honoring the late Billy Frank Jr., a Nisqually tribal member who championed treaty rights and protecting the environment, is one step closer to being on display at the U.S. Capitol.

Washington House approves measure to limit evictions during pandemic

The Washington House has approved a measure that would require landlords to provide a valid reason for ending certain leases with tenants.