Legislature decides WA schools should include LGBTQ+ history SB 5462 would require state curricula to teach the perspectives and experiences of historically marginalized groups. by Scarlet Hansen / March 14, 2024
Politics 2024 WA Legislature passes bills on guns, environment, education Yet lawmakers failed to advance most housing initiatives. From AI task forces to child marriage, here is how some standout bills fared. by Donna Gordon Blankinship & Scarlet Hansen / March 11, 2024
Politics WA Legislature revs up plan to electrify 10,000 school buses A bill to switch from diesel vehicles — plus $50M from cap-and-trade revenue — passed out of the Legislature, but did not offer a timeline. by John Stang / March 8, 2024
Politics A heap of housing bills failed in WA’s legislative session Proposals concerning rent stabilization and increased housing density died this time, in contrast to 2023’s “year of housing” when 10 passed. by Scarlet Hansen / March 7, 2024 / Updated at 3:40 p.m. on March 7
Politics How the Israel/Hamas war influenced a WA genocide education bill The proposal failed over a debate about the curriculum, its development and inclusivity. by Scarlet Hansen / March 5, 2024
Politics WA legislators are pushing new gun bills. Here’s what could pass A batch of regulations are likely headed to Gov. Inslee’s desk – including one that would require reporting lost or stolen firearms within 24 hours. by John Stang / March 4, 2024
Politics Many WA youth exiting mental health treatment face homelessness Shelter resources are scarce for unhoused young adults completing inpatient care. HB 1929 would establish at least two residential programs for them. by Scarlet Hansen / March 1, 2024 / Updated at 2:45 p.m. on April 3
Environment Gas prices too high? WA residents may get $200 back for utilities The Legislature considers offering rebates to middle- and low-income households to offset fuel costs blamed on the new cap-and-invest program. by John Stang / February 22, 2024
Politics WA debates bill on ‘stealthing,’ or lying about sexual protection HB 1958 would create a penalty of up to $5K for nonconsensual removal or misleading someone about the use of devices like condoms and dental dams. by Scarlet Hansen / February 21, 2024
Politics WA Legislature keeps most of its priority bills alive — so far At the 2024 session midpoint, lawmakers are focusing on big statewide issues such as clean energy, rent stabilization and police accountability. by Donna Gordon Blankinship & Scarlet Hansen / February 15, 2024 / Updated at 11:50 a.m. on Feb. 15
Politics WA bill would add explicit ‘deepfakes’ to child pornography laws HB 1999 would close a legal recourse loophole by outlawing the use of a minor’s face to digitally fabricate sexual content. by Scarlet Hansen / February 13, 2024
Politics Washington teens advocate for Narcan in every school The life-saving opioid reversal medication is currently available only at high schools in districts with 2,000 or more students. by Scarlet Hansen / February 1, 2024 / Updated at 1:40 p.m. on Feb. 1
Politics A WA bill would allow non-citizens to obtain professional licenses House Bill 1889 would remove citizenship requirements from certifications for jobs ranging from security guards to private investigators. by Scarlet Hansen / January 30, 2024
Politics Amanda Knox testifies in Olympia for stricter interrogation laws In support of a bill that would void interview statements if a court finds deceptive police tactics, Knox described her 53-hour questioning in Italy. by Scarlet Hansen / January 17, 2024
Politics The Washington Legislature kicks off. Here’s what to watch. Lawmakers are expected to focus the 2024 session on behavioral health, housing and homelessness, the environment, public safety and transportation. by Donna Gordon Blankinship / January 8, 2024
Politics Poll: Washington voters want to spend more — while cutting taxes But Republicans and Democrats differ on where the money should go during the 2024 legislative session, according to a recent Crosscut/Elway poll. by Donna Gordon Blankinship / January 4, 2024