Washington State Journal - Building a stronger, more just & transparent democracy

Gray wolves in Washington, now listed as an endangered species under state law, would be reclassified as a sensitive species based on a recommendation by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). The public is... — Updated 5/26/2023

Legislators celebrated Earth Day with the passage of environmental bills in the final hours of the legislative session. The package creates new laws that regulate the use of foam blocks for docks, govern production of hydrogen to... — Updated 4/26/2023

Police may pursue suspects that pose long-term serious risk to others under revisions of a more restrictive 2022 vehicle chase law that has now passed both houses of this year’s Legislature. Engrossed Senate Bill 5352 was... — Updated 4/17/2023

The manufacture, distribution and sale of any assault weapon would be prohibited by legislation passed by the state House of Representatives and now in the Senate. “There has been a dramatic shift in the public, I think... — Updated 3/10/2023

A state task force on missing indigenous women, created in 2021, will be extended at least two more years if a Senate-passed bill is approved by the House and governor. The bill, Senate Bill 5477, sponsored by Sen. Nikki Torres,... — Updated 3/10/2023

Public schools must adopt a “Statement of Student Rights,” that includes freedom of speech and religion, the right to assemble, the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness under legislation that has passed the... — Updated 3/22/2023

A public-school grant program to help students evaluate news reports would be established if a bill passed by the state Senate makes its way through the House of Representatives. The amount of the grant program awarded to... — Updated 3/22/2023

High school students could earn elective credit through paid work experience under a bill that has passed the state House of Representatives 93-4 and is now in the Senate. “Financial education is a priority for young adults and... — Updated 3/8/2023

People 18 to 22 will be required to pass a driver’s education course before getting their license, if a bill that passed the state Senate becomes law. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5583, which passed 41-7 on March 1, also... — Updated 3/8/2023

Sex traffickers often manipulate their victims with lies or threats and force them to participate in sexual acts, and the most vulnerable victims are between the ages of 12 and 18. “Sex trafficking is rampant, indiscriminate... — Updated 3/8/2023

Driver’s education courses will include guidance about sharing the road with big trucks and buses if a bill approved by the House gets an OK from the Senate. House Bill 1540 is sponsored by Rep. Spencer Hutchins, R-Gig Harbor.... — Updated 3/8/2023

Thirty thousand doses of the pregnancy-ending drug mifepristone was purchased by the state under an order by Gov. Jay Inslee. The abortion-related drug is legal in the state of Washington to end pregnancy up to 10 weeks. The drug... — Updated 4/6/2023

Cosmetic products containing nine toxic chemicals already removed from some retail shelves would be banned under a House-passed bill currently in the Senate. Substitute House Bill 1047, by Rep. Sharlett Mena, D-Tacoma, passed the... — Updated 4/6/2023

People with mental health issues and those who might consider suicide sometimes voluntarily give up their right to possess guns by filing a voluntary waiver of their firearm rights with the clerk of the court of any county within... — Updated 3/22/2023

Use of consumer reproductive health data would be much more restricted under House Bill 1155, the proposed “My Health, My Data Act.” The proposed law requires the consumer’s consent before sharing or collecting personal... — Updated 3/22/2023

More people working in public sector jobs would be required to report suspected abuse of senior adults under a bill now being debated in the state Legislature. “Typically, the first idea that we have that abuse or neglect is... — Updated 3/22/2023

Food banks are finding it necessary to provide diapers, toiletries, feminine hygiene products and other non-food items but currently are limited on how much they can spend on those essentials. Substitute House Bill 1499, by Rep.... — Updated 3/10/2023

More than 400,000 health care professionals would be required to provide information on race, ethnicity, gender, and spoken languages under a bill that passed the House and now is under consideration by the Senate. “This is... — Updated 3/10/2023

Terminally ill patients seeking help to end their lives with the aid of a physician shouldn’t have to wait so long to get approval from the state. That’s the position of Sen. Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, who said he intends to... — Updated 3/8/2023

A social workers' guide to identify child malnutrition cases has passed the state House of Representatives and is now under consideration by the Senate. The guide would be required to be easily accessible to social workers,... — Updated 3/8/2023

Reproductive health care services including abortion and gender affirming treatment would be protected in Washington State under a bill recently by the House with a 59-38. The legislation, House Bill 1469, was sponsored by Rep.... — Updated 3/8/2023

Cannabis stores may be able to display larger outdoor signs if they comply with local ordinances rather than statewide regulations from the Liquor and Cannabis Board under a proposal in the state Legislature. Vicki... — Updated 4/6/2023

Employers would be prohibited from denying a person a job for their non-work-related cannabis use in a bill passed by the state Senate 28-21 and the House of Representatives 57-41. Currently, there is one difference between the... — Updated 4/6/2023

Legislation prohibiting involuntary termination of electric or water services during extreme hot weather was approved by the state House of Representatives 64-31. Current law prohibits utilities from terminating heat utility... — Updated 3/8/2023