Articles written by Juan Morfin
Sorted by date Results 1 - 11 of 11
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Use of force by police redefined under new law
People with mental health problems and juveniles can be detained or restrained by law enforcement, according to new legislation on the use of force. The new law, House Bill 1735, passed the Washington State House with a 90-5 vote,... — Updated 4/28/2022
Oil facilities, transporters to be liable for oil spill costs
The financial responsibility for an oil spill will fall on those who own the facilities and vessels that produce and transport oil, under HB 1691. The bill was passed by the Senate Thursday, March 3. It passed in the House last... — Updated 4/28/2022
Standards for police pursuits, use of force, defined
Police can pursue and stop vehicles if they have a “reasonable suspicion” of a crime being committed under new legislation that is headed to the desk of Gov. Jay Inslee. The Washington State House of Representatives voted 86-12... — Updated 4/28/2022
Appropriate use of force for law enforcement debated
The amount of force a police officer uses must be “proportional and reasonable,” a bill approved recently by the State Senate says. The bill also specifies officers will also be allowed to engage in vehicular pursuits as long a... — Updated 3/11/2022
Proposed law offers offenders serving long sentences a chance for freedom
Incarcerated individuals who serve 15, 20, or 25 years of total confinement would have the opportunity to apply for a conditional commutation under a bill passed by the Washington State Senate and now being considered in the... — Updated 3/11/2022
Police restraint gets clarification in House bill
Mental health victims and juveniles can be restrained by law enforcement when responding to requests for assistance from crisis responders. That is the thrust of House Bill 1735, which passed the state House with a 90-5 vote and... — Updated 3/11/2022
Governor signs bill to delay long-term care implementation
Washington’s highly-touted and highly controversial long-term care program will be delayed by 18 months, as lawmakers work to correct flaws in the program. Gov. Jay Inslee signed bills Jan. 27 to delay the WA Cares payroll tax... — Updated 2/9/2022
Proposed law would force cities to increase housing density in single-family neighborhoods
Forcing higher densities in Washington’s cities will help reduce housing costs, cut fuel emissions and put an end to exclusionary zoning, supporters of House Bill 1782 say. Critics of the idea, however, say it will require... — Updated 2/9/2022
New House bill would make oil owners financially liable for oil spills
The financial responsibility for an oil spill will fall on those who own the facilities and vessels that produce and transport oil under proposed House Bill 1691. “The goal is to minimize the permanent long-standing damage that... — Updated 2/9/2022
More protection for election officials approved by Senate
Election officials will get more protection from harassment if SB 5148 becomes law. The bill was approved in the Senate Jan. 12 with 48 yeas and 0 nays. It will be up to the House... — Updated 2/9/2022
Bill aims to help homeless & former foster care college students
Homeless students at community and technical colleges across the state will get the help they need if HB 1601 becomes law. If passed, the bill would provide homeless students and students who age out of the foster care system help... — Updated 2/9/2022
