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Meaningful, independent journalism is at a crossroads. Advertisers who once filled newspaper coffers and funded local journalism have shifted resources to the Internet. And... — Updated 3/22/2023

 
 

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The Washington State Journal is a nonprofit news website that offers tax-deductible opportunities for businesses and organizations to raise their profiles by underwriting our news coverage. Sponsorships allow you to reach our... — Updated 3/22/2023

 
 

Our Team

The Washington State Journal relies on a broad coalition of media professionals, newspapers and college and university administrators to provide coverage of Washington State and of the state government. The State Journal is funded... — Updated 3/22/2023

 
 By Alexandria Osborne    Health 

'Suicide-prevention' bill adds infraction for people who voluntary waive gun rights

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 t... — Updated 3/22/2023

 

Proposed legislation requires statement of rights for students

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

 

Teacher support for media literacy proposed

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 teachers... — Updated 3/22/2023

 
 By Renee Diaz    Health 

Bill restricts collection of health data

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 healt... — Updated 3/22/2023

 
 By Alexandria Osborne    Health 

List of 'mandated reporters' for vulnerable adults expanded

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

 
 By Renee Diaz    Justice

Task force on missing indigenous women proposed to continue

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

 

Healthcare industry to collect demographic data

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

 

Food pantries want flexibility in spending to aid families

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

 

Assault rifles to be banned immediately if bill passed through the House becomes law

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

 
 By Renee Diaz    Potpourri

Finland's president addresses state Legislature

For the first time in history, a foreign head of state has addressed a joint session in the Washington State Legislature. President, Sauli Niinistö, of the Republic of Finland,... — Updated 3/8/2023

 

New bill to require new resource to help identify child malnutrition during social work visits

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

 
 By Renee Diaz    Health

Death with Dignity waiting period shortened in proposed bill

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

 

Proposal allows students to earn credits for work outside of school

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 f... — Updated 3/8/2023

 

Proposed bill would require sex trafficking education in schools

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 and... — Updated 3/8/2023

 
 By Renee Diaz    Health

Lawmakers plan to expand the number of students who receive free and reduced meals

Free lunches for all public-school students is apparently off the table in the state Legislature, but House members are now considering phasing-in paid lunches for kindergarten through fourth grade. “While I am disappointed we... — Updated 3/8/2023

 

Abortion bill protects Washington residents from outside restrictions

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

 
 By Renee Diaz    Health

Washington State moves to cap insulin costs

Washington State is moving to keep out-of-pocket costs of insulin at $35 per month until Jan. 1, 2025. “For people with Type 1 diabetes, this bill is literally life or death,” said Matthew Hepner, the father of a child with... — Updated 3/8/2023

 

Driver's education to teach sharing road with trucks and buses

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

 
 By Renee Diaz    Education

Advocates press for highly capable testing for all students

School districts should be required to test all students to see if they qualify for more challenging classes. That is the message behind Substitute Senate Bill 5072, proposed by T’wina Nobles, D-Fircrest. It requires districts... — Updated 3/8/2023

 

Proposal aims at keeping people alive during extreme heat

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

 

Driver's education making a comeback

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

 
 By Renee Diaz    Justice

Senate approves safety measures for road workers

Installing automated vehicle speed cameras and other measures to improve highway safety were approved in separate bills by the state Senate Feb.23. “Speed kills. Our work zones have lower posted speeds for very good reasons. This... — Updated 3/8/2023

 
 By Renee Diaz    Education

Mandatory recess for elementary students approved over objections

Elementary schools will be required to give students 30 minutes of recess every day and teachers would be prohibited from denying recess as a disciplinary measure, under a bill that passed the Senate despite objections. The bill,... — Updated 3/8/2023

 

Children's Day brings a bill on a state dinosaur to the House floor

Children and grandchildren sat on laps and wandered the aisles of the House of Representatives for this year's Children's Day at the state Legislature, and many young observers... — Updated 3/8/2023

 
 By Renee Diaz    Education

Test for paraeducators needs reform, educators say

A national test given to people who want to be paraeducators in public schools often slows the process and presents roadblocks for bilingual applicants, some educators say. Substitute House Bill 1015, sponsored by Rep. Sharon... — Updated 3/8/2023

 

Domestic violence bills improve victim safety

Victims of domestic violence will get more protection under a package of bills now moving through the state Legislature. Rep. Lauren Davis, D-Shoreline, is sponsoring House Bill 1715. The bill challenges the idea that domestic viol... — Updated 3/8/2023

 
 By Renee Diaz    Justice

Legislature moving on tighter drunk driving laws

Ashley Bonus said she began her fight against impaired driving after her sister, Stacy Gammons-Ankerfelt, died in an accident in 2012. Now, she wants a new law that lowers the blood alcohol level needed to sustain an impaired drivi... — Updated 3/8/2023

 
 By Renee Diaz    Health

Legalizing fentanyl test strips proposed

Allisone McClanahan suffered from severe chronic pain and fibromyalgia. To ease her pain, the 26-year-old took a pain pill from a friend she thought contained oxycodone. Instead, she died of a drug overdose in 2021. After her... — Updated 3/8/2023

 

New nickname, same as the old nickname

Washington State might have an official nickname if a bill that passed a Senate committee becomes law, but it's not really “new.” You’ve seen it on everything from license plates to a state college. Senate Bill 5595, by Sen.... — Updated 3/8/2023

 

Proposal expands Running Start to sophomores

The Running Start program, which allows high school juniors and seniors to earn college level credits, will expand to include sophomores, if a proposal in the state Legislature is approved. “It’s a heavy lift when you’re a... — Updated 3/8/2023

 

Stalking would be the same crime, online or in person

Stalking is stalking, whether it is in person or online, and they will be treated as identical crimes if a bill presented in the Legislature is adopted. Under current law, a person commits the crime of stalking if they repeatedly... — Updated 3/8/2023

 

Police dogs to be trained to find fentanyl

The war against the use of illegal fentanyl will get some extra help in the future from drug sniffing dogs trained to detect the substance. That’s the intent of House Bill 1635, introduced by Rep. Gina Mosbrucker, R-Goldendale.... — Updated 3/8/2023

 

Adding days to school year proposed to reduce learning loss

Students should spend more time in school and less time on break so they retain the learning they acquire during the school year. That’s the opinion of Sen. Brad Hawkins, R-East Wenatchee, who has introduced a bill in the state L... — Updated 3/8/2023

 
 By Renee Diaz    Justice

Crime victims get added confidentiality

Victims and witnesses who track perpetrators in prison to know when they are released will be able to keep their identities private, if a bill that passed the Senate with broad bipartisan support becomes law. “This bill creates... — Updated 3/8/2023

 

State wants to stop female genital mutilation

People who perform female genital mutilation on a minor could face criminal and civil penalties if a bill now in the state Senate becomes law. Female genital mutilation, or FGM, involves removal or injury to female genital organs... — Updated 3/8/2023

 
 By Renee Diaz    Justice

Effort to make roads safer wins bipartisan support

Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle and Gov. Jay Inslee say they are backing a package of new laws aimed at protecting workers, pedestrians and commuters. New bills would... — Updated 3/8/2023

 

New license proposed for drivers delivering alcohol

Delivery drivers working for firms such as DoorDash and Instacart would be required to purchase a $50 state license and complete a certified class to deliver alcoholic beverages from bars and restaurants if a House bill under... — Updated 3/8/2023

 

Proposed law shields businesses from out-of-state abortion claims

Washington State employers will receive tools against retaliation from states with anti-abortion laws if a bill presented in the Senate is passed. Senate Bill 5260, by Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Des Moines, is one of five reproductive... — Updated 3/8/2023

 

Elimination of cost-sharing for abortion services proposed

Insurance policies that cover abortion would be required to cover the entire cost of the procedure under provisions of a bill now being debated in the state Legislature. “This bill is about removing barriers to access to... — Updated 3/8/2023

 

Bill relaxes alcohol restrictions for underage workers

Interns and employees between the ages of 18 and 23 in the alcoholic beverage industry will be able engage in handling liquor under certain circumstances, if a bill presented in the Legislature is adopted. House Bill 1299, by Rep.... — Updated 3/8/2023

 
 By Renee Diaz    Justice

Constitutional amendment to protect abortion rights stirs support, protest

Mary Le Nguyen stood in front of a group of 70 abortion-rights activists on the Capitol steps for a "reproductive freedom rally" in early January and she shared her personal story... — Updated 3/8/2023

 

Elimination of cost-sharing for abortion services proposed

Insurance policies that cover abortion would be required to cover the entire cost of the procedure under provisions of a bill now being debated in the state Legislature. “This bill is about removing barriers to access to... — Updated 3/8/2023

 
 By Renee Diaz    Justice

Bill proposes sealing name changes for abuse victims

People who change their names to hide from their abusers should be afforded more privacy. That, at least, is the conclusion Maia Xiao came to after a transgender friend committed suicide after being harassed online despite a name... — Updated 3/8/2023

 
 By Renee Diaz    Environment

Bills push for improving salmon habitat, removing barriers

Starting at the Olympia Ballroom in the state capital's historic district, students from across Washington carried inflatable orcas and salmon and marched through the streets of Oly... — Updated 3/8/2023

 

Homeless programs need more money, Inslee says

Homelessness is still a big issue throughout Washington, and while the state has spent millions, the governor wants to invest more. In a press conference Jan. 19, Washington State... — Updated 3/8/2023

 

New funding will improve childcare, Murray says

Low-income families struggling to afford childcare will get some help thanks to a big bump in federal spending. U.S. Senator Patty Murray, D-Washington, was in Olympia Jan. 18 to... — Updated 3/8/2023

 

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