Politics

Bill to tax oil in pipelines, update state oil spill contingency plans advances in state Senate

A bill that would tax oil in pipelines to fund oil spill prevention planning passed out… Continue reading

  • Feb 9, 2018
  • By Josh Kelety WNPA Olympia News Bureau
State bills tackle threats to endangered orcas

State bills tackle threats to endangered orcas

With the number of endangered orcas at a 30-year low, state lawmakers want to protect the fish-eating… Continue reading

State bills tackle threats to endangered orcas
Washington AG threatens suit over offshore drilling plans

Washington AG threatens suit over offshore drilling plans

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson has said he is prepared to sue if Washington is not… Continue reading

Washington AG threatens suit over offshore drilling plans

Carbon tax plan advances in the state Senate

A tax on carbon emissions proposed by Gov. Jay Inslee has taken a big step forward.… Continue reading

Program before lawmakers could strengthen mental health crisis response

A proposed pilot project would partner mental health professionals and local law enforcement officers on each… Continue reading

Seattle says Facebook is violating law about election ads

Facebook is violating a Seattle law that requires the company to reveal who pays for political advertising… Continue reading

  • Feb 7, 2018
  • By CHRIS GRYGIEL Associated Press

Skyrocketing premiums prompt response from lawmakers

Washington state’s health insurance market is increasingly volatile. While the number of people without insurance has decreased… Continue reading

Clallam voter registration deadline approaching

Ballots for the 2018 February special election have been sent out to voters in the Port Angeles and Cape Flattery school districts,… Continue reading

Reps. Chapman, Tharinger sponsor small-business tax bill

Reps. Mike Chapman and Steve Tharinger are sponsoring House Bill 2940 with House Finance Committee chair Rep. Kristine Lytton to address business taxes.… Continue reading

Senate votes to extend college financial aid to state Dreamers

A bipartisan effort in the Senate has passed a bill that would extend financial opportunities in… Continue reading

State Senate passes bump stock ban

The state Senate has passed a ban on trigger modification devices that are designed to accelerate a firearm’s rate of… Continue reading

Vetoed manufacturing tax cut again pushed in bipartisan effort

Legislators are once again pushing for an across-the-board manufacturing tax cut that was vetoed during the… Continue reading

Workplace bullying and sexual harassment bills go before lawmakers

Workplace bullying and sexual harassment bills go before lawmakers

Proposals before the state Legislature would grant new protections from sexual harassment and bullying in the… Continue reading

Workplace bullying and sexual harassment bills go before lawmakers
State lawmakers consider a bill to raise the legal tobacco age

State lawmakers consider a bill to raise the legal tobacco age

State lawmakers are considering a bill that could raise the legal age to purchase any nicotine… Continue reading

State lawmakers consider a bill to raise the legal tobacco age
Native American activists rally in Olympia

Native American activists rally in Olympia

The marble walls of the state Capitol reverberated with the roar of drums and voices as… Continue reading

Native American activists rally in Olympia

State lawmakers re-consider eliminating statute of limitations on sex crimes

A bill passed in the state House of Representatives last year offers some hope for people… Continue reading

  • Jan 24, 2018
  • By Taylor McAvoy WNPA Olympia News Bureau

State Senate panel eyes slate of sexual harassment bills

As lawmakers work on creating a task force meant to stamp out sexual harassment at the… Continue reading

  • Jan 24, 2018
  • By Rachel La Corte The Associated Press
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., heads to the chamber with fellow Democrats for a procedural vote aimed at reopening the government, at the Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Olympic National Park back to business as usual after shutdown

Olympic National Park remained open to the public but bereft of visitor services Monday after the House and Senate voted to end… Continue reading

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., heads to the chamber with fellow Democrats for a procedural vote aimed at reopening the government, at the Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 22, 2018. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Ballot initiative threat has energy industry warming to governor’s proposed carbon tax

With environmental activists threatening a carbon tax ballot initiative, some manufacturing and energy companies are opting… Continue reading

Olympic National Park open amid shutdown, but visitors mostly on their own

Olympic National Park open amid shutdown, but visitors mostly on their own

Visitors to Olympic National Park will be largely on their own during the shutdown of the federal government, although Hurricane Ridge Road… Continue reading

Olympic National Park open amid shutdown, but visitors mostly on their own