Inslee announces Special Session, County leadership split on illegal drug policy
SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash., May 3, 2023—Hours after Snohomish County led the state in proposing an ordinance to recriminalize illegal drugs after the failure of legislature’s passage of the “Blake fix,” Governor Jay Inslee announced that he will call a special session to begin on May 16 that will focus on passing a new drug possession […]
County to consider scheduling a Public Hearing on ordinance to re-criminalize illegal drugs
SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash., May 1, 2023—At its upcoming Administrative Meeting on Tuesday, May 2, the Snohomish County Council is expected to vote on scheduling a Public Hearing for May 17 to propose an ordinance re-criminalizing controlled and counterfeit substances. To view the meeting’s agenda, click here. The ordinance, sponsored by Council President Jared Mead and […]
Inslee not seeking reelection, ‘I’m ready to pass the torch’
OLYMPIA, Wash., May 1, 2023—Govenor Jay Inslee announced today he does not plan to seek a fourth term. Inslee was most recently re-elected in 2020, making him only the second Washington state governor to serve three consecutive terms. “Serving the people as governor of Washington state has been my greatest honor. During a decade of […]
Possession of controlled substances will be legal in Washington state starting July 1
OLYMPIA, Wash., April 24, 2023—The 2023 legislative session ended last night without the passage of a new state law on the possession of controlled substances, leaving it now up to counties and cities to put local drug-possession laws in place once the state law adopted in 2021 expires on July 1. SB-5536, also known as […]
FDA authorizes use of bivalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, monovalent rescinded
SILVER SPRING, MD, April 18, 2023—The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) amended the emergency use authorizations (EUAs) of the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 bivalent mRNA vaccines to simplify the vaccination schedule for most individuals. This action includes authorizing the current bivalent vaccines (original and omicron BA.4/BA.5 strains) to be used for all doses administered […]
Legislature passes bill holding firearm industry liable for gun violence
OLYMPIA, Wash., April 14, 2023—The Washington State Legislature passed a today bill that requires gun manufacturers and dealers take “reasonable controls” to prevent their products from getting into the hands of dangerous individuals or be liable for gun violence. The bill now heads to Governor Jay Inslee’s desk to be signed into law. “Reasonable controls” […]
Assault Weapons Ban resolution fails Lynnwood City Council vote
LYNNWOOD, Wash., April 12, 2023—Passions flare at Monday’s city council meeting surrounding a resolution proposed to support SHB-1240, a bill prohibiting the statewide manufacture, sale, and import of firearms classified by the Washington Legislature as “assault weapons.” “I move Lynnwood City Council Resolution 2023-02, a Resolution in support of SHB-1240 an act relating to establishing […]
Kamiak students join nationwide walkout to protest gun violence
MUKILTEO, Wash., April 11, 2023—Hundreds of Kamiak High School students joined thousands throughout Washington State who walked out of school on April 5, to protest against gun violence. The walk-out, organized by student-run group Kamiak Demands Action, took place at noon local time and lasted for approximately 30 minutes. The statewide protest was part of […]
Commentary: Attacking the Second Amendment doesn’t address core causes of society’s violence and lawlessness
SEDRO-WOOLLEY, Wash., April 10, 2023—On the Saturday before Easter, the state Senate’s majority Democrats passed what they call an “assault weapons ban.” In reality, the bill targets several of the most popular sporting and self-defense firearms in the country, including most modern sporting rifles and even some shotguns used for hunting and competition shooting. My […]
Assault weapons ban passes Senate, heads back to House for vote
OLYMPIA, Wash., April 9, 2023—The Senate passed sweeping legislation on Saturday afternoon, April 8, classifying 61 firearms as “assault weapons” to be banned within Washington state. The bill now heads back to the House for a vote on three Senate-proposed amendments, before it is sent to Governor Jay Inslee to be signed into law. House […]
