Bill restricting out-of-state military forces entering into WA is now law
OLYMPIA—Governor Bob Ferguson on Monday, April 21, signed into law a bill that restricts out-of-state military forces from entering Washington. House Bill 1321, sponsored by Rep. Sharlett Mena (D-Tacoma), requires the Governor’s permission for National Guard troops from other states, territories or districts to enter Washington, unless they are mobilized by the president. Governor Ferguson […]
Latest deadline in Washington Legislature fells more bills
More legislation fell by the wayside Friday, February 28, in the Washington Legislature, including bills on signature gathering for ballot initiatives, free school meals and ballot box tampering. Friday was the deadline for bills to pass through fiscal committees, like Senate Ways and Means and House Appropriations. With a multibillion-dollar deficit hanging over the session, […]
RIP: Bills that didn’t survive the WA Legislature’s Policy Committee deadline
OLYMPIA—Bills dealing with cow burps, the state flag, and changes to police traffic stop standards are among the first to land in the legislative graveyard this year in Olympia. This session, lawmakers in the state House and Senate have introduced nearly 1,800 bills. To stay alive, much of that legislation needed to get voted out […]
Bob Ferguson is officially the governor of Washington state
Bob Ferguson, a Democrat, took the oath of office for governor on Wednesday in front of family, friends and lawmakers in a crowded House of Representatives chamber. The 59-year-old Seattleite began his new role after 12 years as the state’s attorney general. He is Washington’s 24th governor. In his inaugural address, Ferguson mapped out his priorities: […]
These five bills threaten a free press in Washington state
OLYMPIA, Wash., February 27, 2023—A set of five bills being considered this legislative session potentially impact a free and responsible press by restricting a journalist’s access to public information—hindering government oversite— according to the Allied Newspapers of Washington, the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, and the Washington State Association of Broadcasters. The bills include HB-1533, SB-5644, […]
