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 […]
Sheriff Fortney discusses the fentanyl crisis with journalist Sam Quinones
EVERETT, Wash., March 27, 2023—Snohomish County Sheriff Adam Fortney, interviewed American journalist and author, Sam Quinones, on his podcast Friday, March 24, where they discussed the rising fentanyl crisis in the United States. Before the interview, Quinones presented to law enforcement and local elected officials his research, and observations, of drug trends across the states […]
Possession of firearm after voluntarily waiving rights now penalized with civil infraction
OLYMPIA, Wash., March 27, 2023—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 the state. Under SB-5006 filing such a waiver would be allowed electronically […]
Sheriff says, ‘Fentanyl crisis is real’ at public safety forum
LYNNWOOD, Wash., March 14, 2023—The need for School Resource Officers to return to school campuses, increasing gang-related activity, interagency communication, the Community Recovery Center, and current legislation were just a few of the gamut of topics discussed at Saturday’s forum on public safety at Gateway Hall in Edmonds College. “What can we do and what […]
County accepting applications for $1.6M in Arts & Culture Recovery Grants
Snohomish County, Wash., March 11, 2023—Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers announced that the County is accepting applications for its Arts and Culture Recovery Grants. Approximately $1.6 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds are available for arts and culture organizations financially impacted by the pandemic. Interested organizations can learn more and apply for […]
21st Legislative District In-Person Town Hall
Join your 21st Legislative District members for an in-person Town Hall! Reps. Strom Peterson and Lillian Ortiz-Self and Sen. Marko Liias will be at the Edmonds Waterfront Center Banquet Room from 10-Noon on March 18, and we want to hear from you about the issues you care about. Bring your questions about the 2023 session, and we […]
House passes bill prohibiting sale of assault weapons in Washington
OLYMPIA, Wash., March 9, 2023—The Washington State House of Representatives passed House Bill 1240, with a 55-42 vote, on Wednesday, March 8, that prohibits the sale, manufacture, and import of assault weapons in Washington state while providing exemption for military and law enforcement agents. The bill now moves to the Senate to take action. “This […]
Lawmakers tackle new gun laws to mitigate state gun violence
OLYMPIA, Wash., February 9, 2023—With the start of Washington’s 2023 Legislative Session on January 9, lawmakers are considering new firearm restriction laws in an effort to combat gun violence. Of these proposed bills, HB-1240 would ban the sale of military-style assault weapons, HB-1144 would enhance the requirements for firearm purchases and transfers, and SB-5078 would […]
2022 Midterm Election results mixed across the country
SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash., November 9, 2022 – With 68 percent of Americans saying the country is in the wrong direction according to aggregate RealClearPolitics polling, a 38 percent job approval rating for President Joe Biden, a 40-year record inflation, rising crime and increasing geopolitical tensions, initial midterm election results show little change in the balance of […]
Somers, Fortney, Krajcar sign historic public safety labor agreement
SNOHOMISH COUNTY, November 4, 2022—Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers, along with Sheriff Adam Fortney, and Snohomish County Deputy Sheriff’s Association (DSA) President Jonathan Krajcar signed a new four-year labor agreement for the County’s approximately 250 commissioned officers on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, in a united commitment to public safety. “The Snohomish County Deputy Sheriff’s Association […]
