Bill targets elected sheriffs for removal by appointed state board without a public vote

OLYMPIA—A divided Washington state Senate committee advanced a bill on February 9, 2026, that would empower a state oversight board to remove elected sheriffs from office if their peace officer certification was revoked, igniting a fierce debate over balancing accountability in law enforcement with the rights of local voters. Senate Bill 5974 cleared the Ways […]

Bill to regulate ALPR Cameras passes state Senate, now heads to House

OLYMPIA [CASSIE DIAMOND]—A bill establishing a regulatory structure for automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras advanced out of the state Senate Wednesday, Feb. 4. Senate Bill 6002 would restrict the use of ALPR cameras by state and local agencies, set a retention period for the data collected and limit the sharing of data. ALPR cameras, also […]

WA Senate approves new bill lowering drunk driving limit to 0.05% BAC

OLYMPIA [Jerry Cornfield]—Washington took a major stride Wednesday toward slashing the state’s legal limit for driving drunk. A divided state Senate voted 26-23 to approve legislation to reduce the maximum allowable blood alcohol concentration for drivers from 0.08% to 0.05%.  If it makes it through the House and into law, Washington would join Utah with the toughest […]

Gov Bob Ferguson signs historic bill officially recognizing Eid holidays

TACOMA—Governor Bob Ferguson has signed into law a bill officially recognizing Muslim holidays Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as state holidays, making Washington the first state to do so. Ferguson signed the historic legislation surrounded by a standing-room-only crowd at the Islamic Center of Tacoma. Senate Bill 5106, sponsored by Sen. Yasmin Trudeau (D-Tacoma), adds […]