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Northwest

Lawmakers want to rein in Washington’s many tax breaks

The vast majority of the state’s tax exemptions benefit businesses.

Senator Manka Dhingra, D-Redmond, speaks for her proposal to add domestic harassment to the crimes that could cost a person their gun rights. Photo by Taylor McAvoy

Northwest

Senator proposes revoking firearm rights in cases of harassment

The bill would expand an existing law that takes guns from perpetrators of domestic violence.

Senate Health and Long Term Care Committee members, from left: Senators Karen Keiser, Patty Kuderer, Annette Cleveland, and Ann Rivers. Photo by Taylor McAvoy

Northwest

Lawmakers consider a bill to raise the legal tobacco age

The bill has support from Attorney General Bob Ferguson.

American Indian activists rally in Olympia

Northwest

American Indian activists rally in Olympia

More than 100 were on hand to lobby state government on issues including the welfare of indigenous women…

Hundreds gather in Olympia for 40th annual March For Life

Northwest

Hundreds gather in Olympia for 40th annual March For Life

The march, which is timed to the anniversary of Roe v Wade, took place as legislators considered bills…

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Northwest

Bill to ban the death penalty heard in committee

The hearing attracted passionate testimony from both sides of the issue.

Photo by Nicole Jennings

Northwest

State legislators combat federal ruling on net neutrality

One Senate bill would prohibit internet service providers from exercising “deceptive” tactics and impairing or blocking legal web…

Nearly 100 people gathered in the Capitol Legislative Building in Olympia on Thursday, Jan. 18, to rally in support of the Reproductive Parity Act and other women’s health bills. Photo by Taylor McAvoy

Northwest

Lawmakers again consider requiring health plans to cover abortions

Democratic lawmakers are hopeful that this is the year for the Reproductive Parity Act.

Photo by Joe Hall/Flickr

Northwest

Bills intended to expand and empower voters move ahead in Olympia

They will allow same-day voter registration and local redistricting to empower minorities.

A worker uses a large wrench to screw on a drill casing during the operation of a water well drill rig. Photo by Erika Mitchell

Northwest

Governor signs bill to settle water-use dispute

The bill allows for limited drilling of new wells and also limits water withdrawals in new wells.

Ballot initiative threat has energy industry warming to carbon tax

Northwest

Ballot initiative threat has energy industry warming to carbon tax

Support for the governor’s proposed tax is tepid, but it’s there.

Photo by Nicole Jennings

Northwest

Senate Democrats push safety for sanitation workers

The bill would address concerns over training and access to safety information.

Capital budget passed, but affordable housing across the state still threatened

Northwest

Capital budget passed, but affordable housing across the state still threatened

Some projects aimed at homeless families and disabled veterans won’t happen.

Wyman endorses passage of amended Washington Voting Rights Act

Northwest

Wyman endorses passage of amended Washington Voting Rights Act

The act would provide Washington citizens with a means to legally contest elections that exhibit disparities between voters…

Photo by Nicole Jennings

Northwest

Lawmakers advance a voluntary waiver of gun rights for those at risk of suicide

Under the proposed law, it would take those who volunteer 14 days to retain their right to a…

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Northwest

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

Having passed the House last year, the bill now appears to be stuck in a Senate committee.

State takes aim at opioid crisis

Northwest

State takes aim at opioid crisis

Bills would limit opioid prescriptions, invest in treatment options.

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Northwest

Legislature takes important step toward resolving capital budget issue

A lack of state funding has put the squeeze on a number of organizations throughout the state.

Photo by Nicole Jennings

Northwest

LGBTQ bills advance in the senate

One bill would discourage conversation therapy, while the other would encourage equitable treatment for elderly members of the…

People lined up in the rain outside the Capitol’s Cherberg Building for the hearing on five gun regulation measures. Photo by Taylor McAvoy

Northwest

Gun regulations draw an overflow crowd to hearing

Five firearm bills go before state lawmakers.