As the state capitol, many of the decisions and actions taken in Olympia have a direct impact on readers of the Northern Kittitas County Tribune. The WNPA Olympia News Bureau provides these articles written by journalism interns stationed in Olympia during the legislative session and other sources. To learn more about the interns working to bring you this information, see their bios here. 2019 Articles (most recent first)
Legislature promotes timber industry as carbon-negative
The legislation will make forestry sector more competitive amid carbon-emission fees Forestry advocate says the industry reduces state’s net carbon emissions by 12% By Cameron Sheppard WNPA News Service Washington state lawmakers have passed legislation that will...
Sex education becomes a requirement for Washington state public schools
Democratic-controlled Washington state Legislature passes SB 5395 requiring schools to include comprehensive sex education Supporters say sex education will benefit students by giving them a greater understanding of sexual health Opponents fear the content could be...
Washington state Legislature bans single-use plastic bags
SB 5323 banning retailers from giving out single-use plastic bags for free passed in legislation By Leona Vaughn WNPA News Service Consumers will need to remember to bring their own reusable shopping bags if they want to avoid the fee that a new law will put on...
Amid pious protesters, Satanists conduct a ritual on the Capitol steps
By Cameron Sheppard WNPA News Service Congregants from the Seattle-based Satanic Temple of Washington drew a crowd of prayerful onlookers Friday as they hoisted their pentagram and conducted a satanic ritual at the state Capitol Friday, March 6. Christian groups and...
New laws to deal with arrests at courthouses, hairstyles and domestic worker treatment
HB 2567 prohibits warrantless arrests within one mile of a court facility HB 2602 includes certain hair textures in laws against racial discrimination HB 2511 protects domestic workers from discrimination By Leona Vaughn WNPA News Service Several bills poised to...
Fragile elderly at the hub of Washington’s COVID-19 crisis
By Cameron Sheppard WNPA News Service A week into the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus at a facility caring for frail and elderly people, John Weisman, secretary of the state Department of Health, described the state and federal response from the first cases of...
Vice President arrives with federal health experts to ‘epicenter’ of U.S. coronavirus outbreak
“We’re all in this together,” Mike Pence told Washington state officials Announced Washington will receive tens of thousands of face masks, respirators and other medical supplies By Cameron Sheppard WNPA News Service On the day Washington state recorded its 11th death...
Death toll rises in Washington coronavirus outbreak
By Cameron Sheppard WNPA News Service The coronavirus death count in Washington reached nine on Tuesday, March 3, including two people whose test results were released posthumously. On Monday, when six deaths had been reported, health officials asked state lawmakers...
State steps up response to coronavirus outbreak
Six reported in-state deaths from the virus in less than a week Washington is first state in the nation to confirm fatalities from virus By Cameron Sheppard WNPA News Service Public health officials asked the Washington State Legislature for $100 million for a...
Coronavirus in Washington
Six deaths were reported in the state over the weekend. 18 Confirmed cases in King and Snohomish counties The first death occurred in King County, a man in his 50s who was reported to have underlying health issues. The second death was a man in his 70s. He became ill...
Senators balance transportation budget despite revenue shortfall caused by I-976
Senators say they did things they would not normally do to make ends meet Lawmakers warn that new revenue streams will be necessary for future sustainability By Cameron Sheppard WNPA News Service Facing a shortfall of $450 million, lawmakers this week patched together...
Undocumented students could soon be eligible for college loans
Undocumented and DACA students are currently not eligible to receive federal student loans. Senate bill 6561 creates a program for them to receive financial support in pursuing higher education. By Leona Vaughn WNPA News Service Students who are undocumented...
Informed consent will soon be a requirement for pelvic exams in Washington state
Unauthorized pelvic exams are currently not illegal in the state of Washington. Senate bill 5282 requires informed consent in order for a health care provider to perform pelvic exams. By Leona Vaughn WNPA News Service Washington state legislators are defining the...
Senate Republicans propose alternative solutions to Washington’s homelessness crisis
One suggestion would empower law enforcement and remove barriers to prosecution Another calls for a multifaceted approach rather than affordable housing subsidies By Cameron Sheppard WNPA News Service Republican senators pitched their own ideas to address Washington...
Senate Democrats propose $5 million to assist businesses disrupted by coronavirus pandemic fears
Overseas ports closing hit companies that depend on international shipping By Cameron Sheppard WNPA News Service A last minute amendment to the senate Democratic Caucus supplemental operating budget earmarks $5 million to help businesses negatively impacted by...
GOP leadership doubts effectiveness of proposed homelessness spending
Democrats proposed hundreds of millions towards affordable housing Stokesbary says the “Seattle approach” to homelessness has “failed” By Cameron Sheppard WNPA News Service Republican leaders in Washington state said they are not confident that spending on...
State lawmakers aim to protect immigrants from warrantless arrests at court
HB 2567 protects immigrants from civil arrests in and around court facilities. Immigrants say fear of arrest makes them avoid courthouses, even when faced with civil legal issues and reporting crime. By Leona Vaughn WNPA News Service Undocumented immigrants in...
Economic growth adds money to state coffers, and Democratic lawmakers have uses for it
Democratic funding priorities focus on addressing homelessness and climate change Republican opposition calls for tax relief, rather than spending the increased revenue By Cameron Sheppard WNPA News Service Democratic caucuses in the house and senate rolled out...
Parents and teachers express concerns over mandatory sex ed
Opponents to bill say the sex curriculum is not age-appropriate Proponents say school districts can choose their own curriculum By Cameron Sheppard WNPA News Service Parents, students and educational professionals voiced their concerns in a public hearing about a bill...
Extension of tax exemption for private airplane work approved by Senate
Auditors report the tax exemption led to an increase in jobs as intended Proponents say the bill incentivizes work opportunity that would not occur otherwise By Cameron Sheppard WNPA News Service The Washington state House of Representatives will consider a 10-year...
Lawmakers move to lower cost of insulin in state
The legislature passed three bills related to insulin purchases Bills aim to help lower the out-of-pocket cost of insulin for Washington state residents By Leona Vaughn WNPA News Service Bringing down the cost of insulin for people with diabetes is the goal behind...
Narrow Senate vote approves collection of gun violence data
Bill sponsor says better data collection would help prevent gun violence Opponents say the legislation could create anti-gun bureaucratic office By Cameron Sheppard WNPA News Service The Washington Legislature is closer to creating an Office of Firearm Safety and...
Lawmakers flinch on proposed ban of for-profit detention facilities
Last minute amendment exempted ICE detainment facility Would change the rules for transferring inmates out of state to private prisons By Cameron Sheppard WNPA News Service Washington lawmakers elected to prohibit the transfer of inmates to out-of-state private...
House passes bill to expand court-ordered gun confiscation
Would authorize courts to order someone subject to a vulnerable adult protection order to surrender weapons Would apply to people who have threatened to use a firearm against a vulnerable adult By Cameron Sheppard WNPA News Service Courts could be one step closer to...
Lawmakers move to ban styrofoam food containers in Washington state
Studies suggest styrofoam products pose a threat to the environment and human health. By Leona Vaughn WNPA News Service Lawmakers plan to eliminate the use of styrofoam food-service products in Washington state by enacting a bill to stop its sale and distribution....
Washington state moves to eliminate youth solitary confinement
Studies suggest solitary confinement is psychologically damaging, and can lead teens to suicide By Leona Vaughn WNPA News Service Washington state lawmakers plan to ban solitary confinement as a form of punishment in juvenile detention facilities. “Nationally, there’s...
House lawmakers pass bill to ban expansion of ICE detention center in Tacoma
Proponents believe the private detention facility is poorly located Bill sponsor says the bill is about local land-use authority By Cameron Sheppard WNPA News Service The state House of Representatives voted 85-12 on a bill that would ban the expansion of an...
Lawmakers aim to make childcare more accessible and easier to certify
The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Tom Dent, says regulations are hurting the workforce By Cameron Sheppard WNPA News Service Parents could have better access to childcare providers if lawmakers pass a bill that aims to make the childcare certification process cheaper and...
Governor signs into law tax bill to help fund higher education
First bill signing of the 2020 legislative session Law shifts a portion of the tax burden to large tech companies By Cameron Sheppard WNPA News Service Fewer businesses will be asked to foot the bill for higher education programs after Gov. Jay Inslee signed...
More drug offenders would be sentenced to treatment instead of prison under proposed law
Bills in the house and senate allow for more incarcerated people to be eligible for Drug Offender Sentencing Alternative. By Leona Vaughn WNPA News Service OLYMPIA — Proposals moving through the Legislature would expand the eligibility of incarcerated people to...
Lawmakers consider a grow-your-own recreational marijuana bill
Cannabis retailers say they would not be threatened 1% reduction in marijuana bud sales could cost state $2 million in revenues By Cameron Sheppard WNPA News Service People may be allowed to grow up to six of their own cannabis plants and up to 15 plants per...
Lawmakers propose cap and trade amid continued push for an emission-reduction policy
Proponents point to California as an example of successful cap and trade program Proponents say the policy would be more effective and less expensive than clean-fuels bill passed by the House last week By Cameron Sheppard WNPA News Service A proposed cap and trade...
Advisory votes on tax increases under fire
Senators claim advisory votes confuse voters and use biased language Opponents say voters have approved the practice for a reason By Cameron Sheppard WNPA News Service Advisory votes that give voters a chance to let lawmakers know their opinions on legislation to...
Lawmakers propose a plan to treat mentally ill people without their consent
Bill establishes pilot program that would place people who are incapacitated in an executorship and appoint them a guardian. Concerns raised on the guardianship and loss of rights for incapacitated persons. By Leona Vaughn WNPA News Service People unable to care...
Armed 2nd Amendment supporters rallied in resistance at Capitol
Protesters demanded to speak with lawmakers and asked for due process for embattled Rep. Matt Shea attendees warn of the potential for forceful resistance against a “tyrannical” government By Cameron Sheppard WNPA News Service Roughly 100 gun rights activists marched...
Senate moves to kill death penalty
Would eliminate death penalty from state law Capital crime punishment would be life in prison By Leona Vaughn WNPA News Service The death penalty would no longer be a sentencing option in Washington state if lawmakers enact a bill passed by the Senate on Friday, Jan....
Democratic controlled house passes clean fuels bill despite bipartisan opposition
Proponents say the law would help the environment and create new jobs Opponents believe it could raise gas prices and disproportionately impact rural communities By Cameron Sheppard WNPA News Service People will be asked to use a lot less gasoline and to convert to...
Governor appoints two Eastern Washington residents to State Recreation and Conservation Funding Board
OLYMPIA—Gov. Jay Inslee has appointed a Wenatchee resident and an Okanogan resident and member of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation to serve on the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Funding Board. The board awards about $250 million in...
Lawmakers back timber industry as a way to reduce WA’s carbon emissions
8 million acres of private forests offset 12% of state’s carbon emissions, according to forestry advocate group The industry wants recognition for its products’ ability to draw carbon from the atmosphere By Cameron Sheppard WNPA News Service Washington state...
Lawmakers move to ban high-capacity magazines
Supporters say fewer bullets would increase safety. Opponents say it would infringe on their gun rights. By Leona Vaughn WNPA News Service Gun magazines that hold more than ten rounds of ammunition would be outlawed under a proposed law moving through the state...
Lawmakers hear pitch to replace gas tax with a fee per mile driven
Transportation officials recommend 10-year transition away from gas tax So far there is no legislation proposed to impose per-mile fees By Cameron Sheppard WNPA News Service Washington state lawmakers will consider a gradual transition from the state’s current...
Lawmakers aim to put sweeping regulations on the vaping industry
Vape industry stakeholders call it a win for Big Tobacco Students say vape use rampant among peers By Cameron Sheppard WNPA News Service Legislation requested by the governor's office and supported by Democratic senators aims to ban flavored nicotine vaping products...
Senate passes bill requiring comprehensive sex-ed in public schools
Curriculum would emphasize consent and sexual violence prevention Parents can choose to excuse their children from sex-ed courses Opponents concerned the bill would impede local school board and parental authority By Cameron Sheppard WNPA News Service A proposed law...
Democrats push to require firearm training for concealed carriers
Proponents say it would enhance safety and reduce accidents Opponents believe it could impede their right to self-defense Gun advocates claim it would be an undue burden By Cameron Sheppard WNPA News Service OLYMPIA -- A proposal by Senate Democrats would require...
Complaint alleging racist language filed against Democratic lawmaker
A complaint issued by two organizations alleges Sen. Patty Kuderer used a racist term and lacks respect for Chinese Americans. By Leona Vaughn WNPA News Service Washington Asians for Equality and the American Coalition for Equality filed a complaint to the Secretary...
Proposed law adds a fee to plastic bags at check out
The Senate passed a bill that would ban single-use plastic bags and place an eight-cent fee on reusable plastic bags. New carryout bags would be required to meet certain strength, durability, and reusability standards. By Leona Vaughn WNPA News Service In an attempt...
Industry leaders worry clean-fuel program could hurt economy
Proponents believe it would incentivize necessary switch to green economy Detractors say it would impact businesses and consumers with higher costs By Cameron Sheppard WNPA News Service Democrats in the state Legislature are backing bills aimed at reducing carbon...
Five new lawmakers sworn in for the 2020 state legislative session
By Leona Vaughn WNPA News Service Two state Senators and three new House of Representatives members were welcomed into their newly appointed positions for the 2020 legislative session in Washington this week. In the House, there are currently 57 Democrats and 41...
Gun rights advocates rally at Capitol – Jan. 17, 2020
By Cameron Sheppard WNPA News Service OLYMPIA - On what turned out to be a cold and rainy day, nearly 150 people from across Washington gathered Jan. 17 on the state Capitol steps in support of their right to bear arms. Lawmakers and activists alike spoke to an...
Republicans aim to guarantee $30 car tabs amid court hang-up
Lawmakers sponsor companion bills in the House and Senate Claim simplicity of proposal should prevent court interference By Cameron Sheppard WNPA News Service As Initiative 976, the car tabs measure approved by voters in November, is held up in the State Supreme...
Governor talks up state’s positives, notes areas to improve
Homelessness and climate among key concerns By Leona Vaughn WNPA News Service OLYMPIA -- Gov. Jay Inslee stood before the Washington Legislature to deliver his 2020 State of the State Address on Tuesday, Jan. 14. “Washington state indeed embodies the best in America,”...
Lawmakers move to limit companies that trade your data
Lawmakers propose comprehensive data privacy laws Would give consumers more control over personal data By Cameron Sheppard WNPA News Service Washington lawmakers have proposed groundbreaking legislation that aims to give consumers more control over their...
First female Speaker of the house in Washington sworn in
Rep. Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, is applauded by her colleagues as she becomes the first woman in Washington State history to be sworn in as Speaker of the House on Monday, Jan. 13. – Photo by Cameron Sheppard, WNPA News Service
GOP Senators propose free use of state parks
Would do away with Discover Pass Parking passes would no longer be required By Cameron Sheppard WNPA News Service OLYMPIA — Residents and visitors will get a break if lawmakers approve a proposal to do away with Discover Pass fees for using state parks. Senate...
Opening ceremony of Washington State Legislative session
The 2020 Washington State Legislative session began at noon Monday, Jan. 13, with an opening ceremony in which Rep. Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, was sworn in as Speaker of the House. Rep. Jinkins is the first woman, as well as the first openly lesbian person to be...
Homeless emergency grabs the attention of lawmakers
Many suggestions for dealing with homelessness Immediate solutions are elusive By Cameron Sheppard and Leona Vaughn WNPA News Service Lawmakers are scrambling to confront a crisis that leaves people sleeping out in the cold and rain. The complex of contributing...
WNPA Olympia News Bureau opens for 2020 Legislative session
New WNPA office on Capitol Campus Two reporters for 60-day “short” session WNPA News Service The Washington Newspaper Publisher Association’s Olympia news bureau opened on Wednesday with two reporters in new permanent quarters on the Capitol campus. In a space large...
Oyster harvester who faked injury must repay state $32K
OLYMPIA — A Shelton man who harvested and sold oysters while claiming he was too disabled to work has been sentenced to repay the state more than $32,000 and serve two months in custody. Jose Cruz Contreras Alvarez, 40, pleaded guilty on Nov. 12 to one count of...
Washington Attorney General’s statement on DACA argument
OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson released a statement November 12th after argument before the U.S. Supreme Court defending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. “Nearly 18,000 Dreamers live and work in Washington, and they make our...
Personal objection will no longer exempt children from school vaccinations
Lawmakers aim to improve “herd immunity” in Washington state Lawmakers aim to stop the ongoing measles outbreak with passage of bill By Emma Epperly WNPA Olympia News Bureau OLYMPIA – The Washington House of Representatives concurred with Senate amendments on...
New law erases or extends statute of limitations for various sex crimes
Washington State Governor Jay Inslee shakes hands with Dinah Griffey after signing Senate Bill 5649. Inslee mentioned both Rep. Dan Griffey and his wife Dinah Griffey in his remarks on the bill. – Photo by Emma Epperly, WNPA Olympia News Bureau Removes statute...
SuperSoncis player Jack Sikma honored with Senate resolution
Former Seattle SuperSonics NBA player, Jack Sikma, took the podium in the Senate chamber on Thursday, as he was honored with a Senate resolution. Sikma was recently inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. – Photo by Emma Epperly, WNPA Olympia News Bureau
Woman completes 17-day hunger strike for Southern Resident Orcas
Lanni Johnson breaks her 17-day fast with an orange on Wednesday. She is joined by supporters including Phil Myers from the North Olympic Orca Pod activist group dressed in an orca suit. – Photo by Emma Emperly, WNPA Olympia News Bureau Johnson reached her goal...
Daylight saving time year-round passes Senate
Dependent on U.S. Congress approval Other states have similar legislation in the works By Emma Epperly WNPA Olympia News Bureau OLYMPIA — Legislation to make daylight saving time the year-round standard passed the Senate Tuesday evening in a bipartisan 46-2 vote....
Felon voting rights legislation signed by Gov. Inslee
Governor Jay Inslee signs Sen. Manka Dhingra’s bill April 17. The bill requires information to be provided to felons on their voting rights after being released from custody. – Photo by Emma Epperly, WNPA Olympia News Bureau Clearly outlines process for felons...
Getting eyeball tattoos to be illegal in Washington State
Bill will ban the procedure of scleral tattooing Lawmakers aim to prevent potential eye damage By Emma Epperly WNPA Olympia News Bureau OLYMPIA — The state Senate voted on Tuesday to make the procedure of scleral tattooing illegal in Washington State. The bill...
Activists rally for woman on hunger strike to draw attention to plight of orcas
Photos by Emma Epperly WNPA Olympia News Bureau Lanni Johnson of Snohomish is on a 17-day fast in front of the Washington State Capitol building, to convince lawmakers the Southern Resident Orcas need help now. On Friday more people who worry about the survival of the...
Legislation to reduce rape kit processing times heads to governor
Currently 10,000 untested kits in Washington Sets the goal of ending the backlog by 2021 Would reduce testing time to 45 days beginning in 2022 By Emma Epperly WNPA Olympia News Bureau OLYMPIA — A bill to reduce the processing time for sexual assault kits passed the...
Olympia sized cherry blossoms in full bloom
Spring brings a burst of cherry blossoms to the Washington State Capitol as lawmakers put the finishing touches on their 2019 legislative session, scheduled to end on April 28. – Photos by Emma Epperly, WNPA Olympia News Bureau
Woman on a 17- day hunger strike to save the Southern Resident Orcas
Lanni Johnson sitting in front of the capitol building steps where she has been on a hunger strike for the last 9 days to save the Southern Resident Orcas. Johnson is joined by supporter, Phil Myers, who can be seen in an orca onesie. – Photo by Emma Emperly, WNPA...
Senate passes amended operating budget, negotiations begin
More than half of expenditures to go to K-12 education Senate version still smaller than House version Negotiations between House and Senate begin with session scheduled to end April 28 By Emma Epperly WNPA Olympia News Bureau OLYMPIA — The state Senate passed an...
Legislation to confiscate firearms in domestic violence situations moves forward
Firearms would be removed from domestic violence situations for 5 days Already considered a best practice but not done statewide Measure has already passed the House By Emma Epperly WNPA Olympia News Bureau OLYMPIA — A bill to require the removal of firearms from...
School librarians demonstrate at the Capitol to protest funding cuts
Seattle Public School’s librarians hold up signs on the capitol building steps, in protest of funding cuts that have resulted in cuts to libraries. Kate Eads, who organized the event, can be seen holding a megaphone addressing the group.—Photo by Emma Epperly, WNPA...
Brexit for Brits … Lexit for Washington’s eastside
by Emma Epperly WNPA Olympia News Bureau With Brexit in international news this week, the Washington Capitol had its own version with a “Lexit” rally in support of carving the State of Liberty out of the eastern side of the state. About 50 people traveled across the...
Senate Democrats roll out budget and accompanying “Fix Our Tax Code” plan
Includes a graduated Real Estate Excise Tax and separate Capital Gains Tax Large increases in funding are similar to House proposal Includes new insurance premium tax increase to combat wildfires By Emma Epperly WNPA Olympia News Bureau The Senate Democrats...
