News from Olympia

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...

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...

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...

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

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

18-year-olds will still be able to purchase tobacco products on tribal lands Washington is the ninth state to raise the age to 21   By Emma Epperly WNPA Olympia News Bureau The legal age to purchase tobacco and vape products is about to rise from 18 to 21 under a bill...

Would make 3-D printed guns illegal, along with the sale of said guns Similar to the previously reported Senate Bill Recent case on ghost guns in New Jersey makes it a national issue   By Emma Epperly WNPA Olympia News Bureau Undetectable and untraceable firearms and...

By Emma Epperly WNPA Olympia News Bureau Newly named hate crime offenses would let courts infer the offense was due to the perception of the victim’s association with a protected class, unless evidence suggests otherwise. The legislation would also create a...

Utilizes increase economic growth revenue to fund education Includes new taxes like capital gains and real estate excise   By Emma Epperly WNPA Olympia News Bureau The House of Representatives’ budget proposal includes a capital gains and real estate excise tax along...

DISTRICT 13 State Representative Alex Ybarra (R-Quincy) who was appointed to the House in January. -- Photo by Emma Epperly, WNPA Olympia News Bureau   By Emma Epperly Rep. Alex Ybarra describes his time so far in the Washington State Legislature as a whirlwind....

Would increase levy cap from $1.50 to $2.50 Mixed feelings on the policy from school districts statewide Majority of school districts say they need additional funding.   By Emma Epperly WNPA Olympia News Bureau Voter-approved school levy lid rates would rise from...

Already passed the Senate, Would give tenants 14 days before process begins   By Emma Epperly WNPA Olympia News Bureau Protecting tenant rights through increasing the length of eviction proceedings is part of eviction-reform legislation, currently in the state House...

Allows non-traditional addresses to be used for voter registration on tribal lands Election officials must have access by public roads to ballot drop boxes on tribal lands     By Emma Epperly WNPA Olympia News Bureau The Native American Voting Rights act was...

Washington residents could have the option to vote on permanent daylight saving time Senate passes bill allowing residents to vote on adoption of daylight saving time   By Madeline Coats WNPA Olympia News Bureau OLYMPIA--Washington residents could vote to make...

To change voting requirements for bonds, the state constitution would be amended Floor debate showed wide-range of opinions from lawmakers   By Emma Epperly WNPA Olympia News Bureau School District Bonds will still need 60 percent of the vote, after a Senate...

By Emma Scher WNPA Olympia News Bureau Despite past voter rejection of similar proposals, Senate Transportation Committee chair Steve Hobbs rolled out a comprehensive funding package that would impose a carbon pollution fee and gas tax increase to fund transportation...

Creates commission to evaluate best location for airport expansion A list of the top six location finalists would be completed by Jan. 2020   By Emma Epperly WNPA Olympia News Bureau Creation or expansion of an airport in Washington to relieve the stress of a growing...

Plaintiffs claim initiative deprives their Second and Fourteenth Amendment rights Defendants summoned to court for following the Washington state law   By Madeline Coats WNPA Olympia News Bureau Two civil rights lawsuits in Washington state have challenged the...

Creates grant and loan program to fund broadband expansion Unsure if House will pick up Senate version or go with House version   By Emma Epperly WNPA Olympia News Bureau A statewide broadband office would be created under legislation passed by the Washington state...

Defines an campus law enforcement officer’s role in the school The office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction would create a grant program to fund training   By Emma Epperly WNPA Olympia News Bureau The Washington State Senate passed a bill regarding school...

House representatives aim to improve herd immunity in Washington state Lawmakers aim to stop the ongoing measles outbreak with passage of bill   By Madeline Coats WNPA Olympia News Bureau OLYMPIA – In a 57-40 vote, the Washington state House of Representatives passed...

Notifies parents or guardians and requires them to safely store firearms after an ERPO Expands ERPO law put into place in voter initiative   By Emma Epperly WNPA Olympia News Bureau The Washington State Senate voted to extend Extreme Risk Protection Orders to minors...

Law would increase pay for National Guard members helping with wildland fires National Guard members could see increased compensation for wildfire response   By Madeline Coats WNPA Olympia News Bureau OLYMPIA—State representatives passed a bill in a 94-0 vote on...

State AG sends letter to all 39 sheriffs across the state regarding gun control AG Ferguson explains points of confusion in gun control measure   By Madeline Coats WNPA Olympia News Bureau OLYMPIA — Attorney General Bob Ferguson released a “Frequently Asked Questions”...

Scooter and bike share services have gained traction across the country lawmakers in Washington try and tackle regulation of these services   By Emma Scher WNPA Olympia News Bureau The state legislature may increase regulation on motor scooter share services in...

  By Sean Harding WNPA Olympia News Bureau OLYMPIA – Governor Jay Inslee announced he is seeking the presidency of the United States in a video focused on climate change posted on his Facebook page early Friday. Inslee joins 14 other Democrats and one Republican,...

Requires suppliers in the agricultural supply chain to report human rights violations to retail sellers Met with wide farmer community opposition Retail sellers would be required to publish violations on their website   By Emma Epperly WNPA Olympia News Bureau Retail...

Lawmakers seek to eliminate bullying in public schools Law would protect transgender students in schools   By Madeline Coats WNPA Olympia News Bureau OLYMPIA—State senators passed a bill with a 29-20 vote to prohibit harassment, intimidation, bullying and...

By Emma Scher WNPA Olympia News Bureau OLYMPIA — Washington may become the fourth state to petition the federal government to integrate Puerto Rico into the United States, as a step toward becoming a state. Currently, the Puerto Rico is an unincorporated U.S....

Requires comprehensive sexual education for all K-12 public schools Continues to allow parents to exempt their children from sex ed Focus on medically and scientifically accurate curriculums   By Emma Epperly WNPA Olympia News Bureau OLYMPIA — The state Senate, in a...

Initiative would reduce car tabs to a flat rate and will appear on November ballot Opponents say it would harm transportation funding   By Emma Epperly WNPA Olympia News Bureau The Senate and House transportation committees heard public testimony Tuesday on Tim...

By Emma Epperly WNPA Olympia News Bureau The Washington state Senate passed a bill Tuesday adding citizenship or immigration status to the “law against discrimination,” with 29 in favor and 20 opposed. The law currently prohibits discrimination against individuals...

Schoesler to file ethics violations against multiple senate democrats   By Emma Epperly WNPA Olympia News Bureau Senate Minority Leader Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, issued a statement Monday on alleging that Democrats were illegally using state resources for...

A proposed bill prohibits single-use plastic bags from retail establishments Bill seeks to reduce waste, litter and marine pollution   By Madeline Coats WNPA Olympia News Bureau OLYMPIA--Lawmakers aim to reduce pollution from plastic bags by establishing higher...

Excess energy produced by public utility districts would produce hydrogen fuel for Washington state Created from water, hydrogen is abundant and clean   By Sean Harding WNPA Olympia News Bureau OLYMPIA – A bipartisan bill to enable public utility districts to sell and...

Senate and House Democrats signed on to Joint Memorials seeking to avert nuclear war   By Sean Harding WNPA Olympia New Bureau OLYMPIA – Democratic lawmakers have asked the U.S. Congress to ensure the President does not have the sole authority to launch a nuclear...

Many companies have developed facial recognition software House Bill 1654 will place restrictions on how state agencies can use the technology for surveillance   By Emma Scher WNPA Olympia News Bureau Washington State may impose restrictions on law enforcement’s use...

Lawmakers seek to review the status of gray wolves as an endangered species Washington state aims to protect gray wolves   By Madeline Coats WNPA Olympia News Bureau OLYMPIA — A proposed bill would support the full recovery of gray wolves in Washington state, as well...

Would provide large one-time funding to increase a variety of recruitment services Aims to address a growing need for mental health professionals Would fund both Western and Eastern Washington centers   By Emma Epperly WNPA Olympia News Bureau Programs to recruit and...

A proposed bill would ban the procedure of scleral tattooing Lawmakers aim to ban the practice of scarring the human eye   By Madeline Coats WNPA Olympia News Bureau OLYMPIA — Lawmakers aim to prohibit scleral tattooing, otherwise known as the practice of scarring or...

State senators aim to alter provisions for vaccines Bill eliminates philosophical or personal objection of vaccines by legal guardians   By Madeline Coats WNPA Olympia News Bureau OLYMPIA — A proposed bill would eliminate the philosophical or personal objection used...

Corrects funding loophole Pushes for extracurricular program funding   By Emma Epperly WNPA Olympia News Bureau School districts would be required to use excess career and technical education funding for specific purposes under proposed legislation. This bill sends an...

  Representative Matt Shea of Spokane has revived a movement to redraw the lines of Washington State Echos sentiments from Eastern Washington that their voices are not heard in the Legislature By Emma Scher WNPA Olympia News Bureau Robert Brown is a resident of...

Funds a regional conference on media literacy and digital citizenship Develops programs integrated into existing subjects on these topics   By Emma Epperly WNPA Olympia News Bureau Media literacy and digital citizenship would be the focus of a grant program for...

Washington state becomes one step closer to increasing tobacco sales age House of Representatives pass bill to raise tobacco sales from 18 to 21   By Madeline Coats WNPA Olympia News Bureau OLYMPIA--A proposed law to raise the minimum age of vapor and tobacco sales...

Lawmakers want to redefine air pollution in Washington State Proposed bill would require inspection of odor complaint in a public area   By Madeline Coats WNPA Olympia News Bureau OLYMPIA--State lawmakers seek to revise the definition of air pollution and require an...

Would prohibit local governments to ban church sponsored homeless camps that are hosted for six months out of the year, or four consecutive months. Bill is in conflict with some cities’ ordinances   By Emma Scher WNPA Olympia Bureau Washington cities like Lynnwood,...

Senator Curtis King, R-Yakima, testifies in support of Senate Bill 5882, which he is prime sponsor, at the Senate Housing Stability & Affordability Committee Monday. If it becomes law, the legislation would prohibit municipalities from sanctioning homeless...

Senator withdraws bill exempting legislature from public disclosure of some records By Emma Epperly WNPA Olympia News Bureau A proposal to provide exemptions to the Public Records Act for the Legislature is dead, according to bill sponsor, Jamie Pederson, D-Seattle....

Lawmakers seek to ban online extortion of businesses Washington state aims to end cyber extortion   By Madeline Coats WNPA Olympia News Bureau OLYMPIA — Washington state senators aim to make social media extortion a crime punishable as a class C felony. Senate Bill...

By Emma Epperly WNPA Olympia News Bureau A website outlining concussions in lower-impact sports, best practices and research would be created under Senate Bill 5238, which was heard Monday in the Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee. Prime sponsor, District...

Hotline would receive reports of potential self-harm and criminal acts Proposed bill seeks to improve suicide prevention in Washington state By Madeline Coats WNPA Olympia News Bureau OLYMPIA–Lawmakers seek to create a hotline designated for reports of potential...

Petitions for a convention of states to amend the constitution Would require presidential candidates to release tax returns before primary Would automatically restore felons’ voting rights when released   By Emma Epperly WNPA Olympia News Bureau A measure calling for...

By Emma Scher WNPA Olympia News Bureau Representative Matt Shea, R-Spokane, was greeted by a few dozen constituents on Friday in support of Second Amendment rights and his proposal to split Washington along the Cascades and create a 51st state to the east called...

By Emma Scher WNPA Olympia News Bureau In the front lobby of Washington State’s legislative building stands a larger-than-life bronze statue of Marcus Whitman, an exact replica of one located in the National Statuary Hall in Washington D.C. This, and other...

Proposed bill will hold employers accountable for safety of dancers Lawmakers target unsafe establishments for adult entertainers   By Madeline Coats WNPA Olympia News Bureau OLYMPIA--Lawmakers aim to improve the safety and security of adult entertainers in Washington...

Measure now goes to House of Representatives Senate passed similar bill in 2018, did not get a vote in House Currently the death penalty is not valid per the state Supreme Court   By Emma Epperly WNPA Olympia News Bureau The Senate passed a bill Friday to remove the...

Makes discrimination based on immigration or citizenship status illegal Goal is to give those in the citizenship and immigration process avenues for recourse Does not supercede federal law   By Emma Epperly WNPA Olympia News Bureau Senate legislation would add...

Recent study reported that Seattle had the most cases of missing and murdered indigenous women than any other city Mosbrucker helped pass legislation last year to gather data, now is hoping to create a task force and liaisons Some are calling for the bill to add more...

Bill would change curriculum for sexual health in schools Democratic representatives support comprehensive sexual health education Evidence-informed curriculum could change sex education in schools   By Madeline Coats WNPA Olympia News Bureau OLYMPIA--A proposed bill...

CORRECTION         A story distributed by the WNPA Olympia News Bureau regarding Senate Bill 5577, concerning restrictions on boating activities around southern resident orcas in Washington incorrectly stated that Republican Sen. Lynda Wilson of Vancouver had signed...

Workers shovel snow off the steps of the Capitol building in Olympia as the Legislature slogs back to resume normal operations Wednesday. The city received several inches of snow, sleet and rain and many legislative hearings were canceled as area snow plows struggled...