2023 Legislative Session

After passing the Washington House earlier this month, a bill that would make more funding available for law enforcement agencies in the state to combat auto theft is now moving through the state Senate. Seventh District Rep. Jacqueline Maycumber (R) of Republic introduced the legislation (HB 1682) and says it would make money available for the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of auto th

A bill that began in the Washington House targeting the state's response to climate change is now moving through the Senate after passing its initial chamber on March 3. House Bill 1181 (HB 1181) is designed to improve the state's response to climate change by making upgrades to its planning framework...

12th-District Representative Mike Steele’s bill that would convert a low-income home rehab loan program into a grant program is progressing through the Senate committee.

A bill that would loosen the restrictions for police pursuits passed out of the Washington Senate on Wednesday. Engrossed Senate Bill 5352 (EB 5352) would lower the threshold for law enforcement officers to engage in pursuits based on "reasonable suspicion" rather than "probable cause", but would not return the standard for police chases to those that existed prior to 2021... R

SB 5729 is proposing to permanently limit out-of-pocket expenses for insulin to $35, previously having the cost share cap expire on Jan. 1, 2024.

Legislation designed to curb inequities in traffic stops and improve safety on Washington's roadways is making its way through the state House. House Bill 1513 (HB 1513), which is also known as Traffic Safety For All, would disallow law enforcement from making stops for violations such as expired license tabs, misdemeanor warrants, or vehicle equipment issues unless they present an immediate hazar

A Senate Bill looking to reduce unsafe nurse-to-patient ratios is progressing through the Senate Committee.

Efforts are underway in Olympia to ensure that the City of Wenatchee's massive Confluence Parkway Project will be fully-funded by the state. During last year's legislative sessions, $85 million was included in the state's transportation budget for the project, however, it was not specifically identified for allocation...

A bill in the Washington Senate is exploring an alternative strategy regarding the reimplementation of broader-based police pursuits in the state. SB-5533 aims to create law enforcement programs that utilize automated technologies such as license plate readers and drones to track and catch criminals instead of traditional officer pursuits...

A bill has been introduced in the Washington Senate that would transfer some of the authority currently given to the state's Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to local school boards and districts. SB-5029 was introduced by 7th District Sen...