washington legislature

Inslee said he spoke to both Republicans and Democrats before setting May 16th as the date for the legislature to begin drafting a new drug possession law.

The Center Square reports SB 5352 makes changes to 2021 legislation enacted under HB 1054 that raised the threshold to trigger a police vehicular pursuit from "reasonable suspicion" to "probable cause" that a suspect had committed a crime for certain crimes.

The legislature adjourned for the year after 15 Democrats joined all Republicans to reject the proposal, which included a gross misdemeanor penalty for possession.

The controversial bill would allow police to chase suspects on a limited basis.

The bill bans the sale, manufacture, and import of assault weapons in Washington state while allowing exemptions for law enforcement and the military.

Republican Assistant Minority Floor Leader Chris Corry of Yakima says his party was shut out of negotiations over.

Members of a group of local governments and organizations took turns speaking in favor of the measure Tuesday.

A group of local governments and organizations has sent a letter to the chairperson of the House committee handling the bill asking for its passage.

The House passed the measure 55-42 largely on party lines, with all four Republicans representing Chelan and Douglas counties voting against it.

Under the bill, money used to pay for jailing auto theft offenders would instead be used for auto theft prevention efforts at the local level.