Washington State Legislature

Politics

Activists, environment, and midterms: President Biden in Seattle

President Joe Biden is visiting Seattle for Earth Day.

Government

Washington lawmakers of color announce departures, one calls the work environment ‘toxic’

In recent years, Washington’s Legislature has grown more diverse. And majority Democrats have emphasized diversity and equity as core values. But now three members of color, out of nearly 30, are stepping down from the Legislature after serving just one full term. One of them describes the legislative work environment as toxic.

Politics

'I do feel that level of burnout:' Why Washington's Rep. Jesse Johnson won't seek reelection

Since joining the state Legislature in 2020, State Representative Jesse Johnson has been outspoken on issues related to police accountability, education, and economic development in Washington.

Environment

Washington wants drivers to plug into clean cars by 2030

Democratic-led states on the West Coast are setting ambitious timelines to phase out sales of gasoline-powered cars and light trucks. The Washington Legislature just approved a goal that all new cars sold in the state beginning with model year 2030 be electric. Oregon and California have 2035 as their target. Some of these dates are aspirational, but one has teeth.

Cascadia bullet train on track for big bucks to get rolling, but big uncertainty remains

For more than five years, Washington state, Oregon and British Columbia have collaborated on studies of a possible Cascadia bullet train to run between Portland, Seattle and Vancouver, Canada. This winter, the Washington Legislature approved money for yet more studies. But state lawmakers also set aside a much bigger sum to attract federal support that could advance the bullet train dream toward being shovel-ready.

Politics

Why are these 23 WA state lawmakers choosing not to seek re-election?

Twenty-three Washington state lawmakers have decided not to run for re-election this year. What’s the deal?

Inslee signs trio of gun bills, including ban on sale of ‘high-capacity’ gun magazines

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Wednesday signed into law three gun-related bills, including one that will prohibit the sale of gun magazines that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition.

Politics

From the capitol to the campaign: What the 2022 legislative session could mean for Washington state elections

From lawmaking to campaigning in the blink of an eye ⁠— that’s what Washington state legislators have done after adjourning their 60-day session late last week.

Government

What passed? What died? Washington’s 2022 legislative session wrap up

That’s a wrap. Washington’s sprint-like, 60-day legislative session has adjourned after majority Democrats approved a hefty supplemental budget along with the first major transportation funding package since 2015. Now lawmakers will be free to hit the campaign trail and start raising money for the 2022 elections. All 98 House seats and about half of the state’s 49 state senate positions are up for election this year.

New bridges and ferries, wider highways, and free fares in freshly passed WA transportation package

Majority Democrats in the Washington Legislature drove the largest transportation spending roadmap in state history across the finish line on Thursday on nearly party line votes. The revenue and spending package funds new spans over the Columbia River, wider highways, four new ferries, bus rapid transit expansions, free fares for youth, fish-friendly culverts and new bike trails and pedestrian bridges.