PNW
What's happening in the Pacific Northwest? For information and details regarding Northwest news, see our articles below.
More rain for Cascades, high winds for Columbia Basin this week
LEAVENWORTH — A second strong winter storm is projected to hit Washington this week, bringing heavy rains back to …
Bill would support veterans in crises
Veterans experiencing mental health crises could soon receive additional support under legislation given executive action by the House Committee on Appropriati…
Proposed law could shorten sentences
Incarcerated individuals who serve 15, 20, or 25 years of total confinement would have the opportunity to apply for a conditional commutation under Senate Bill…
Legislators advance new tax exemption for ADUs
Legislation, which could expand affordable housing and ease tax burdens, was advanced and referred to the review stage by the House Finance Committee on Thursd…
Bills to restore police authority move forward
Several bills restoring law enforcement agencies’ authority to use physical force and engage in vehicular pursuits were advanced during executive sessions in t…
Legislators hear bill regarding vape regulation
The Senate Health & Long Term Care Committee had a public hearing Monday for a bill, which if passed, would give the state authority to regulate vapor products…
Legislators to consider bill on realtor disclosure
The House Consumer Protection & Business Committee will consider, during an executive session Wednesday, legislation holding real estate sellers accountable fo…
Inslee signs bills to delay, expand exemptions in WA Cares
Gov. Jay Inslee signed bills Thursday to delay the WA Cares payroll tax on Washington workers and expand the number of people who can seek permanent exemptions…
Possible return: Warnick bill aims to help REC start up again
OLYMPIA — Legislation proposed by Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, and currently being considered by the Washington State Senate Committee on Business, Financi…
Lawmakers mull catalytic converter bill
Bipartisan legislation intending to cut the demand for stolen catalytic converters will increase fines for violators and limit the ability to buy and sell the …
Proposed bill aims to combat retail theft
Amendments to the definition of theft could help deter high-value retail crimes if the state legislature passes a bill, which was proposed in the Washington St…
Sunnyside senator introduces bill in state legislature to fund water projects
OLYMPIA — A Yakima Valley state senator has introduced legislation to create a $5 billion program to fund water projects across the state.
Salmon recovery bill sparks plenty of testimony
OLYMPIA — Highly contested legislation designed to drive up salmon populations could also devastate Washington farmers.
New bill could reduce prices for insulin, other medications
Insulin prices and other drugs could drop in 2023 if the state passes two bills, which had public hearings by the Washington State Senate Health & Long Term Ca…
Legislators discuss officer pursuits, catalytic converter tracking program
Legislation loosening law enforcement’s restrictions to vehicular pursuit and hampering catalytic converter theft passed through the Washington State House Pub…
Legislators, citizens discuss two bills on firearms
Two controversial bills, which could prohibit assault rifles and allow local governments to restrict open-carry of firearms, passed through the Washington Stat…