Political
Need information regarding current political news? Here we'll keep you updated on the latest political news, locally and nationally.
Ybarra announces run for Washington Senate
QUINCY — State Representative Alex Ybarra, R-Quincy, has announced his candidacy for the Washington Senate. If he…
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…
Voters to decide on educational program and operations levies
ROYAL CITY, MATTAWA — Voters in two local school districts will decide on replacement educational program and operations (EP&O) levy proposals in a special ele…
MLPD supports bill on reasonable suspicion, use of force
The Washington State Senate is hearing a bill on Tuesday that reverts the standard for law enforcement making a stop to reasonable suspicion rather than proba…
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…
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…
Legislators discuss state holidays, data, environment-friendly products
If passed, House Bill 1485 would bring a new holiday to Washington celebrating Women’s Suffrage Day and the federal 19th Amendment, and was one item on legislators’ agenda on Jan. 10.
Sens. Warnick and King criticize response to Kittitas County offer to help clear snow on state highways
Sens. Warnick and King say they are shocked and very disappointed that the state Department of Transportation refused Kittitas County’s offer to help clear sno…
Legislators consider bill to crack down on hazing
New legislation may require higher education institutions to double down on the practice of hazing, as a bill on it got immense support in a public hearing with state legislators on Thursday.
Bills could improve extreme weather response
A bill requiring the Washington Military Department to create and implement an extreme weather response grant program moved through a public hearing with state legislators without opposition on Wednesday.