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2006 News Archive

2005 News Archive »

December 4, 2006
Spyware law leads to $1 million settlement with out-of-state companies
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Nov. 27, 2006
Upthegrove to introduce ‘Kevin’s Bill’
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Nov. 19, 2006
House Democrats Elect Leaders for 2007-2008
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Nov. 17, 2006
Public health report calls for balanced funding and stronger prevention of health problems
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December 7, 2006
Rep. Haigh to lead new school-funding panel in state House
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December 6, 2006
Gutiérrez Kenney to lead House Economic and Community Development and Trade Committee
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December 6, 2006
Statement from Rep. Ross Hunter on being selected Chair of the House Finance Committee
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December 6, 2006
Statement from Rep. Deb Wallace on election to House Higher Education Committee chair
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December 5, 2006
Fromhold selected to lead House Capital Budget Committee
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June 7, 2006
Laws from successful session go into effect June 7
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May 31, 2006
New state law: Eickmeyer’s plan to fund Hood Canal work takes effect
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May 22, 2006
Guest Column: Stopping meth addiction and identity theft
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May 15, 2006
Biofuels: Renewable biodiesel and ethanol from Washington State crops
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March 31, 2006
Governor signs Eickmeyer’s proposal for funding Hood Canal work
Legislator hails bill aimed at ‘restoring Americas’ great fjord’
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March 30, 2006
Governor Approves help for returning Veterans
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March 30, 2006
Governor signs reform expanding campaign finance limits
Schual-Berke reform expands reach of Fair Campaign Practices Act
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March 29, 2006
Coastal Caucus members praise bill sending help to timber communities
Battered industry and working people deserve a fair shake, lawmakers maintain.
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March 24, 2006
Fixes to energy laws signed by Governor
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March 24, 2006
Tax incentives for aluminum smelters extended through 2012
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March 22, 2006
Governor activates Energy Freedom Fund
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March 22, 2006
Governor signs bill to protect local funding for schools
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March 22, 2006
Governor to sign local economic development financing bill
Linville bill sets up Local Infrastructure Financing Tool (LIFT) to assist communities in re-development and attracting jobs
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March 22, 2006
Farmers receive support from bundle of new laws
Walla Walla Democrat applauds tax relief, biofuels and water storage measures
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March 17, 2006
Governor will sign legislation encouraging more affordable housing
Co-sponsor Sells says new state law will ‘help close gap between haves and have-nots’
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March 17, 2006
McCoy’s legislation seeking fairness in wage disputes set to become state policy
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March 15, 2006
Governor to sign Ormsby bill easing textbook bite for college students
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March 13, 2006
Rep. Appleton appointed to Puget Sound Partnership
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March 9, 2006
Legislature approves tax breaks for seed industry
Skagit Valley’s economy received a boost from the Legislature yesterday to help the state’s seed producers.
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March 8, 2006
House and Senate strike a deal on passenger only ferry service
Bill offers solution to Seattle-Vashon-Southworth triangle and Kingston and Bremerton privately run routes
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March 8, 2006
Cody, McDermott protect passenger-only ferries
Vashon residents can rest assured that service will continue
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March 7, 2006
Veterans Innovation Program clears Legislature unanimously
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March 7, 2006
Legislature OKs flexibility for community non-profits
Tax status protected for local organizations who rent meeting places
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March 7, 2006
Kitsap SEED project receives bump in funding in agreed upon Capital Budget
Funding that was omitted from initial proposal was reinstated through budget negotiations
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March 7, 2006
House and Senate agree on new oil spill protection measures
Senate legislation mirrors legislation sponsored by Rep. Sherry Appleton
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March 6, 2006
Part-time worker health care passes Legislature
Workers turning to part-time jobs as a way of supporting their families would have a chance at health coverage under legislation approved by the Legislature.
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March 6, 2006
Felony DUI bill clears another hurdle
Rep. Lantz works on compromise to make repeat DUI offenses a felony
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March 6, 2006
Legislature passes performance audits bill
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March 6, 2006
Legislature holds schools accountable for civics education
The House gave final approval to a measure to require civics exams for students in elementary, middle and high school.
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March 6, 2006
Gov signs farm fuel tax exemption
Rep. Grant’s measure to provide tax exemptions on farm diesel now law
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March 4, 2006
House OK’s Foster Kid Health Unit
Legislation to better coordinate health care for foster kids passes with unanimous support
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March 4, 2006
Dickerson Foster Youth Achievement Act passes Legislature
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March 4, 2006
House Proposes State Park clean-up to help Sound
State Park funding would eliminate major source of pollution
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March 4, 2006
Legislature approves early learning department
Washington’s littlest learners will be the focus of a new state agency authorized by the Legislature today.
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March 4, 2006
House extends tax incentives for aluminum smelters through 2012
Today the legislature passed a measure to extend Business and Operation tax incentives to state aluminum smelters.
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March 4, 2006
Legislature approves union for family child care workers
Family child care workers received permission from the Legislature today to form a union in order to bargain with the governor for better state subsidies.
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March 3, 2006
Ericks’ key bills headed to Governor’s desk
Senate passed Rep. Ericks’ measures that bring justice to insured drivers and establish tougher penalties for ID thieves
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March 3, 2006
Dickerson bill to reduce juvenile crime heads to Governor
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March 3, 2006
Senate passes Home Security Fund
Measure would devote $25 million to assist low income families and the homeless
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March 3, 2006
Electronic waste recycling bill passes House
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March 2, 2006
Landmark agreement announced on unemployment insurance bill
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March 2, 2006
Senate passes Morrell health-tech bill to save lives, money
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March 2, 2006
Senate passes affordable housing measure; bill on its way to Governor
Springer’s bill would give local governments another tool to promote affordable housing.
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March 2, 2006
House approves task force to examine work release laws
Measure would create task force to examine how Department of Corrections sites work release programs and can prevent inmates from re-offending
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March 2, 2006
Senate passes anti-meth bill
Wallace bill to restrict meth ingredients gets nod
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March 2, 2006
Chase bill to help small manufacturers passes Legislature
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March 2, 2006
Murray proposal keeps tunnel option alive
A tunnel option for the Alaskan Way Viaduct would remain viable under an amendment proposed by Rep. Ed Murray today.
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March 2, 2006
Legislature approves highway safety measure
The Legislature approved tougher penalties today to protect motorists from overloaded and unsafe trucks.
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March 1, 2006
Driver training school bill passed by Legislature
Legislation reinforces quality driver education.
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March 1, 2006
Hunt bill to protect Puget Sound from septic leaks heads to Governor
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March 1, 2006
Senate OKs McCoy’s bill seeking fairness in wage disputes
Lawmaker calls measure ‘right thing to do for workers who have been wronged’
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Feb. 28, 2006
Health-care bills: Moeller notes legislative package assuring patient safety
Liability-reform compromise makes its way through Legislature
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Feb. 27, 2006
House breathes life back into felony DUI bill
Rep. Lantz forges compromise and introduces bill to make repeat DUI offenses a felony.
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Feb. 27, 2006
Transportation budget maintains course, targets safety and mobility
The House transportation budget released today funds landslide work and proposed mobility issues throughout the state.
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Feb. 24, 2006
House passes bills to help families
Four reforms focus on health care and financial literacy.
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Feb. 21, 2006
Supplemental budget unveiled
House Democrats propose major investments in education, health care and renewable energy while maintaining $985 million in reserves
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Feb. 21, 2006
Regional transportation compromise passes House
A bill to reform regional transportation received another round of bipartisan support today when the House brought it to a vote and passed it 71-26.
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Feb. 14, 2006
House approves ban of toxic flame retardants
A measure to protect human health and the environment was approved 97-0 by the House today.
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Feb. 14, 2006
House passes tougher penalties for unsafe vehicles
The House approved a bill early this morning to protect motorists on roads and highways from overloaded and unsafe trucks.
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Feb. 14, 2006
House votes to hold schools accountable for civics education
The House voted to require civics exams for students in elementary, middle and high school.
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Feb. 14, 2006
Gun rights bill clears House
Blake’s bill would clarify concealed weapons laws when crossing state borders.
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Feb. 14, 2006
House continues to “build” on affordable housing efforts
The House passed a measure to give cities and counties an additional tool to promote affordable housing.
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Feb. 14, 2006
House passes bill to further protect domestic violence victims
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Feb. 14, 2006
House OKs bill to assist veterans in purchasing homes
Everett lawmaker says measure helps with down payments
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Feb. 14, 2006
House passes Lovick’s ‘24-7’ tracking for sex offenders
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Feb. 14, 2006
New job creation tool for local governments passed by House
Whatcom County legislator’s bill sets up Local Infrastructure Financing Tool (LIFT)
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Feb. 14, 2006
House OK's Ormsby bill to significantly reduce phosphates in dishwasher detergents
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Feb. 13, 2006
Bill to increase mental health worker safety passes House
A bill that was prompted by the tragic death of Marty Smith, a mental health worker who was murdered in Kitsap County last November cleared the House on Monday.
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Feb. 13, 2006
Murray bill on commute reduction passes House
A state program to relieve traffic congestion would become even more effective under a bill passed today by the House.
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Feb. 13, 2006
House passes historic plan for the Columbia River
New law protects both fish and farmers.
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Feb. 13, 2006
House votes to end unlimited campaign cash in election races
The House voted to stop unlimited campaign contributions to candidates for court positions, elected offices in large counties and Port Commissioner jobs.
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Feb. 13, 2006
House passes oil spill prevention bill
Measure would protect the Puget Sound by toughening emergency procedures on oil tankers.
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Feb. 13, 2006
House passes bill to protect reporters’ sources
Measure called a balanced step to protect First Amendment rights.
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Feb. 13, 2006
House passes bill to Stop Violent Offenders from being located at Western State
Green’s bill would stop Progress House from being re-located to Lakewood Mental Hospital
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Feb. 13, 2006
Voter rights promoted in Hasegawa bill
Language minorities could continue to have protection in Washington State
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Feb. 13, 2006
Hospital funding bill passes House
The pilot project would help finance costs of a new Gig Harbor Hospital without raising taxes.
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Feb. 13, 2006
House votes to eliminate park fee
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Feb. 13, 2006
House lends hand to family farmers
Measure to exempt replacement parts for farming equipment clears House
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Feb. 11, 2006
House approves Home Security Fund
Lawmakers approved legislation to help families throughout the state find much needed affordable housing.
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Feb. 11, 2006
House passes energy freedom legislation
Legislation would provide necessary capital to support the production of biodiesel, ethanol and other forms of green energy.
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Feb. 11, 2006
House provides relief for family child care providers
Child care services would be strengthened for thousands of Washington state families.
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Feb. 11, 2006
House endorses Eickmeyer’s plan to help fund Hood Canal restoration
Legislator also hails bill aimed at resolving water-quality quandaries
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Feb. 11, 2006
House passes Hunt bill to protect Puget Sound from failing septic systems
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Feb. 11, 2006
Semiconductor industry boosted by House bill
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Feb. 10, 2006
Bill seeking fairness in wage disputes secures House approval
Legislation reflects input from workers and businesses.
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Feb. 10, 2006
House lends hand to small businesses
Tax relief and worker training programs approved.
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Feb. 10, 2006
Media Advisory: New Border Crossing Identification Requirements and Potential Impacts on Economies of Border Communities
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Feb. 9, 2006
House shows its heart for Washington’s Children
Bills help kids in early learning, security and their futures
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Feb. 9, 2006
“Have a Heart for Kids Day” proves huge success for Higher Education bills
Extensive package of bills covers many aspects of higher ed
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Feb. 9, 2006
Snohomish County lawmakers win support for emphasis on tech education
House passage of measure promotes ‘relevant college instruction’
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Feb. 9, 2006
House passes help for health care
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Feb. 8, 2006
House passes veterans bills
Kilmer’s bills would prevent discrimination against servicemen and women.
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Feb. 7, 2006
Appleton's payday lending regulation passes House
Legislation would reign in the growing payday lending industry from preying on military families.
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Feb. 7, 2006
Regional transportation agreement reached
Legislation to reform the Regional Transportation Investment District (RTID) was voted out of a House committee yesterday.
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Feb. 3, 2006
Bill to stiffen penalties for cell phone fraud
A House committee passed legislation to strengthen penalties for those who prey upon individuals' private information.
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Feb. 3, 2006
House passes body piercing bill
Teens and others looking to have their body pierced would be protected by regulation passed by the House today with bi-partisan support.
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Feb. 3, 2006
House committee OKs plan boosting engineering, tech enrollment
Sells, McCoy say measure aims for more local jobs for more local people
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Feb. 1, 2006
Appleton seeks payday lending protections
Legislation targets lenders who prey upon military families.
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Feb. 1, 2006
House strengthens sex offender laws
The House of Representatives passed a comprehensive package of legislation designed to lock-up more sex offenders and protect their victims.
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Feb. 1, 2006
Eickmeyer sponsors proposal to help fund Hood Canal restoration
Legislator says account shores up protection for ‘irreplaceable resource’
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Jan. 31, 2006
House panel endorses homestead protection for medical debt
Morrell bill would shield up to $100,000 in home equity
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Jan. 31, 2006
House passes first part of Energy Freedom
The legislation is the first piece of several reforms to make Washington state more energy independent.
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Jan. 30, 2006
Legislature to consider increased penalties for habitual drunk drivers
The bill would create a felony charge for repeat drunk drivers as well as an immediate felony charge for those who have a previous conviction of vehicular homicide or assault.
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Jan. 30, 2006
$ 9 million seed money Ok’d for Biofuel Crushers
Cleaner air and wide spread production of homegrown energy is one step closer thanks to today’s 89 – 7 vote in the state House of Representatives.
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Jan. 30, 2006
House cracks down on meth production
Clark County legislator’s bill to restrict ingredients for making or cutting meth passes House
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Jan. 26, 2006
State moves toward energy security
Progressive energy legislation passed out of the House Technology, Energy and Communications Committee today.
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Jan. 26, 2006
Fair share health care reform advances
Legislation that would require Washington’s largest corporations to pay for health coverage for more employees was endorsed by a key House committee Thursday evening.
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Jan. 26, 2006
Hospital funding bill passes House Finance Committee
A pilot financing measure to help build the new Gig Harbor hospital cleared the House Finance Committee on Wednesday.
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Jan. 26, 2006
Wallace promotes assistance for small businesses and entrepreneurs
Grant program for training and tech support passes House committee
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Jan. 26, 2006
House panel will vote on Moeller’s measure going after dishonest contractors
Legislation keys consumer protection and business fairness
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Jan. 25, 2006
House passes National Guard life insurance bill
Bill would help soldiers obtain maximum life insurance benefit.
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Jan. 25, 2006
Legislators join in support for veterans and families
Legislation helps National Guard, as well as other former service personnel
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Jan. 23, 2006
Education dominates House Monday
Early Learning, simple majority, WASL reform
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Jan. 23, 2006
House passes balanced solution to medical malpractice issue
Legislature offers solution to failed initiatives
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Jan. 23, 2006
McCoy’s measure seeks more emphasis on biotech manufacturing
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Jan. 20, 2006
Rep. Murray sponsored civil rights bill moves to Senate
Legislation to add sexual orientation to the state’s anti-discrimination law passed out of the House.
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Jan. 19, 2006
Nonprofit rental rules improved in bill
Property tax exemption protected for meeting places run by community nonprofits.
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Jan. 19, 2006
Lovick law would track homeless sex offenders with GPS bracelets
24/7 Protection Law would put trackers on those who’ve offended against children.
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Jan. 18, 2006
House gives “Ethel’s Bill” unanimous support
Consumer protection legislation now heads to the Senate.
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Jan. 16, 2006
Snohomish County lawmakers advocate increased student enrollment in science, technology
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Jan. 13, 2006
Day-use fees at state parks eliminated in House bills
House Democrat proposals improve access to parks, fund ballfields and state parks.
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Jan. 12, 2006
Protecting Washington’s children: Bipartisan package of bills aims to catch and convict more sex offenders
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Jan. 12, 2006
Bill aims to preserve dignity at the end of life
Vancouver lawmaker proposes statewide registry to protect the wishes of loved ones.
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Jan. 11, 2006
House passes home heating assistance bill
Measure to help families with high energy costs.
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Jan. 11, 2006
House supports farmers with tax relief on agricultural diesel
Most legislators gave “yes” vote to combat rising fuel prices
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Jan. 11, 2006
Early legislative action will help struggling students pass WASL
Proposal to give school districts more time to hire teachers and develop summer school programs.
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Jan. 10, 2006
Guest Column: Protecting your family from sex offenders
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Jan. 9, 2006
Audio: 2006 Legislature kicks off brief session in Olympia (MP3, 56 seconds, 873KB; Read the script)

Jan. 9, 2006
Ericks wants justice for insured drivers
“Ethel’s Bill” makes it crystal clear: you’re insured, you’re covered.
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Jan. 5, 2006
Meth ingredients restricted in proposed bill
Local detectives inspired Vancouver legislator’s bill
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Jan. 3, 2006
Audio: Top lawmaker focuses on education, economy (MP3, 45 seconds, 705KB; Read the script)