Speed cameras will soon be allowed in WA highway work zones
Speed enforcement in work zones will soon become more advanced. Gov. Jay Inslee on Tuesday signed into law Senate Bill 5272, a bipartisan bill authorizing the use of automated camera enforcement in work zones on state roads, responding to pleas from labor to crack down on drivers zooming dangerously close to crews. “Folks working on our state highways deserve to do so with the peace of mind that they will end their shift by going home to their families and loved ones,” said Sen. Marko Liias, D-Lynnwood, bill sponsor and chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. “These workers are acting every day to ensure our highways are safe for commuters, and we have a duty to keep them safe as well.” Continue reading at Seattle Times. (Greg Gilbert)

WA Lawmakers Working to Pass Anti-Assault Weapons Legislation
Leaders are feeling inspired to push anti-gun legislation due to the most recent school shooting and the overall rise in local gun violence. House Bill 1240 has already passed through the House and passed through a Senate Committee. The bill also outlaws the sale of certain parts and gun accessories used to make or modify certain guns. Those who oppose the bill state that law abiding citizens should have these weapons. Some are hopeful that this bill is an important step to reduce the number of guns in the community which may in return reduce the number of shootings. The bill needs to pass through the full Senate before it can become law. Governor Jay Inslee has already shown his support for the bill. Continue reading at Seattle Medium.

WA Senate passes bill to create more penalties for hazing
The Washington House passed House Bill 1002 on Wednesday, which would increase penalties associated with hazing. The bill comes after the passage “Sam’s Law,” named after Sam Martinez, who died of alcohol poisoning as a result of a hazing incident at a Washington State University fraternity in 2017. The bill would reclassify the crime of hazing from a misdemeanor to a gross misdemeanor, and cases involving substantial bodily harm would become a Class C felony. The bill also adds felony hazing to the statutory lists of crimes against persons and crimes of harassment.The Martinez family have become strong advocates for this law, and the Senate stood to honor them as they passed the bill. Continue reading at KXLY.