Washington state bans sale of most semi-automatic rifles
The Washington Legislature has passed a law to ban the sale, importation and distribution of assault-style rifles, sending one of the highest-profile firearms-regulation bills to the desk of Gov. Jay Inslee for his signature. Inslee, a three-term Democrat and former congressman who supported the federal assault weapons ban, requested House Bill 1240, along with Attorney General Bob Ferguson, and is expected to sign it. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Strom Peterson, D-Edmonds, bars the distribution, manufacture, importation or sale of AR-style semi-automatic rifles, as well as some other kinds of semi-automatic weapons. “We do not have to continue to tolerate these weapons of war in our community,” Peterson said in a statement last month when the bill first passed the House. “This is not a ban on possession, nor is it a ban on personal protection. This policy acknowledges the data and reduces the risk of harm our communities face with a policy we know will be effective in saving lives.” Continue reading at Crosscut. (Ted S. Warren)

New law gives nurses stronger voice in setting hospital staffing levels
Nurses secured a greater role in deciding minimum staffing levels in hospitals across the state under a law signed Thursday by Gov. Jay Inslee. The legislation requires hospital administrators and nurses to agree on the number of staff assigned in each patient care unit, and how workers will be assured of receiving proper rest and meal breaks. Senate Bill 5236, sponsored by Sen. June Robinson, D-Everett, represents a compromise between nurses and hospital leaders. The two sides battled to a draw in the 2022 session. “I’m just thrilled that we got it to the finish line,” Robinson said. “It will make conditions better for nurses and patients.” Continue reading at Everett Herald. (Kevin Clark)

Washington establishes cold case unit to investigate missing and murdered Indigenous peoples cases
On April 20, Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee signed into law Substitute House Bill 1177 that establishes a cold case unit specifically for missing and murdered Indigenous women and people (MMIWP) in the state. “This legislation will ensure that Indigenous victims of crime receive robust, thorough investigations and potential prosecution,” Inslee said. Rep. Debra Lekanoff, (D-40th District) was the primary sponsor of the bill, which passed unanimously in the house and senate during the legislative session. Lekanoff is a co-chair on the state’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People Task Force, which recommended the legislation in 2022. “We have witnessed women who look like me, aunties, girls who look like me, grandmothers, go missing one after another with unresolved cases, unresolved attention from governing bodies,” Lekanoff said. Now, Lekanoff said, Washington state is leading the nation and making missing and murdered Indigenous people a priority for the state. Continue reading at Northwest Public Broadcasting. (Johanna Bejarano)