Rent Stabilization Tops Washington Democrats’ Housing Agenda for 2025 Session
While dozens of bills intended to increase the affordability of housing will be debated over the coming weeks, passing a statewide rent stabilization bill has emerged as a major priority for the caucus. There’s more momentum than ever behind the policy, which is being spearheaded by Rep. Emily Alvarado (D-34th, West Seattle). Continue reading at The Urbanist. (Ryan Packer)
Newly styled fashion bill debuts on Washington’s legislative runway
Rep. Sharlett Mena, D-Tacoma, introduced House Bill 1107 on the first day of this year’s session, which began Monday. The legislation intends to hold fashion giants with gross income over $100 million more accountable for how their products harm the environment. Continue reading at The Washington State Standard. (Thanasis/Getty Images)
‘A different standard’: Native Americans still searched at far higher rates by Washington State Patrol, new data shows
Advocates have called for change. Lawmakers have pressed for answers. And the state patrol has acknowledged it’s a problem. But traffic stop data from 2018-2023 reveals that none of it has reduced the gap between Native American search rates and that of other groups, according to a new InvestigateWest analysis. Troopers continue to search Native Americans at a rate five times higher than whites. In fact, the disparity has increased since 2020. Continue reading at Indian Country Today. (Washington State Patrol)
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TRAFFIC, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Tuesday toplines