Already a leader in the field of early learning, Washington state would take a giant step toward preparing all kids for success in kindergarten and beyond under far-reaching legislation headed…
Category: News
This is how laws get introduced: the Hopper
You’ll hear lawmakers talk about “dropping a bill” or “putting a bill in the Hopper.” This is what that actually means. Staff at the Code Reviser’s Office take draft legislation…
Rep. Goodman on cannabis legalization: The world is watching, and the hard work has just begun
The voters of Washington state, who turned out in greater numbers — 81 percent –than any other state in the nation, did two brave things in approving marriage equality and…
Garnishment reform signed, more work ahead
OLYMPIA—New reforms to Washington’s garnishment statutes will cut paperwork costs for businesses and allow struggling wage earners to keep more of their money. But Rep. Roger Goodman, the lead sponsor…
New law promotes restorative justice for juvenile offenders
Law reflects state findings on evidence-based crime-fighting OLYMPIA—Gov. Chris Gregoire today signed into law a new “restorative justice” judicial option that encourages non-violent juvenile offenders to take responsibility for their…
New law increases protections for victims of domestic violence
OLYMPIA—New protections for domestic-violence victims who risk being tracked down by their abusers were signed into law today by Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire. The measure sponsored by Rep. Roger Goodman,…
DUI accountability reforms signed into law
Goodman bill to crack down on metal theft also becomes law OLYMPIA—A new law signed Thursday by Gov. Chris Gregoire enacts sweeping changes to DUI statutes that will increase the…
New law makes life harder for drunk drivers with kids in the car
OLYMPIA—Driving drunk with a child in the car will soon cost you more. Much more. A new law signed today by Gov. Chris Gregoire requires courts to impose an additional…
Sweeping DUI reforms pass unanimously as session winds down
OLYMPIA—Just hours before the end of the 2012 regular session, state representatives and senators voted unanimously to pass sweeping drunk-driving reforms that increase the accountability of drunk drivers and make…
Legislature approves restorative justice for juvenile offenders
OLYMPIA—The state Senate voted 48-0 today to authorize a new evidence-based judicial option that encourages juvenile offenders to take responsibility for their actions and promotes a better understanding of how…