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Monday, January 22

Here are some of the noteworthy bills that got hearings before the Legislature last week
Friday marked the end of the second week of the 2024 legislative session for lawmakers in Olympia, who spent the week in committee hearings and at floor sessions. The Washington Secretary of State also notified the Legislature Tuesday that Initiative 2117 was certified after completing signature verification. Lawmakers will have to decide whether they will address the initiatives during the legislative session. Alternatives to the initiatives can be proposed by lawmakers, but if legislators decide to do nothing, the initiatives will appear as is on the November ballot. Continue reading at The Olympian. (Ted. S Warren)

Hilary Franz asks WA Legislature to restore wildfire prevention funding
Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz is urging state lawmakers this legislative session to restore cuts made to the agency’s wildfire preparedness and response programs. Last year, lawmakers approved a $36 million reduction in the funding through 2025. Franz and other Department of Natural Resources officials say that if the state doesn’t restore the funding, they may have to shrink or cut community assistance programs, reduce the amount of land treated with prescribed burns or thinning, and potentially ax staff. Continue reading at The Seattle Times. (Daniel Kim)

‘We’re doing our best’: High worker turnover, housing shortage plague supported living communities in Washington
Fifteen years ago, professional caregivers in Washington were paid 10% more than what was considered a self-sufficient wage at the time. Today, those same professionals are paid 21% below a self-sufficient wage, according to data from the Community Residential Services Association. On Wednesday afternoon, dozens of protesters stood out in the rain on the steps of the state Legislative Building in Olympia, holding signs that read “DSPs DESERVE LIVING WAGES” and “QUALITY CARE COSTS MORE THAN MINIMUM WAGE.” Many of those in attendance were lobbying last week in favor of a bill that would raise a tax on expensive properties for programs aimed at affordable housing and helping people who have disabilities. Continue reading at The Spokesman Review. (Ellen Dennis)

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Aberdeen Daily World
Emissions concerns raised over Hoquiam pellet plant proposal

Axios
FAA advises door plug checks for Boeing 737-900ER jets
GOP initiatives target Washington’s capital gains tax, cap-and-trade (Fitzgibbon)

Capital Press
Washington senator: ‘Listen carefully’ to my wolf bill
Newest WSU apple variety has cider makers interested
Washington lawmaker proposes disbanding Fish and Wildlife Commission

Columbian
Amtrak service disrupted by landslide north of Vancouver
How the Boldt decision 50 years ago remade Pacific Northwest fishing
Shoppers love WA’s move to block Kroger-Albertsons merger, but legal experts are puzzled

Everett Herald
Highway 529 to close for months between Everett, Marysville
Gun buybacks in Everett, Mukilteo offer gift cards for firearms
Edmonds-Kingston ferry route had largest rider increase in 2023
Higher pay, higher taxes and a constitutional quarrel in Olympia (Shavers, Riccelli)
After pandemic’s peak, more kids missed school; bill aims to solve that
Comment: Will ‘door plugs’ cost Boeing more than they save?
Comment: Eco-Nomics: Along with changing climate, fossil fuels harm health
Editorial: What King brings to discussion of gun safety bills

The Facts Newspaper
REPORT: Washington’s Office of Firearm Safety & Violence Prevention emerging as national leader in evidence-based, community-supported strategies

Journal of the San Juan Islands
Record numbers sign-up for 2024 health insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder as deadline nears

News Tribune
Hate speech is hijacking public meetings. One Pierce County city has a plan to stop it

Olympian
Here are some of the noteworthy bills that got hearings before the Legislature last week (Berg, Thai, Taylor, Hunt, Liias, Kuderer, Keiser)

Peninsula Daily News
OMC CEO updates on staffing, legislation
State Legislature to debate high-speed police pursuits

Puget Sound Business Journal
Seattle ranks high among US cities for finding job, study finds
Microsoft says Russian intelligence group hacked executives’ emails
Billions in overlooked Covid-era funds are flowing to small businesses
Experts are watching these six economic indicators for Seattle in 2024

Seattle Times
WA lawmakers seek to make fashion friendlier to the environment (Nguyen, Mena)
WA could require diaper changing stations for both moms and dads (Callan)
Hilary Franz asks WA Legislature to restore wildfire prevention funding (Springer)
Expect Highway 529 closures this year as WSDOT works on bridge repairs
Editorial: Congress must force Boeing to be better
Editorial: Time for a full account of WA ferries’ value
Opinion: Succumbing to AI with a whimper, not a bang
Opinion: The complicated ethics of violence-prevention programs
Opinion: Finally, WA no longer has the nation’s most unfair tax system
Opinion: A patent waiver is a bad deal for WA

Spokesman Review
Personalized driver safety ‘SmartSigns’ coming soon to Spokane Public Schools
Spin Control: Proposal to let Washington prison inmates vote sparks heated panel discussion (Simmons, Ormsby)
‘Water is the new gold, and our gold is rotten’: West Plains Water Coalition produces short film on unfolding PFAS contamination
‘We’re doing our best’: High worker turnover, housing shortage plague supported living communities in Washington (Berg)

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
State awards $5M loan, tax credit benefits to Walla Walla Housing Authority project

Washington Post
Economic vibes are finally improving, consumer sentiment surges
Biden expands abortion, contraception protections on Roe anniversary
Is there such a thing as a climate-conscious omnivore? A heated debate erupts.
Most states could see earthquake damage in the next century. See those at most risk.

WA State Standard
State lawmakers writing rules to govern collective bargaining with their staff (Fitzgibbon, Stanford)
WA lawmakers consider free prison phone calls to help keep families connected (Hansen)

Wenatchee World
Columbia Elementary school to close next year

Yakima Herald-Republic
Veterinarian shortage in Yakima Valley can make it harder to find animal care
MultiCare Yakima Memorial focused on the future a year after hospital acquisition

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
In Session: Washington state could expand speed camera use amid rise in deadly crashes

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Debate over criminals’ right to vote intensifies in Olympia (Simmons)
New bill would improve human trafficking laws as Washington gets C grade (Dhingra)
Planned Parenthood in Washington, Idaho forced to fly in nurses amid threats
U.S. Attorney uncovers ‘disturbing spike in threats’ regarding Western WA hate crimes

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
‘Catastrophic flooding’ shuts down vital Seattle-based Evergreen Treatment Services
Tacoma mayor addresses trust issues in police department following Manny Ellis case

KUOW Public Radio
Taming speed on the Speedway (and other Washington roads)
Will Lunar New Year become a state-recognized holiday in Washington? (Thai)
Week in Review: cold weather, encampments, and the Tacoma Police Department
Washington leaders try to find solutions for wolf depredations and killing of wolves
AI, guns, and initiatives: highlights from Week 2 of Washington’s 2024 legislative session (Jinkins, Leavitt)

Q13 TV (FOX)
Washington state lawmaker pushes to ban hog-tying by police following Manuel Ellis’ death (Trudeau, Lovick)

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Lights out for mercury bulbs in Washington? (Hackney)
Lummi educators, students elevate Native culture in Ferndale schools

Crosscut
Should cops be involved in all Washington human trafficking cases? (Shavers)

Friday, January 19

Prisoners would get to vote under bill backed by formerly incarcerated WA lawmaker
An estimated 4.6 million people in the United States cannot vote due to a felony conviction. Washington has already taken steps to change that, having restored voting rights to incarcerated people convicted of felonies immediately upon release in 2022. But Rep. Tarra Simmons, D-Kitsap, said that’s not enough. The next step, she believes, should be allowing all Washington prisoners to vote. House Bill 2030 would effectively allow anyone incarcerated in a state prison to vote or sit on a jury. It only bans prisoners from voting who are convicted of a crime punishable by death. Continue reading at WA State Standard. (WA House Democrats)

Protesters urge WA lawmakers to end child marriage
People dressed in bridal gowns and veils gathered inside the Capitol on Thursday, not to get married, but to protest against child marriage in Washington state. Almost 20 protesters were seen with chained arms and taped mouths, calling on the Senate to pass House Bill 1455, which would set a minimum marriage age of 18. On Jan. 8, the first day of the legislative session, the House unanimously passed HB 1455, and now awaits action in the Senate. There have been previous attempts to end child marriage, but this measure was first introduced last year by Rep. Monica Stonier, D-Vancouver, when it passed the House, but eventually stalled in the Senate. Continue reading at Seattle Times. (Ken Lambert)

Nobles Named Chair Of Senate Higher Education, Workforce Development Committee
Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest) was named chair of the Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee following a vote of the Senate Wednesday. Nobles, who previously served as the committee’s vice chair, brings two decades of experience in education and community leadership to the role. She also is the current caucus majority whip, vice chair of the Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee, and a member of the Transportation Committee and the Behavioral Health Subcommittee. Continue reading at The Seattle Medium.

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Axios
Why WSP took so long to shut down freeway-blocking protest
Biden forgives another $5 billion in student loans for 74K borrowers

Everett Herald
Edmonds senator wants LGBTQ+ history taught in public schools (Liias, Pedersen)
In Everett wetlands, hunters and birdwatchers navigate a shared space

High Country News
Washington’s solar permitting leaves tribal resources vulnerable to corporations

News Tribune
No joke zone: Washington has no sense of humor when it comes to electronic signs
Opinion: Tacoma leaders have a golden opportunity: Retire the Aroma. Ban animal rendering

New York Times
Biden Cancels Another $5 Billion in Student Loan Debt
As Climate Shocks Worsen, U.S. Disaster Agency Tries a New Approach to Aid

Peninsula Daily News
Sliding enrollment, special ed expenses hitting Port Angeles School District hard

Puget Sound Business Journal
CEOs’ economic optimism not expected to translate to worker pay raises

Seattle Medium
Washington State Wants To Block The Kroger-Albertsons Merger
Nobles Bill Would Establish Collective Bargaining Rights For Student Employees (Nobles)
Nobles Named Chair Of Senate Higher Education, Workforce Development Committee (Nobles)
Nobles Bill Would Align Eligibility Time Frames Across State, Federal Financial Aid Programs (Nobles)

Seattle Times
A formula that pays off to keep WA’s youth housed
Protesters urge WA lawmakers to end child marriage (Stonier)
WA bill seeks to encourage building affordable housing on DNR lands
How Seattle’s new minimum wage impacts restaurants, workers and diners
WA Rep. Newhouse fights to withhold congressional support for breaching Lower Snake River dams
Editorial: Bill requiring fentanyl education in WA schools deserves bipartisan support (Leavitt)
Opinion: Ensure equal funding for WA’s charter public schools

The Skanner
The 3 Officers Cleared in Manuel Ellis’ Death Will Each Receive $500,000 to Leave Tacoma Police

Spokesman Review
Facility treating high number of drug-exposed infants gains study, seeks Medicaid funds
‘It’s impossible’: 6 months after devastating fires, Medical Lake officials ask Washington government for more aid
Washington state has more than $1.1 billion in settlements with opioid manufactures and distributors. Here’s how some of that money is getting to Spokane

Washington Post
The hidden cost of unpaid caregiving is less money for retirement
FEMA’s updating its disaster aid program for the first time in 20 years. Here’s what that means.

WA State Standard
Prisoners would get to vote under bill backed by formerly incarcerated WA lawmaker (Simmons)

Wenatchee World
Annual Point in Time County of homeless population next week

Yakima Herald-Republic
More college financial aid workshops planned in Yakima Valley
Lack of funding and environmental review slow down East-West Corridor in Yakima

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Preview of Billy Frank, Jr. statue on display at state Capitol (Lekanoff)
Washington lawmakers look to toughen up penalties for property crime
Sound Transit light rail repairs have people speeding up just to slow down
5 people died due to hypothermia during extreme cold temps in Seattle area
Police agencies step up patrols after 11 shootings reported on King County freeways
City moves to create liaison to increase transparency around Tacoma Police Department

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Freezing weather proves deadly in King County after recent cold snap
More winter weather raises concerns for PSE power crews, customers
Frigid weather knocks out power to thousands from Monroe to North Bend
WSP investigating 11 freeway shootings in King County in last 3 weeks alone
‘Pass travel is going to be very tricky’: Ice, rainy weather continues to slam Western Washington
‘Why was that plane in the air?’: More passengers suing Alaska, Boeing over midair door plug blowout

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
Improvements underway at ‘inhumane’ Tukwila refugee camp
Proposed Senate bill to mandate DUI convicts to financially support bereaved children (Lovick)
Seattle doctors claim withholding gender procedures from transgender children is ‘abuse’

KNKX Public Radio
WA Dept. of Health sues over lack of inspections at ICE facility
Design unveiled for Billy Frank Jr. statue that will be displayed at U.S. Capitol

KUOW Public Radio
Former King County sheriff sees ‘a new era of policing’
Washington schools chief encourages educators to embrace AI and use it in class
From ‘unreasonable scrutiny’ to hope: Why Seattle’s police union president is optimistic

KXLY (ABC)
Local organization helping to keep the homeless inside this winter
Washington lawmakers push for year-round Pacific Standard Time

NW Public Radio
WSU student workers reach tentative deal after one day of picketing, strike
Bones and pipes are breaking across the Northwest with the cold, and now the warm up

Q13 TV (FOX)
Advocates want to know why lawmakers won’t consider bill that unlocks money to train judges in DV cases (Dhingra, Taylor)

Web

West Seattle Blog
FYI: Seattle Housing Authority changes how and when people can apply for rent-help vouchers

Thursday, January 18

As opioids devastate tribes in Washington state, tribal leaders push for added funding
Tribal leaders in Washington state are urging lawmakers there to pass a bill that would send millions of dollars in funding to tribal nations to help them stem a dramatic rise in opioid overdose deaths. The money would be critical in helping to fight the crisis, said Tony Hillaire, chairman of Lummi Nation in northwest Washington and one of four tribal leaders to testify Monday in support of the bill. The proposed measure would guarantee $7.75 million or 20% of the funds deposited into an opioid settlement account during the previous fiscal year — whichever is greater — go to tribes annually to respond to the opioid crisis. Continue reading at KNKX. (Lindsey Wasson)

How Seattle police failed to get kids lawyers, despite new law
Seattle police failed to comply with a new law requiring them to connect kids to lawyers about 96% of the time between early 2021 and late 2022, a recent audit found. Supporters of the new law say children are less likely than adults to understand their constitutional right to remain silent and more prone to make false confessions or incriminating statements under pressure. The audit, released in late December by Seattle’s independent Office of Inspector General, found that many Seattle officers weren’t well trained on the new law and didn’t understand all the situations where it applies. Continue reading at Axios. (Allie Carl)

After 2 fires at dog daycare businesses, proposed bill aims to increase pet safety at kennels
Washington state lawmakers have proposed a bill that aims to increase safety at dog daycare and boarding facilities after both of Seattle’s Dog Resort locations caught fire in the span of just nine months. Nearly a year ago on Feb. 1, 2023, a fire tore through The Dog Resort in Lake City where more than 100 dogs escaped and all survived. It was shocking for State Rep. Darya Farivar, who started looking into the issue after the first fire.”I found very quickly that there is next to nothing in law about this,” said Farivar, a Democrat who represents Washington’s 46th Legislative District. “We don’t have animal shelters defined, we don’t have boarding facilities or kennels defined. There’s really nothing.” Continue reading at King 5.

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Aberdeen Daily World
Grays Harbor County creates administrator position
SBRFA opening training center to public in open house

Axios
How Seattle police failed to get kids lawyers, despite new law

Capital Press
THE VOICE: Alex McGregor speaks out for Northwest farmers
Washington senators hear how cap-and-trade tops off pump prices (Nguyen)
Bill proposes to let Washington landowners euthanize suffering elk
Washington bill calls for review of whether turbines obstruct firefighting

Columbian
WA lawmakers may end open carry in parks, require a permit to buy a gun (Valdez)
WA Rep. Newhouse fights to withhold congressional support for breaching 4 Snake dams

Everett Herald
Gov. Inslee stops by to visit the electrifying Port of Everett
Landslide bill, sparked by Highway 530 slide, set for renewal in Congress
Comment: Supreme Court may soon allow arrests for homelessness

The Inlander
Washington schools to get lifesaving overdose reversal kits

News Tribune
88-unit South Tacoma homeless shelter Aspen Court closes, falling short of city goals
More people experienced homelessness in Pierce County last year. Will 2024 be better?
You’ll need a reservation to enter Mount Rainier National Park at peak times this summer
In wake of Ellis case, changes are coming to Tacoma police contract. Here’s what we know
Opinion: I watched a polluting smelter turn into a vibrant development. Don’t lose perspective

Puget Sound Business Journal
Seattle earns dubious distinction in construction cost ranking
Corporate titans are slashing jobs, but 2024 brings a new wrinkle
Backlash is growing against DEI programs. Are companies backing down ?

Seattle Times
Proposed WA law may make it easier to pass school bonds (Stonier, Santos)
Lunar New Year could become a recognized holiday in WA (Thai)
Travel insurer to pay $1.5M in mental health discrimination case
WA districts facing steep enrollment declines consider closing schools
King County cities’ approach to homelessness in Supreme Court’s hands
WA suit to block Kroger-Albertsons merger gets cheers, raised eyebrows
Island County pays $2.75 million to former Navy chief shot after standoff
Editorial: A formula that pays off to keep WA’s youth housed
Opinion: Affordable Connectivity Program is more than broadband; it’s a lifeline

Skagit Valley Herald
Winter storm causes problems in Skagit County

Spokesman Review
WA congressman fights to withhold support for breaching 4 Snake River dams
Legislature pushes for mandatory genocide and Holocaust education in Washington public schools (Salomon)

Walla Walla Union Bulletin
Official confirms Washington State Penitentiary inmate death
WA legislative committees hear bills that would update library district dissolution statute

Washington Post
White House urges schools to address absenteeism amid troubling data

WA State Standard
Strip club workplace standards debate revived in WA Legislature (Jinkins)
WA Senate wants LGBTQ+ history and perspectives taught in public schools (Liias, Pedersen)
Mount Rainier National Park to require reservations at popular entrances this summer

Wenatchee World
East Wenatchee approves $1.5 million Grant Road overlay project
Wenatchee buys final 19.78 acres at half price for Foothills Regional Recreation Area Project
Washington cherry industry saw ‘excellent quality cherries,’ so why was the harvest a ‘disaster’?

Yakima Herald-Republic
New program to offer free testing, bottled water and filter systems in Lower Yakima Valley

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
Cascade foothills could see period of ‘significant’ freezing rain Thursday
After 2 fires at dog daycare businesses, proposed bill aims to increase pet safety at kennels (Farivar)
DUI drivers could be required to pay restitution to kids of people they kill or disable under new bill (Lovick)

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Driver says ‘people go unprepared’ as I-90 sees 3 shutdowns from crashes
State bill that would allow flexible work schedule for police officers passes senate (Lovick)
Officers acquitted in Manny Ellis trail to receive $500,000 for voluntary resignation

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
2 flu-related deaths in Thurston County raise Washington’s total to 31 this season
Washington House bill seeks to guarantee student-athlete scholarships, compensation (Berg)
Group of Tacoma residents decry $500k resignation deals for acquitted police officers

KNKX Public Radio
As opioids devastate tribes in Washington state, tribal leaders push for added funding (Kauffman)

KUOW Public Radio
Should rules around gift cards be relaxed in Washington state, or is that a recipe for fraud? (Trudeau)

Q13 TV (FOX)
Rep. Liz Berry’s main purpose is to pass gun laws during her fourth year in the legislature (Berry)

Web

Crosscut
Five new maps proposed for Central Washington redistricting (Torres)

West Seattle Blog
Washington State Ferries could use more boats, more staff, more money, officials tell winter community meeting’s first session

Wednesday, January 17

Sweeping package of gun legislation proposed by Democrats is met by packed public hearing
Democrats in Washington are proposing several new pieces of legislation aimed at reducing firearm violence in the state. On Tuesday, a public hearing on five of the measures was conducted in a packed room before the House Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee at the state Capitol. On Monday, Senate lawmakers had heard testimony from the public on another bill that would prohibit weapons, including firearms, in more public spaces, including parks, zoos and aquariums. Here is the legislation that was considered Tuesday. Continue reading at The Olympian. (Getty Images)

How state legislators hope to curb trend of crash-and-grab burglaries
Over the past year, KING 5 has reported extensively on smash-and-grabs in Western Washington. Sen. Karen Keiser is proposing a grant program that would help small businesses bolster security at their stores. Sen. Keiser said the money could be used for things like bollards, security cameras, or anything else that could deter would-be burglars from crashing into a business. Continue reading at King 5.

WA lawmakers consider whether to tweak or repeal laws governing police chases
Regulating police vehicle pursuits emerged as a highly charged issue at the state Legislature in recent years. Lawmakers enacted strict regulations in 2021 in the wake of widespread anti-police protests, then loosened those restrictions slightly last year amidst reports of suspects brazenly fleeing police stops. The issue is back on the agenda during this session, in the form of an initiative and other legislative proposals. Continue reading at KUOW. (Megan Farmer)

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Aberdeen Daily World
Volunteers plant more than 1,000 trees near Wishkah River

Axios
Seattle schools’ settlement with Juul

Columbian
Initiative 2117 to repeal WA climate act takes key step toward ballot
Bipartisan tax package and changes to tax credit program could boost Clark County affordable housing

Everett Herald
Fourth inmate since September dies in Snohomish County Jail
Comment: Fentanyl crisis in U.S. requires broad response

News Tribune
Tacoma cops acquitted in death of Manuel Ellis will get $500K each to resign, city says

New York Times
Consumer Bureau Proposes Overdraft Fee Limits for Large Banks

Olympian
Sweeping package of gun legislation proposed by Democrats is met by packed public hearing (Berry, Walen, Senn, Farivar)
U.S. Supreme Court will not rule on Washington state’s capital gains tax

Puget Sound Business Journal
SBA offers collections reprieve to PPP, Covid EIDL borrowers
What the $78B Congress tax deal means for small businesses
Seven high-stakes employment law changes to watch in 2024
Washington attorney general sues to block Albertsons, Kroger deal
Boeing taps retired Navy admiral to lead independent quality review

Seattle Times
Initiative 2117 to repeal WA climate act takes key step toward ballot (Mullet, Fitzgibbon)
Tacoma officers acquitted in Manuel Ellis’ death to leave department
Passengers sue Alaska Airlines, Boeing after 737 Max 9 fuselage blowout
Opinion: Yakima could be part of the solution to airport problem

Spokesman Review
‘Ditch the switch’: Washington could move to Pacific Standard Time year-round (Dhingra)
Customers help Avista avert natural gas crisis over weekend cold snap: ‘We know it was a hardship’

Washington Post
Report finds drops in policing and mental health services in schools
U.S. unveils plan to limit overdraft fees amid banking industry opposition

WA State Standard
Voters to decide on repeal of Washington cap-and-trade program
Washington’s latest daylight saving time proposal would mean earlier summer sunsets (Dhingra, Billig)

Wenatchee World
Rock Island mayor wants to expand city’s urban growth area
Bob Bugert appointed seat to state Recreation and Conservation Funding Board

Yakima Herald-Republic
Yakima Council to consider interim city manager hire, new municipal court judge

Broadcast

KING 5 TV (NBC)
How state legislators hope to curb trend of crash-and-grab burglaries (Keiser)
Refugees in Tukwila demand help with housing, healthcare and job services
Done with Daylight Saving Time: Bill would opt into permanent Pacific Standard Time for Washington state

KIRO 7 TV (CBS)
Several passengers suing Alaska Airlines after door plug blew off mid-flight
3 officers acquitted in death of Manny Ellis to leave Tacoma Police Department
Several schools forced to close for icy roads, broken pipes as winter weather tapers off

KOMO 4 TV (ABC)
U.S. Supreme Court resists appeal against Washington capital gain tax
As opioids devastate tribes in Washington state, tribal leaders push for added funding. (Kauffman)

KNKX Public Radio
SCOTUS won’t hear case challenging the WA capital gains tax

KUOW Public Radio
Washington state AG sues to block Kroger-Albertsons grocery merger
WA lawmakers consider whether to tweak or repeal laws governing police chases (Lovick, Dhingra)
Officers acquitted in Manny Ellis death to resign from Tacoma Police Department

KXLY (ABC)
House Bill aims to provide resources for disaster recovery for places like Medical Lake

Q13 TV (FOX)
Secretary of State certifies initiative to repeal ‘hidden gas tax’

Web

Cascadia Daily News
Immigration board resists Bellingham council’s effort to suspend meetings

Crosscut
Amanda Knox testifies in Olympia for stricter interrogation laws (Peterson, Simmons)

MyNorthwest
Push for tougher laws on obstructing traffic grows after recent protests

Tuesday, January 16

Guns would be prohibited in more WA public places under new bill proposed by lawmakers
Washington lawmakers are considering a new proposal to prohibit weapons, including firearms, in more public spaces in the state. Under the legislation, public libraries, zoos, aquariums, parks, transit stations and state or local public buildings would be added to the list of designated areas where weapons are prohibited. Senate Bill 5444 is sponsored by Sen. Javier Valdez, D-Seattle, and co-sponsored by five other Senate Democrats. Valdez noted that he introduced the bill because he wanted to continue the work in the Legislature to keep communities as safe as possible and to reduce gun violence. Continue reading at The Olympian. (Shauna Sowersby)

State lawmakers hold press conference on Sea-Tac Airport noise, pollution bill
The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is at the center of new legislation aimed at improving life for residents nearby. At 9 a.m. on Monday, State Senator Karen Keiser and Representative Tina Orwall held a press conference on House Bill 2103. It would require port districts to use levy money to mitigate noise, pollution, and adverse health impacts. A 2020 King County Department of Health study found people living within 10 miles of the airport have been greatly impacted. Continue reading at KIRO 7. (KIRO 7)

Whidbey Island rep wants to reduce sky-high costs for EpiPens, inhalers
Rep. Dave Paul has seen the cost of his family’s life-saving medications skyrocket in recent years. Two of his four children live with asthma while another has food allergies, making inhalers and epinephrine auto-injectors, or EpiPens, a must-have at all times. House Bill 1979, sponsored by Paul, would put a cap on the costs of inhalers and EpiPens so customers with insurance would only have to pay $35 out of pocket. Continue reading at The Everett Herald. (Mark Zaleski)