WA House votes to allow local even-year elections
In an effort to boost low turnout in local elections, the Washington House passed a bill Thursday that would allow cities and special districts to have elections in even years....
Laws are trying to move beyond an environmental justice checklist
A community-led study funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that life expectancies are eight years shorter in South Park than the Seattle average. The same study also found that...
After death of Manuel Ellis, state lawmakers consider ending hog-tying by law enforcement
Washington lawmakers are considering a proposal to prohibit law enforcement officers from using hog-tying methods to restrain individuals. Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards also testified in favor of the legislation Monday....
WA lawmakers seek to make fashion friendlier to the environment
That new pair of jeans you’ve been eyeing won’t only cost your wallet but the planet too. Luckily, there is a pair of bills that would promote transparency and hold...
Washington bill aims to reduce ‘fast fashion’ carbon emissions, pollution
Fast fashion adds thousands of new styles daily into the market. While that might be a shopaholic’s dream, it’s a nightmare for some environmental advocates. That’s why Washington State Rep....
Male pronouns within Washington state constitution could be changed to gender-neutral terms
Sixty-seven women legislators – just one shy of last year’s record-breaking number – walk the marbled halls of the Washington State Capitol for this year’s session alongside male colleagues. And...
From a state clam to car tab discounts, lawmakers’ agenda takes shape
Washington’s short legislative session began last Monday, and it’s looking to be a busy couple of months. One piece of legislation which I introduced, House Bill 2070 would require agencies...
Washington lawmakers propose to ban companies like Amazon from spending on local elections
A new campaign finance bill will target big companies’ election spending. The proposed law aims to close loopholes around foreign influence, ensuring a fair political playing field. Rep. Sharlett Mena,...
Banning corporate political money could grow legs
Next year, the Legislature will revisit a significant campaign finance issue that stalled in a House-Senate deadlock last session. Rep. Sharlett Mena is introducing House Bill 1885 to ban political...
Advocates fight back against harmful chemicals in kids’ makeup and hair products
When Erika Schreder’s 14-year-old daughter, who is Black, had her curly hair braided at a Seattle-area salon two or three times recently, the hairdresser applied a styling gel to seal...
A first-term lawmaker’s big year
Voters sent plenty of new people to Olympia last fall, but few of them got as much done as Rep. Sharlett Mena. A Mexican-American and the daughter of two working-class...
Washington’s freshman class of lawmakers — the largest in a long time — makes itself heard
Washington’s legislators will be back in the capitol on May 16 to hash out the state’s law on possession of drugs. One important player: The freshman class in the House....
WA passed a ‘Voting Rights Act 2.0’ bill. Here’s what’s in it
For the first time last fall, Yakima County’s three county commissioners were elected in a district-based election. The settlement of a voting rights lawsuit against Yakima County prompted the change;...
State OKs environmental bills for Earth Day
Legislators celebrated Earth Day with the passage of environmental bills in the final hours of the legislative session. The package creates new laws that regulate the use of foam blocks...
In honor of Earth Day, here’s a look at five environmental bills in Washington that could literally change the world
For more than 50 years, earthlings have marked their calendars for April 22 as Earth Day, set aside for raising awareness for the health of the planet. Groups in more...