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...
WA lawmakers vote to ban single-use plastic in hotels, but fail to reform recycling
Legislation intended to reduce the use of plastics and boost recycling is seeing mixed results as this year’s legislative session enters its final week. Democratic lawmakers failed to pass ambitious...
State moves to ban toxic chemicals in cosmetic products
Cosmetic products containing nine toxic chemicals already removed from some retail shelves would be banned under a House-passed bill currently in the Senate. Substitute House Bill 1047, by Rep. Sharlett...
Behind the scenes of a new lawmaker’s effort to pass a utility shutoff moratorium in WA
KNKX reporter Scott Greenstone is following one new state lawmaker through her first session. Rep. Sharlett Mena, from Tacoma, is getting a crash course in what it takes to make...
Freshman lawmakers of color in WA have a tough road. One let us come along
Washington’s legislature has the largest freshman class since anyone can remember, and the most diverse ever recorded. But they’re working in an institution designed in the 1800s – by and...
Proposal aims at keeping people alive during extreme heat
Legislation prohibiting involuntary termination of electric or water services during extreme hot weather was approved by the state House of Representatives 64-31. Current law prohibits utilities from terminating heat utility...
WA law would protect residents with unpaid utility bills during heat advisory. Here’s how
On Tuesday, the Washington state House passed a new bill aiming to protect vulnerable Washingtonians from dangerous heat waves. Now the legislation awaits Senate approval. If cemented into state law,...
Washington state looks to ban toxic chemicals in makeup, hair products
WASHINGTON — Beauty may be skin deep, but the products we use to enhance that beauty go beyond the surface of our skin and are absorbed into our bodies. So it...
Washington Legislature sees first Latino caucus
OLYMPIA, Wash. — The first ever Latino caucus has been created in the Washington State Legislature, consisting of eight House Democrats and three Senate Democrats, according to a press release from...