Category Archives: News Release

26 Mar
0

Dhingra bills to support survivors of gender-based violence signed into law

OLYMPIA — Two omnibus bills to improve the response to survivors of sexual assault and child trafficking in Washington state’s legal system were signed into law Tuesday. “This legislation rewrites our state’s laws to provide a truly victim-centered, trauma-informed response ...

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25 Mar
0

Stanford bill to crack down on predatory loans signed into law

OLYMPIA – Unscrupulous lenders who are partnering with out-of-state banks to evade Washington’s limits on interest rates will have to cease their predatory practices or face sanctions, under legislation signed into law today. SB 6025, sponsored by Sen. Derek Stanford ...

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22 Mar
0

Nearly 96 percent of bills passed in 2024 received bipartisan support

A new analysis of nonpartisan data shows that 95.8% of bills passed during the 2024 legislative session did so with bipartisan support. Overall, 365 of the 381 bills that cleared both chambers and arrived on Gov. Inslee’s desk did so ...

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19 Mar
0

It’s the law: Stanford bill puts $72 million toward more paras in schools

OLYMPIA – Public schools across Washington will be able to put more paraeducators in classrooms to better meet student needs, under legislation signed into law today. SB 5882 increases the staff allocation for paraeducators in the prototypical school funding model, ...

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13 Mar
0

Stanford legislation limiting noncompetition contracts signed into law

OLYMPIA – Washington’s strong protections for workers against employer-imposed noncompetition agreements will grow even stronger under legislation signed into law today. SB 5935, sponsored by Sen. Derek Stanford (D-Bothell), increases protections for workers and consumers in response to real-life situations ...

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07 Mar
0

Transportation budget that prioritizes public safety, preservation and ferries heads to governor’s desk

OLYMPIA — The Legislature on Thursday passed the supplemental transportation budget (HB 2134), a $14.6 billion plan which prioritizes public safety, preservation and maintenance of existing infrastructure and investments in the ferry system.   “After a thorough negotiation process, I am ...

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07 Mar
0

State supplemental budget makes huge investments in addressing fentanyl, boosts commitments to students, housing, and climate action

OLYMPIA – Budget leaders in both chambers unveiled an agreed-to budget that puts Washington’s families and students first. The supplemental budget, which builds on last year’s biennial budget, also makes the state’s biggest commitment ever in combating substance use disorder ...

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05 Mar
0

Final Capital Budget agreement funds $1.3 billion in projects around the state

OLYMPIA—Leaders in the House and Senate today announced their final agreement on the state’s supplemental capital budget for 2024. The $1.3 billion budget funds construction projects and infrastructure across Washington and makes major investments in school construction, behavioral health facilities, ...

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05 Mar
0

Senate President Pro Tempore to retire from WA State Legislature

OLYMPIA — Sen. Karen Keiser announced today on the Senate floor that she will retire later this year. “It has been my privilege to serve the people of the 33rd Legislative District and the people of the State of Washington ...

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04 Mar
0

Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig will not seek re-election

OLYMPIA – Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig (D-Spokane) announced today that he will not seek re-election in 2024. Billig, who was first elected to the Legislature in 2010, will finish his current term and continue to serve as majority leader ...

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