washington legislature

Washington Governor Narrows Special Session Agenda

Austin Jenkins — Mon, 13 May 2013 23:48:42 +0000

The Washington legislature is back in session – for a 30-day extra inning. Washington Governor Jay Inslee Monday narrowed his agenda to three key items: the budget, a roads-and- transit funding package and a crackdown on impaired drivers.

Governor Inslee says it’s time for compromise and consensus in the state Capitol.

Washington Legislature Adjourns, But Not For Long

Austin Jenkins — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 14:59:15 +0000

The Washington legislature has adjourned after a 105-day session. The final gavels fell just after six o’clock Sunday night.

Owen: “The 2013 regular session of the 63rd legislature is adjourned Sine Die"

But the adjournment won’t last long. Governor Jay Inslee immediately called a special session for two weeks from now because the House and Senate failed to come to agreement on a two-year budget. Olympia Correspondent Austin Jenkins reports.

Washington Special Session Has Political Fundraising Implications

Austin Jenkins — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 23:01:16 +0000

An expected special session of the Washington legislature would mean another freeze on political fundraising. State law prohibits lawmakers from soliciting contributions while they are in session. For most members that’s probably not a huge concern since this is an off-election year. But a few legislators will be on this year’s ballot.

The so-called session freeze on fundraising lifts at 12:01am on the day after adjournment.

Washington Educators Pan Bill Aimed At Teacher 'Dance Of the Lemons'

Austin Jenkins — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 00:21:03 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. – It’s an idea that’s catching on around the country: give school principals the power to reject a teacher assigned to their building. Giving principals veto power has already passed the Washington Senate. But at a public hearing in the House Friday the idea faced opposition – and not just from teachers.

In the education documentary “Waiting For Superman” they talk about the dance of the lemons.

Waiting For Superman: “Principals have their lemons.

GOP Lawmakers Have Concerns About Undercover Driver’s License Program

Austin Jenkins — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 00:55:56 +0000

Two Washington state lawmakers are raising questions about a quasi-secret program inside the state’s Department of Licensing. For decades, the agency has issued false IDs to undercover police officers. But the legislature never approved the program.

House Committee Takes No Action On Death Penalty Bill

Patricia Murphy — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 00:37:05 +0000

A House Committee in Olympia took no action Wednesday morning on a bill that would eliminate the death penalty and replace it with a sentence of life without parole.

Washington Venture Capitalist Funds New Anti-Gun Violence Coalition

Austin Jenkins — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 00:05:33 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Gun control advocates in Washington are banding together to turn up the heat on state lawmakers. In the coming days, they plan to announce the formation of a new grassroots lobbying coalition. Their first target is passage of universal background check legislation.

The Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility has seed money from Seattle venture capitalist Nick Hanauer.

Drug Testing Welfare Recipients Debated In Olympia

Alexandra Kocik — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 00:56:35 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. – People seeking welfare assistance could face a drug test before they receive any benefits, under a bill in Olympia. Thursday, Washington lawmakers heard debate over a drug test requirement that would kick in early in the application process, if caseworkers feel it’s necessary.

Republican Rep.

Washington Lawmakers Hear Concerns on 'Gray' Market For Marijuana

Austin Jenkins — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 23:56:45 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Card-holding medical marijuana patients would get protection from arrest under a proposal in the Washington legislature. But some industry insiders say it doesn’t go far enough. That was their message Monday at a state Senate hearing.

By the end of this year, the production and use of recreational marijuana in Washington will be regulated and taxed. That’s because of voter-approved Initiative 502.

Reform Vs. Funding: Battle Shaping Up In Washington Legislature

Austin Jenkins — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 01:50:57 +0000

One of the key battles shaping up in Olympia this year is over education reform. The Senate’s new majority coalition is proposing a series of measures aimed at getting better results in the classroom. Among the ideas: a state takeover of failing schools.