Azusa Uchikura

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Washington lawmakers say they won’t likely vote on a proposal to legalize marijuana in advance of a citizen’s initiative on the November ballot. Lawmakers in Olympia met to discuss the issue Thursday.

OLYMPIA, Wash. – A bill to legalize same-sex marriage is in the hands of Governor Chris Gregoire. It passed the Washington House Wedesday with a 55-43 vote. During the three-hour debate, many lawmakers shared their own personal stories.

OLYMPIA, Wash. – A bill to legalize same-sex marriage is on its way to Governor Chris Gregoire’s desk. After a three hour debate Wednesday, the state House of Representatives passed the plan 55-43. Hundreds of gay rights supporters reacted from the gallery.

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Washington lawmakers are moving forward with plans to allow tolls on the proposed Columbia River Crossing between Portland and Vancouver. The project will cost as much as $3.5 billion and drivers will likely bear some of that cost. Azusa Uchikura has more from Olympia.

GRAHAM, Wash. – Police are investigating what they say is an intentional murder-suicide connected to a high-profile missing person’s case. It happened near Graham, Washington Sunday. The suspect, Josh Powell, and his two young sons were found dead in their home after a blaze.

OLYMPIA, Wash. – A bipartisan duo of Washington lawmakers wants to end most tax breaks for businesses, nonprofits, farms, and others. The two representatives held a press conference Friday in Olympia asking their colleagues to rethink these tax exemptions.

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Washington lawmakers are introducing several proposals that echo the demands of the Occupy protesters. In fact, the formal title of one proposal introduced Thursday says it is aimed at -- quote --“Guaranteeing that the top one percent pay too.” The chief sponsor, Democratic Representative Marko Liias , says the Occupy movement wasn’t the only thing that prompted this idea.

OLYMPIA, Wash. – When the Washington Senate votes on same-sex marriage Wednesday, the issue will be personal for the chief sponsor. Democratic Senator Ed Murray says if the bill becomes law, he plans to marry his partner.

OLYMPIA, Wash. – For years, Republicans in the Washington legislature have demanded that state lawmakers vote on the education budget first. Democrats have generally rejected that idea. But this week, for the first time, a “fund education first” proposal will get a public hearing. Azusa Uchikura has more from Olympia.

What’s fueling the decision to consider the education budget first is a ruling earlier this month by the Washington Supreme Court. In McCleary v. Washington, the justices said state lawmakers are not adequately funding education.

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Immigrant rights advocates are making their voice heard in Olympia. Hundreds gathered to sway legislators on state immigration laws. Azusa Uchikura reports on Thursday’s rally in Olympia.

Pramila Jayapal: “The immigrant voice in Washington state is proud and loud."

Those are immigrant rights advocates rallying on the steps of the Washington state house. They want to convince lawmakers in Olympia to keep E-verify optional for Washington employers.