Washington State Standard
@washingtonstatestandard.com
A nonprofit, nonpartisan news outlet, providing original reporting, analysis and commentary on Washington state policy and politics.
When the federal government stopped making pennies, it left it up to states to decide how retailers deal with the change. In Washington, lawmakers are trying to come up with a uniform approach for merchants that's easy to understand for consumers. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/09/a...
As pennies disappear, Washington must address how retailers make change • Washington State Standard
With pennies going away, Washington lawmakers are working on rules for how merchants make change that is easy for consumers to understand.
washingtonstatestandard.com
February 9, 2026 at 3:52 PM
When the federal government stopped making pennies, it left it up to states to decide how retailers deal with the change. In Washington, lawmakers are trying to come up with a uniform approach for merchants that's easy to understand for consumers. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/09/a...
Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal is calling for the state to use revenue from a newly proposed income tax to pay for public schools and higher education. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/06/r...
Reykdal makes pitch for spending income tax collections on education • Washington State Standard
Reykdal is calling for over $1.6 billion of new annual spending for education and $1.4 billion in cuts to property taxes.
washingtonstatestandard.com
February 7, 2026 at 1:11 AM
Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal is calling for the state to use revenue from a newly proposed income tax to pay for public schools and higher education. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/06/r...
Two Washington tribal leaders could soon snag seats on the state’s Board of Natural Resources, which guides logging sales and other management decisions for millions of acres of public land. The idea is in a bill moving ahead in the Legislature. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/06/w...
Washington tribes could get more say in management of state logging lands • Washington State Standard
Two Washington tribal leaders could snag seats on the state’s Board of Natural Resources. Tribal representatives would serve four-year terms.
washingtonstatestandard.com
February 6, 2026 at 3:38 PM
Two Washington tribal leaders could soon snag seats on the state’s Board of Natural Resources, which guides logging sales and other management decisions for millions of acres of public land. The idea is in a bill moving ahead in the Legislature. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/06/w...
With the NBA considering a possible expansion, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson met Thursday with the league’s commissioner to offer assistance in returning the SuperSonics to Seattle. washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/washi...
Washington governor talks potential return of SuperSonics with NBA commissioner • Washington State Standard
With the NBA eyeing expansion, Gov. Bob Ferguson met with the league commissioner to offer help in returning the SuperSonics to Seattle.
washingtonstatestandard.com
February 5, 2026 at 11:53 PM
With the NBA considering a possible expansion, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson met Thursday with the league’s commissioner to offer assistance in returning the SuperSonics to Seattle. washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/washi...
Washington lawmakers are considering restrictions to keep cities and counties from criminalizing camping on public property. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/05/s...
State bill would prohibit local bans on encampments in Washington • Washington State Standard
Washington lawmakers are considering restrictions to keep cities and counties from criminalizing camping on public property.
washingtonstatestandard.com
February 5, 2026 at 11:21 PM
Washington lawmakers are considering restrictions to keep cities and counties from criminalizing camping on public property. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/05/s...
Many bills in this year's Washington state legislative session met their end less than a month in, as they failed to pass the first key deadline on Wednesday. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/05/t...
The bills that didn’t survive the WA Legislature’s first major deadline • Washington State Standard
Many policy ideas in the Washington Legislature have met their, as they failed to pass the first key deadline on Wednesday to remain in play.
washingtonstatestandard.com
February 5, 2026 at 3:46 PM
Many bills in this year's Washington state legislative session met their end less than a month in, as they failed to pass the first key deadline on Wednesday. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/05/t...
Legislation to regulate the use of automated license plate readers amid concerns over federal immigration agents accessing data the devices collect, passed the Washington state Senate on Wednesday.
washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/04/w...
washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/04/w...
WA Senate OKs guardrails for license plate readers • Washington State Standard
Legislation to regulate the use of automated license plate readers passed the Washington state Senate on Wednesday.
washingtonstatestandard.com
February 5, 2026 at 2:09 AM
Legislation to regulate the use of automated license plate readers amid concerns over federal immigration agents accessing data the devices collect, passed the Washington state Senate on Wednesday.
washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/04/w...
washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/04/w...
A proposal to bar law enforcement in the state from employing former federal immigration agents hired under President Donald Trump won’t move forward this year in the Washington Legislature. washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/propo...
Proposed block on WA police hiring ICE agents fizzles out in Legislature • Washington State Standard
A proposal to bar law enforcement from employing former federal immigration agents won’t move forward this year in the Washington Legislature.
washingtonstatestandard.com
February 4, 2026 at 4:06 PM
A proposal to bar law enforcement in the state from employing former federal immigration agents hired under President Donald Trump won’t move forward this year in the Washington Legislature. washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/propo...
Democrats in the Washington Legislature unveiled an income tax proposal on Tuesday that would apply to people earning over $1 million a year. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/03/f...
Income tax debate opens up in WA Legislature • Washington State Standard
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson and Democrats in the state Legislature are divided over how to use the expected revenue from a newly proposed income tax on higher earners.
washingtonstatestandard.com
February 4, 2026 at 2:08 AM
Democrats in the Washington Legislature unveiled an income tax proposal on Tuesday that would apply to people earning over $1 million a year. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/03/f...
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson headed into this year’s legislative session endorsing the idea of an income tax on higher earners. But he’s not on board with the framework for that tax that Democratic legislators are unveiling on Tuesday. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/03/f...
Ferguson rejects WA lawmakers' initial crack at income tax legislation • Washington State Standard
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson headed into this year’s legislative session endorsing the idea of an income tax on higher earners. But he’s not on board with the framework for that tax that Democratic le...
washingtonstatestandard.com
February 3, 2026 at 5:39 PM
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson headed into this year’s legislative session endorsing the idea of an income tax on higher earners. But he’s not on board with the framework for that tax that Democratic legislators are unveiling on Tuesday. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/03/f...
Washington state Supreme Court Justice Barbara Madsen is retiring, the court announced Monday, adding to significant turnover on the court this year. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/02/a...
Another WA Supreme Court justice to retire • Washington State Standard
Washington state Supreme Court Justice Barbara Madsen is retiring, the court announced Monday, adding to significant turnover on the court.
washingtonstatestandard.com
February 2, 2026 at 9:22 PM
Washington state Supreme Court Justice Barbara Madsen is retiring, the court announced Monday, adding to significant turnover on the court this year. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/02/a...
Child deaths and critical injuries in Washington’s child welfare system hit a record high in 2025. State lawmakers are looking for solutions. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/02/r...
Record deaths in WA child welfare system have Legislature’s attention • Washington State Standard
Child deaths and critical injuries in Washington’s child welfare system hit a record high in 2025, leaving lawmakers looking for solutions.
washingtonstatestandard.com
February 2, 2026 at 3:59 PM
Child deaths and critical injuries in Washington’s child welfare system hit a record high in 2025. State lawmakers are looking for solutions. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/02/02/r...
Washington lawmakers are considering three bills to strengthen regulation of kratom, a psychoactive supplement sold at convenience stores and smoke shops. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/01/31/k...
Kratom taxes and regulations weighed in WA Legislature • Washington State Standard
Washington lawmakers are considering three bills to strengthen regulation of kratom, a psychoactive supplement sold at gas stations and smoke shops.
washingtonstatestandard.com
January 31, 2026 at 9:41 PM
Washington lawmakers are considering three bills to strengthen regulation of kratom, a psychoactive supplement sold at convenience stores and smoke shops. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/01/31/k...
With a veteran Washington state lawmaker out due to illness, House Democrats are reworking leadership of a key budget committee. washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/illne...
Illness sidelines chair of key WA budget committee • Washington State Standard
With a veteran Washington state lawmaker out due to illness, House Democrats are reworking leadership of a key budget committee.
washingtonstatestandard.com
January 30, 2026 at 11:13 PM
With a veteran Washington state lawmaker out due to illness, House Democrats are reworking leadership of a key budget committee. washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/illne...
Five awardees are on track to receive a combined $12.1 million in federal funding to build and operate electric vehicle charging stations at 14 locations along highways in Washington state. washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/after...
WA picks EV charger projects to receive federal funding • Washington State Standard
Five awardees are on track to receive a combined $12.1 million in federal funding to build and operate electric vehicle charging stations at 14 locations along highways in Washington state
washingtonstatestandard.com
January 30, 2026 at 3:57 PM
Five awardees are on track to receive a combined $12.1 million in federal funding to build and operate electric vehicle charging stations at 14 locations along highways in Washington state. washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/after...
Lawmakers in the Washington Legislature have a bill to clear up ambiguity about what would count as voting twice in the same election. A recent court ruling has raised questions about the issue. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/01/29/s...
Stung by a court ruling, WA looks to clarify what is an ‘election’ • Washington State Standard
Last month, a state appeals court overturned the felony conviction of a Lewis County resident found guilty of voting twice in November 2022 — once in Washington and once in Oregon.
washingtonstatestandard.com
January 29, 2026 at 8:40 PM
Lawmakers in the Washington Legislature have a bill to clear up ambiguity about what would count as voting twice in the same election. A recent court ruling has raised questions about the issue. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/01/29/s...
Washington took a major stride Wednesday toward slashing the state’s legal limit for driving drunk. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/01/28/l...
Lower drunk driving limit approved by WA Senate • Washington State Standard
Washington moved closer Wednesday to slashing the state’s legal limit for driving drunk and join Utah with the nation's toughest standard.
washingtonstatestandard.com
January 29, 2026 at 2:12 AM
Washington took a major stride Wednesday toward slashing the state’s legal limit for driving drunk. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/01/28/l...
U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse said Wednesday that “a lot of questions need to be answered” in the wake of the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minnesota, but stopped short of calling for new leadership at the Department of Homeland Security. washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/repub...
Republican WA congressman: Immigration crackdown has ‘gotten out of hand’ • Washington State Standard
U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse said Wednesday that “a lot of questions need to be answered” in the wake of the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti.
washingtonstatestandard.com
January 29, 2026 at 12:13 AM
U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse said Wednesday that “a lot of questions need to be answered” in the wake of the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minnesota, but stopped short of calling for new leadership at the Department of Homeland Security. washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/repub...
The Washington state Senate voted Wednesday to ban law enforcement from covering their faces in response to growing concerns over masked federal immigration agents. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/01/28/w...
WA Senate passes ban on police face coverings • Washington State Standard
The Washington state Senate voted Wednesday to ban law enforcement from covering their faces amid concerns over masked immigration agents.
washingtonstatestandard.com
January 29, 2026 at 12:11 AM
The Washington state Senate voted Wednesday to ban law enforcement from covering their faces in response to growing concerns over masked federal immigration agents. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/01/28/w...
After more than a decade of failed attempts, supporters of amending Washington state law to allow for homegrown marijuana are growing frustrated, but not giving up. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/01/28/t...
The latest attempt to legalize homegrown marijuana in Washington • Washington State Standard
After more than a decade of failed attempts, supporters of homegrown marijuana are growing frustrated, but not giving up.
washingtonstatestandard.com
January 28, 2026 at 5:00 PM
After more than a decade of failed attempts, supporters of amending Washington state law to allow for homegrown marijuana are growing frustrated, but not giving up. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/01/28/t...
Washington legislators pitched one way of dealing with skyrocketing state lawsuit payouts on Tuesday. They want to make the cases subject to arbitration to reduce costs. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/01/27/w...
WA lawmakers attempt to rein in runaway lawsuit costs • Washington State Standard
Washington spent roughly $500 million last year in settlements and jury verdicts in cases involving government misconduct.
washingtonstatestandard.com
January 28, 2026 at 12:29 AM
Washington legislators pitched one way of dealing with skyrocketing state lawsuit payouts on Tuesday. They want to make the cases subject to arbitration to reduce costs. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/01/27/w...
For years, crime victim advocates in Washington have fought for state funding to make up for dwindling federal dollars. This year will be no different. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/01/27/w...
WA crime victim advocates make another plea for state funding • Washington State Standard
For years, crime victim advocates in Washington have fought for state funding to make up for dwindling federal dollars. This year will be no different.
washingtonstatestandard.com
January 27, 2026 at 3:49 PM
For years, crime victim advocates in Washington have fought for state funding to make up for dwindling federal dollars. This year will be no different. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/01/27/w...
State Supreme Court Justice Raquel Montoya-Lewis, the first Native American elected statewide in Washington’s history, won’t seek reelection for a second term on the high court. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/01/26/w...
WA Supreme Court Justice Raquel Montoya-Lewis won’t seek reelection • Washington State Standard
State Supreme Court Justice Raquel Montoya-Lewis won’t seek reelection for a second term on the high court.
washingtonstatestandard.com
January 27, 2026 at 1:23 AM
State Supreme Court Justice Raquel Montoya-Lewis, the first Native American elected statewide in Washington’s history, won’t seek reelection for a second term on the high court. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/01/26/w...
Washington’s governor on Monday painted a dire outlook of how clashes between federal immigration authorities and the state could unfold if a crackdown similar to the one in Minnesota hit here. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/01/26/w...
WA leaders prepare for possibility of immigration crackdown • Washington State Standard
Gov. Bob Ferguson and Attorney General Nick Brown didn’t rule out the National Guard or state or local law enforcement ending up at odds with federal agents.
washingtonstatestandard.com
January 27, 2026 at 12:25 AM
Washington’s governor on Monday painted a dire outlook of how clashes between federal immigration authorities and the state could unfold if a crackdown similar to the one in Minnesota hit here. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/01/26/w...
Majority Democrats in the state Legislature are pushing changes they say will restore integrity to Washington’s venerable initiative process. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/01/26/d...
Democrats’ plan to revamp WA’s initiative process stirs backlash • Washington State Standard
Majority Democrats in the state Legislature are pushing changes to Washington's initiative process that are drawing fire from Republicans.
washingtonstatestandard.com
January 26, 2026 at 6:26 PM
Majority Democrats in the state Legislature are pushing changes they say will restore integrity to Washington’s venerable initiative process. washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/01/26/d...