Washington legislature

Preventing more deaths on Washington roads and responding to the opioid crisis were top of mind for many in Olympia this week, with lawmakers about a third of the way through the year's legislative session.

Many ranchers say it’s time to find creative ways to deal with wolf attacks on livestock. That’s what a new bill in the Washington state Senate hopes to do – to the frustration of some wildlife rights groups.

Olympia correspondent Jeanie Lindsay joins KNKX Morning Edition host Kirsten Kendrick to discuss the start of the 2024 Washington State Legislative session.

Washington lawmakers broadly agree on several issues they'll prioritize, but plenty of questions remain on how they'll address them – and what a handful of proposed ballot initiatives could mean for the state budget.

Democratic and Republican lawmakers want to work on climate, public safety, education and transportation. The measures could affect what gets accomplished.

The state’s 147 citizen legislators will soon arrive in Olympia to convene for 60 days, beginning Jan. 8.

A group aiming to undo some of Washington's newest policy changes is gaining steam, making it likely that voters will see the proposals on their ballots next November.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee wants state lawmakers to add roughly $2.5 billion in new spending to the state's current budget in 2024, as state revenues come in higher than previous estimates.

The Washington state Supreme Court heard arguments Thursday over an effort to balance what is considered the nation’s most regressive state tax code. Democrats in Olympia enacted a 7% capital gains tax in 2021 on the sale of stocks, bonds and other high-end assets. But it faces a legal challenge from wealthy residents and business groups who say it violates the state and federal constitutions.

Washington state voters and lawmakers appear to be in close alignment on their top priorities for the incoming Washington Legislature. The 2023 session gavels to order at noon on Monday, Jan. 9.