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Public school students will soon have a greater understanding of their sexuality, sexual abuse and the importance of consent under a new law passed by Washington state legislators. Senate Bill 5395 requires all public schools in Washington state to give public school children in kindergarten through 12th grade a comprehensive sexual education. The curriculum must follow certain requirements, including encouraging healthy relationships, teaching students about sexual violence, educating them on consent and being inclusive of...
OLYMPIA -- Students who are undocumented immigrants may soon find it easier to finance their higher education with a proposal working its way through the state legislature. Senate Bill 6561, now under consideration in the House, establishes a student loan program for undocumented immigrants, including DACA recipients, who are not currently eligible to receive federal financial aid. “We know that our undocumented students want to pursue the same opportunites,” said Sen. Marko Liias, D-Lynnwood, the bill’s primary sponsor. “One...
OLYMPIA -- A measure designed to protect the health, safety and overall well-being of domestic workers in has been sponsored by Democratic senators at the request of Gov. Jay Inslee and Attorney General Bob Ferguson. If passed, Senate Bill 6247 would guarantee that domestic workers be paid at least minimum wage, $13.50 per hour. Workers must also receive meal and rest breaks, and overtime pay, if applicable. A written agreement between employees and employers would also be required, as well as a two-week termination notice, e...
OLYMPIA -- Ammunition magazines that hold more than 10 rounds would be illegal to purchase or posses in Washington under a proposed law moving through the state Senate. Supporters cite safety concerns, while opponents argue the measure, which cleared the Senate Committee on Law and Justice on Thursday, Jan. 23, would place new restrictions on residents' constitutional right to bear arms. Senate Bill 6077, sponsored by 14 Democrats, would define 10-plus-round magazines as...
OLYMPICA -- In an attempt to reduce plastic pollution, a bill banning retailers from handing out free single-use plastic bags in the state of Washington is moving in the Legislature. The bill, SB 5323, was passed by the Senate with a vote of 30-19 on Wednesday, Jan. 15, and is now headed to the House for further consideration. If the bill becomes law, shoppers will have to either bring their own bags or pay an 8-cent fee for a reusable carryout plastic bag. The bill was a...
OLYMPIA -- Gov. Jay Inslee stood before the Washington Legislature to deliver his 2020 State of the State Address on Tuesday, Jan. 14. “Washington state indeed embodies the best in America,” Gov. Inslee said. “We have been honored to be both the best place to do business and the best place to be an employee, and that combination is a rare and powerful testament to our state.” Even so, he talked about concerns, including homelessness and climate change. “Homelessness is a statewide problem, and it demands a statewide...
OLYMPIA -- The 2020 legislative session got underway at noon Monday, Jan. 13, with an opening ceremony. Rep. Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, was sworn in as speaker of the House during the event. She is the first woman and openly lesbian to lead the state House of Representatives. The 60-day session comes on the 100th anniversary of the women's suffrage movement. Many in attendance wore white to commemorate the anniversary....
