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Thursday, October 1, 2026
Washington Legislature
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223 results total, viewing 1 - 20
A bronze Marcus Whitman statue in the Washington State Capitol building weighs over 9,000 pounds with its stone base.
Marcus Whitman statue will soon have a new home in Washington State Capitol
Visitors to the Washington State Capitol won’t be greeted by the towering figure of missionary Marcus Whitman much ... more
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The Washington State Department of Ecology presented an updated 5th Avenue Bridge design that features protected bicycle lanes and a separated pedestrian trail. The bridge replacement project is part of the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project.  
Updated 5th Avenue Bridge plan adds protected bike lanes, shared-use trail 
An updated design for the replacement of the 5th Avenue Bridge in Olympia was unveiled by a state ... more
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Speeding through a work zone will now cost Washington drivers $125, if caught by the state's speed cameras launched last year.
Work zone speed camera fines rise to $125 in Washington
Drivers caught on camera speeding through highway work zones in Washington will face $125 penalties starting this week, after the state ... more
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The state of Washington is being sued because of millions of dollars of cuts in state funding for assisted living facilities that care for patients on Medicaid.
State sued over assisted living spending cuts
Faced with a budget shortfall this year, Washington Democratic lawmakers relied on spending cuts and other maneuvers to ... more
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Gov. Bob Ferguson is rejecting a lead Republican’s proposal to temporarily suspend Washington’s cap-and-trade program to decrease prices at the pump. 
Ferguson rebuffs GOP lawmaker’s call to pause state climate law
Gov. Bob Ferguson is rejecting a lead Republican’s  proposal to temporarily suspend  Washington’s cap-and-trade program to decrease prices at the ... more
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Flags sit atop Olympia City Hall on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.
Olympia committee to review slate of state housing legislation
The City of Olympia Land Use & Environment Committee is going to review new state housing legislation, including measures aimed ... more
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Earlier this year, state staff and contractors viewed potential materials, like glass panels, for the restoration of skylights above the Washington state Capitol legislative chambers in Olympia.
More sunshine coming to state government with Capitol skylight restoration
Let there be light. When Washington state lawmakers return to Olympia for the 2027 legislative session, natural light will again shine on the House and ... more
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Gov. Bob Ferguson hands over one of the pens he used to sign House Bill 1296, the "students bill of rights" to a child who attended the bill signing.
Judge rejects lawsuit against rewrite of Washington parental rights law
A Washington judge on Friday, May 15, sided with the state as he turned back a lawsuit seeking to block a controversial 2025 law ... more
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State Sen. Sam Hunt, seen here on the Senate floor, died on Saturday, April 25, 2026. He was 83.
Sam Hunt, who represented Olympia in Washington Legislature for more than two decades, dies at 83
Longtime state lawmaker Sam Hunt, who represented Olympia in the Washington Legislature, died Saturday after a short battle with ... more
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The Lacey Planning Commission members and city officials met in person and virtually to review accessory dwelling unit code amendments required under Washington House Bill 1337. The meeting was held on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026.  
Lacey Planning Commission begins review of state-mandated ADU changes 
The Lacey Planning Commission got its first look at code changes to accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ... more
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Local and state officials gathered at Olympia City Hall, Council Chambers for a meeting to discuss the 2026 Legislative Agenda for the City of Olympia on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026.
Olympia City Council moves forward with 2026 Legislative Agenda
The Olympia City Council approved a 2026 Legislative Agenda that lists a number of priorities for the year with an emphasis on housing and ... more
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Thurston Regional Planning Council Senior Planner Veronica Jarvis outlined the 2026 legislative priorities at a council meeting on Friday, Sept. 5, 2026.  
Thurston Regional Planning Council prioritizes funding preservation 
The Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) has outlined draft 2026 legislative priorities, focusing on protecting its existing funding rather than ... more
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The Olympia City Council received an update on its state legislative priorities, which featured some policy wins and setbacks. Olympia contract lobbyist Nick Frederici delivered the report to the city council at a meeting on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. 
Olympia sees funding cuts and policy wins amid state budget deficit 
The City of Olympia's contract lobbyist, Nick Federici, briefed the city council on state legislative outcomes, including deep budget cuts in multiple ... more
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Olympia contract lobbyist Nick Frederici updated the city council on the 2025 Washington legislative session on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. 
Olympia lobbyist outlines proposed state legislation for local funding 
Olympia's contract lobbyist, Nick Frederici, presented legislative proposals aimed at providing local governments with flexibility in raising funds and ... more
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Debra L. Glasser, M.D.
Senate Bill 5387: A bill that protects the doctor/patient relationship
One year ago, I walked into my first state congressional hearing, curious about health care legislation in general and particularly as it related to the topics I have been writing about for this … more
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Page Aleksander Bielawski with Rep. Beth Doglio (D-Olympia) on Feb. 7, 2025.
Olympia High School student serves as page in state House of Representatives
A student at Olympia High School recently participated in the Washington State House of Representatives Page Program, gaining firsthand experience ... more
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Washington State Transportation Commission Executive Director Reema Griffith said a bill will be introduced to establish a road usage charge system.
Regional planning council gets update on road usage charge legislation
Washington state transportation officials are gearing up to implement a new road usage charge (RUC) system, as the state's gas tax revenues continue to decline due to improving vehicle fuel … more
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Approximately 1,500 people assembled in front of the Washington Capitol building on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2024, to protest policies enacted by President Donald Trump. The protest was orchestrated by the 50501 Movement, which held 50 protests in 50 states in one day.
Protesters gather at Washington Capitol as part of nationwide rally against Trump policies
Hundreds of protesters gathered near Tivoli Fountain in front of the Washington Capitol in Olympia on Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 5, to speak out against recent policies enacted by the Trump … more
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Debora Munguia of Capitol Consulting explained priorities set to drive Washington state’s upcoming legislative session. She made her remarks at a work session for the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners on Dec. 4, 2024.
Washington Legislature to confront major budget gaps in 2025  session
Starting on Jan. 13, Washington State’s 105-day biennial legislative session will begin, with lawmakers poised to address fiscal and policy issues in light of leadership changes and a stronger … more
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Tom Webster, Thurston County's Office of Housing & Homeless Prevention manager, presents the Regional Housing Council's legislative priorities for 2025.
Thurston Regional Housing Council approves legislative priorities for 2025 
The Thurston Regional Housing Council (TRHC) has approved its legislative priorities for 2025, focusing on key initiatives to support affordable housing and address homelessness in the region.   … more
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