In the News

OLYMPIA, Wash.– The Washington State Senate has passed a bill aimed at expediting large construction projects, offering the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) new tools to reduce costs and speed up timelines. The bill passed with a 48-1 vote on Tuesday.

OLYMPIA, Wash.–A Washington bill that would ensure the Medicaid program in the state continues covering HIV antiviral drugs without authorization beforehand was unanimously passed by the Senate.

Senate Bill 5577, by Sen. Marko Liias (D-Edmonds), would require the Health Care Authority to cover all FDA approved HIV drugs without prior authorization for those enrolled in Apple Health.

EVERETT — A new bill introduced by Edmonds senator could pump up to $20 million into journalism organizations around the state. The bill follows similar legislation in other states and countries to protect legacy media. State Sen. Marko Liias, D-Edmonds, is the lead sponsor of the bill. “Local journalism is the backbone of an informed, engaged public,” Liias said in a statement. “It highlights the issues that shape our communities, holds leaders accountable, and drives civic participation.”

Washington lawmakers are looking to pass a bill that would prohibit using big cats, bears and other wild animals in traveling circus acts in the state. Senate Bill 5065 would ban animals like lions, tigers, bears, elephants, and apes from being used for performing tricks, giving rides, or other entertainment purposes in front of live audiences. The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Marko Liias, D-Edmonds, is not clowning around with the legislation. Like many others during the COVID-19 pandemic, he watched the popular Netflix ...

State Sen. Marko Liias, who represents the 21st District that includes portions of Edmonds and Lynnwood, has introduced legislation that would require school districts to develop policies that prevent cellphones and other devices from entering classrooms. The bill is co-sponsored by Sens. Paul Harris, Sharon Shewmake, Perry Dozier, Jessica Bateman, Leonard Christian, Noel Frame, Bob Hasegawa, Curtis King, Deborah Krishnadasan, John Lovick, T’wina Nobles and Jesse Saloman.

EVERETT—Under the theme “One County, One Voice,” Representative Mary Fosse (D-Everett) moderated a bipartisan forum hosted by the Economic Alliance Snohomish County (EASC) on December 5 at Elks Lodge in Everett where panelists discussed housing affordability, behavioral health, childcare, economic development and labor force, transportation, infrastructure, and public safety.

SEATTLE — There's a new curriculum coming to Washington’s public schools starting in the 2025-2026 school year. Senate Bill 5462, which Gov. Jay Inslee signed into law this week, will mandate students to learn about the contributions of underrepresented groups in school, including those in the LGBTQ+ community.

OLYMPIA, Wash. — The effort to bring a high-speed rail line to western Washington continues with the state readying itself for more possible grant opportunities. The state was recently awarded $500,000 in grant funding to help cover the cost of planning. Next week, the state will meet with federal rail officials about applying for $250 million in grants to eventually begin development, according to Ron Pate, the director of rail, freight and ports for the Washington State Department of Transportation. The $250 ...