In the News

State Sen. Marko Liias (D-Lynnwood) testified last week in favor of SB 5078, which would ban the possession and use of large-capacity firearm magazines in most circumstances. Liias represents a portion of Edmonds in the 21st Legislative District. "On the evening of July 30, 2016, my community was changed forever by a preventable tragedy," said Liias, referencing a shooting at a house party in Mukilteo. Click here to read more...

While COVID-19 and police reform may be top of mind, lawmakers are making plenty of time for some of the more familiar proposals, including the effort to ban so-called high capacity magazines. For at least the fourth straight year, Democrats in the Legislature will try to make it illegal to buy, possess, manufacture, or sell magazines with more than 10 rounds in Washington state. Click here to read more...

With the riots at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., and Olympia, as well as calls for the impeachment of President Donald Trump, dominating headlines, the Beacon reached to state representatives serving Edmonds for statements. Gov. Jay Inslee and U.S. Sens. Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray – all Democrats – have already condemned the president and have asked for his impeachment under the 25th Amendment. Their comments are included after statements from local officials. Click here to read more... Photo: Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket/Getty Images

State Sen. Marko Liias, who represents the 21st District that includes parts of Edmonds and Lynnwood, was unanimously reelected as majority floor leader by his Senate Democratic Caucus peers on Monday, a position he has held since 2017. “It’s an honor to continue as majority floor leader,” said Liias, a Democrat who lives in Lynnwood. “Senate Democrats approach every policy discussion with the philosophy of putting people first, and that’s exactly what we need to do this session to help struggling people ...

Doctors and medical students performing pelvic exams on unconscious women without permission: It may sound crazy, but it’s actually been a widespread practice across the country for decades. It’s an invasive and personal medical procedure that even in the best of circumstances, can be traumatic for some women, especially survivors of sexual abuse. But if you think that means doctors have to first get a woman’s permission to do such as exam, you’d be wrong.

Moving to end a threat of international trade sanctions against Boeing, lawmakers in Washington State on Wednesday introduced legislation that would eliminate tax breaks for the plane maker.

The World Trade Organization concluded last year that Boeing benefited from unfair subsidies from the state worth roughly $100 million a year.

State Senator Marko Liias, a sponsor of the bill, said the proposal had come from Boeing itself. The Legislature is ...

OLYMPIA — Lawmakers are talking again about reducing the motor vehicle excise tax that helps fund Sound Transit expansion.

But leaders of the regional transit authority are cautioning, again, against leaving them without an adequate stream of dollars to build promised light rail projects.

It’s a familiar discourse. The past three legislative sessions ended without lawmakers doing anything to provide a modicum of financial relief for vehicle owners.

This ...

State Sen. Marko Liias this week introduced Senate Bill 6313 — the Voting Opportunities Through Education (VOTE) Act — a measure aimed at increasing voter participation among young adults.

“Every voice needs to be heard to maintain a strong democracy,” said Liias, a 21st District Democrat who represents parts of Edmonds and Lynnwood. “Getting more young people engaged in our democracy is critical to reaching this goal. While other states are installing ...