News Releases

OLYMPIA – Legislation to limit the sale of high-capacity firearm magazines was signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee today. Senate Bill 5078, sponsored by Sen. Marko Liias (D-Everett), prohibits the manufacture, sale, import or transfer of large-capacity magazines that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition. The law does not prohibit the current possession of high-capacity magazines.

“My community has experienced the tragedy of gun violence firsthand,” Liias said. “After a 2016 shooting killed three young people and left another seriously ...

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OLYMPIA – The Washington State Legislature gave final approval to a nearly $17 billion transportation package today.   Move Ahead Washington, sponsored by Sen. Marko Liias (D – Everett) and Rep. Jake Fey (D – Tacoma), the respective chairs of the Senate and House transportation committees, invests $16.9 billion over 16 years in major projects throughout the state.  

“We said when this package was announced that it was a first ...

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OLYMPIA – Legislation to restrict the sale of high-capacity firearm magazines was approved by the Washington House of Representatives on a 55-42 vote Friday. Senate Bill 5078, sponsored by Sen. Marko Liias (D-Everett), prohibits the manufacture, sale, import or transfer of large-capacity magazines that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition. The approved legislation does not ban the current possession of a high-capacity magazine. “Enough families have experienced the tragedy of gun violence in our state,” said Liias. “It is long overdue that we step up to ...

OLYMPIA - The Washington State Senate today approved the spending portion of Move Ahead Washington, a 16-year transportation investment package. Senate Bill 5689, the Supplemental Transportation Budget, invests primarily in ferries, backfilling of Connecting WA projects, and preservation and maintenance while Senate Bill 5975 funds carbon reduction initiatives. 

“We are on the verge of a new day in Washington – one that puts people, our environment, and working families at the ...

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OLYMPIA – Legislation to increase road safety and decrease traffic fatalities was introduced in the Washington State Senate today. Senate Bill 5982 would lower the blood alcohol limit for operating a motorized vehicle, while Senate Joint Memorial 8010 requests Congress to mandate the use of technology to prompt motorists to conform to local speed limits. Both pieces of legislation come following reports indicating an increase in fatalities on Washington roads in recent years, and aim to make streets safer ...

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Senate today approved revenue sources for Move Ahead Washington; the 16-year transportation investment package sponsored by Transportation Committee Chair Sen. Marko Liias (D – Everett). Senate Bill 5974 passed the chamber on a 29-20 vote Tuesday evening.  Move Ahead Washington includes $16.8 billion in investments for projects across the state, including historic funding for public transportation, bicycle and pedestrian safety, road preservation and maintenance, and climate mitigation. 

“We are on the verge of a new day in Washington – ...

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OLYMPIA – The Washington State Senate approved legislation this week to expand access to loan forgiveness for people who work in public service.  The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program is a federal program that allows borrowers employed full-time in public service jobs to get their student loans repaid. Senate Bill 5847, sponsored by Sen. Marko Liias (D – Everett), requires employers to notify public service employees of their eligibility and provide them with resources on how they can enroll and have their public service recognized. 

“Too many of our neighbors are feeling the burden of student loan debt, ...

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