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Legislation to regulate automatic license plate reader (ALPR) cameras across Washington state passed the Washington State Senate on a 40-9 vote on Wednesday. SB 6002, sponsored by Senator Yasmin Trudeau (D-Tacoma), sets rules around the use and retention of data collected by ALPR ‘Flock’ cameras, which scan the license plates of passing vehicles and collect images and data for use by law enforcement and other government agencies. Washington state currently has no law on the books regulating ALPR cameras. “My goal with this bill has always been about community safety and trust,” Trudeau said. “Washington state has a ...

OLYMPIA – Leaders from the Washington State Senate and House on Tuesday introduced the Millionaires Tax, a policy that will help fix the state’s broken tax code, provide sustainable funding for schools and health care, and reduce taxes for working families and small businesses. Senate Bill 6346, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen, is scheduled for a public hearing on Friday, Feb. 6 at 1:30 p.m. in the Senate Ways & Means Committee. The House version of the bill, HB 2724, is sponsored by House Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon. “Our state is wonderful for so ...

Senator Yasmin Trudeau (D-Tacoma) introduced legislation this week to regulate automatic license plate reader cameras across Washington state. Automatic license plate reader (ALPR) cameras scan the license plates of passing vehicles and collect images and data for use by law enforcement, parking enforcement agencies, toll systems, and other government agencies. More than 80 cities, six counties, and three Tribal governments in Washington have contracted with Flock and other ALPR companies in 2025. “These license plate cameras are powerful surveillance tools, and I think most people would agree there should be clear rules governing how the data collected on all ...

OLYMPIA — Senate Ways & Means Chair June Robinson (D-Everett) issued a statement in response to the release of Gov. Bob Ferguson’s supplemental operating budget proposal Tuesday:  “Gov. Ferguson’s proposed supplemental operating budget reflects how challenging the state’s fiscal landscape is again this year, and I appreciate the care and deliberation he took in developing it.  “I know firsthand how difficult it is to make reductions while balancing rising costs, economic uncertainty, and the real impacts on families and communities. This proposal provides a responsible starting point and a solid foundation for the Senate ...

OLYMPIA — Sen. Javier Valdez (D-Seattle) introduced legislation Monday to prohibit law enforcement officers — including federal immigration agents operating in Washington — from wearing face-concealing masks while interacting with the public.   Senate Bill 5855 is a direct response to ongoing immigration raids under the Trump administration during which Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents wear masks and other coverings to hide their identities. The bill defines prohibited facial coverings to include balaclavas, tactical masks, gaiters, ski masks, and similar items. Clear or translucent face shields, medical masks, respirators used in hazardous conditions, ...

We continue to monitor weather conditions across the state. Please abide by road closure signs and do not drive in standing water. This is a historic moment for Washington, but we will get through it together. If you are affected by the heartbreaking flooding across the state, see resources below:

• Travel map with live road closure updates
• Sign up for emergency alerts here
• See guidance from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner

OLYMPIA — Senate Ways & Means Chair June Robinson (D-Everett) issued the following statement on Tuesday's Economic and Revenue Forecast Council meeting: “Today’s revenue forecast confirms what we’ve been warning — Washington’s economy is under strain from both uncertainty and federal actions. As the most trade-dependent state in the nation, we’re feeling the impact of the president’s tariffs, which are weakening our trade relationships and hurting farmers, small businesses, and manufacturers across the state. This threatens the revenue we rely on to fund essential state services like education and behavioral health. "At the same time, H.R. ...

Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen (D-Seattle) and Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins (D-Tacoma) issued the statement below Friday: “President Trump’s assertion that he can federalize the national guard without gubernatorial approval is deeply disturbing, and as we saw in court yesterday, completely incorrect. This militarization appears to be an attempt to provoke violence as Washingtonians stand up for their friends and neighbors who are currently being targeted at home, at school, and at work. We knew this was coming, and last session took action to help limit unauthorized National Guard deployments to the extent we’re able. “We ...