OLYMPIA — A bill aimed at increasing affordable housing was signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee today. Senate Bill 6175, sponsored by Sen. Yasmin Trudeau (D-Tacoma), represents a collaborative effort to address the pressing need for accessible housing options, particularly for low- and moderate-income households in urban areas. The newly enacted legislation introduces provisions for a sales and use tax exemption, empowering city governing authorities to convert commercial buildings into affordable housing units. This measure comes in response to identified areas of underutilized commercial property and a shortage of affordable housing options in such areas. Under SB 6175, property owners seeking tax exemptions for the conversion of commercial spaces into multifamily housing units must meet specific criteria outlined in ...

OLYMPIA — A groundbreaking bill aimed at advancing justice and protecting human rights was signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee Tuesday.  Senate Bill 6009, sponsored by Sen. Yasmin Trudeau (D-Tacoma), prohibits the dangerous and inhumane practice of hog-tying by law enforcement officers.  The bill establishes that hog-tying constitutes the use of excessive force, a practice that has tragically resulted in lives lost, including that of Manuel Ellis, a 33-year-old Black man who died as a victim of this dangerous technique by police nearly four years ago despite never being accused of or charged with a crime. Ellis’s death was ruled a homicide caused by lack of oxygen. This motivated Trudeau — who represents the 27th ...