Matt Markovich
Rent stabilization bill fails to advance in Washington legislature
The rent stabilization bill, which aimed to limit yearly residential rent increases to 7%, has reached an impasse in the state legislature.3 months ago
Proposed 10% tax on short-term rentals closer to becoming state law
In a move aimed at addressing affordable housing, lawmakers may give municipalities the option of implementing a 10% short-term rental tax.3 months ago
Child marriages soon to be illegal in state of Washington
The legal age to get married will be 18 after both chambers of the Washington Legislature passed a bill outlawing child marriage.3 months ago
Senate passes ban on banning books after making changes reducing local decision making
The Washington Senate's bill aimed at addressing the banning of books and instructional materials related to those in protected classes.3 months ago
Lawmakers hear dire circumstances of WSU being ‘Couged’ by ex-Pac-12 schools
The University of Washington’s departure from the Pac-12 Conference has created financial uncertainty for Washington State University (WSU).3 months ago
Inmates can seek to leave prison sooner under Wash. House-passed bill
A divided state House of Representatives passed a bill giving felons an easier path out of prison without relying on the governor's decision to commute.4 months ago
Wash. House passes bill that limits rent increases to 7% annually
The chamber passed a bill on a near-party-line vote that limits rent increases to 7% annually minutes before a legislative deadline would have passed.4 months ago
Bill using state traffic cameras, other tech to fight graffiti passes in House
House Bill 1989 presents a more tech-savvy approach to combatting vandalism, as it introduces advanced spray drone technology and more.4 months ago
State Senate passes bill expanding prohibited weapon zones
The Washington Senate passed a bill, broadening the scope of specific places where individuals are prohibited from knowingly carrying weapons.4 months ago
A reversal of fortune concerning book banning in Washington
Lawmakers in the state House have passed a bill that essentially bans the banning of books that focus on people of a protected or marginalized class.4 months ago
House passes bill shifting elections to even-numbered years
After an hour-long floor debate, the state House passed HB 1932 on Thursday by a vote of 52-45 with one member excused.4 months ago
Wash. House passes bill to address ‘stealthing’ in sexual encounters
In a decisive move, the House has passed HB 1958, an act aimed at addressing the alarming issue known as stealthing.4 months ago
Clergy become mandatory child abuse reporters in bill, with big exception
The Washington Senate approved a compromise that makes clergy and faith leaders mandatory reporters of child abuse with a major exception.4 months ago
State Senate makes quick work, repeals ‘lewd laws’ governing bars, clubs
Less than two weeks after what critics called "a raid" on four LGBTQ+ clubs, senators passed a bill that includes the removal of the state's lewd laws.4 months ago
2 adult entertainment bills could influence change in lewd laws governing state bars
The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board's suspension of the lewd laws related to bars may help move forward two adult entertainment bills in Olympia.4 months ago
Police accused of deadly force face independent prosecutions in revised bill
HB 1579 is part of broader reforms aiming for more accountability in policing, alongside other proposed bills.4 months ago
Bill altering traffic safety camera use includes 75% discount for some violators
A substitute amendment approved by a House committee added some controversial elements, including reduced penalties for low-income violators.4 months ago
State Senate approves health coverage assistance during labor disputes
The bill’s sponsor Senator Karen Kieser, D-Des Moines, said it will provide a safety net to people who have no access to any other health insurance.4 months ago
Could a 10-cent bottle deposit system be in the state’s future?
In a bid to encourage recycling and promote environmental sustainability, state lawmakers are considering the bottle deposit system.4 months ago
Officers deny LGBTQ+ bar visits were raids, officials seek to change lewd laws
According to Brady, LCB violations were observed at seven of the 10 locations, but did not identify those locations.4 months ago
Pilot program to provide free rent to low-income residents could cost the state $251 million
The Evergreen Basic Income Pilot Program aims to provide recurring cash payments for two years to 7,500 low-income state residents.4 months ago
Coupon discrimination by large grocery stores targeted in Senate bill
Senate Bill 6265 would require larger grocery stores to honor posted electronic coupons even if consumers have not subscribed to the store’s app or website.4 months ago
Should you be required to have liability insurance if you own a gun?
A Washington Senate bill requiring liability insurance for gun owners is providing a new twist on the argument that citizens have right to bear arms.4 months ago
