A Senate committee on Tuesday advanced a bill to make changes to the state's impaired driving laws, including making driving under the influence a felony on the fourth conviction, rather than the current law that has it at five within 10 years.
Local Politics
Obama health law may lower rates for some state residents
Some Washington residents may see lower insurance premiums under President Barack Obama's health care law, with proposed plans released Tuesday countering concerns expressed by the insurance industry just a year ago.
Special session kicks off to address projected state deficit
Washington lawmakers are returning to the Capitol on Monday for a special legislative session to address a projected budget deficit of more than $1.2 billion for the next two-year budget, plus a court-required increase in funding for the state's education system.
Ore. Legislature bans teens from using tanning salons
Oregon lawmakers have decided minors should not be allowed in tanning salon beds.
Inslee signs wrongful conviction compensation law
A measure to compensate people who have been wrongfully convicted in Washington state was signed into law Wednesday by Gov. Jay Inslee.
Federal budget cuts slice into emergency unemployment benefits
Emergency unemployment compensation will be reduced in Washington state due to the budget cuts under the federal sequestration law, state Employment Security Department officials said Wednesday.
State audit calls for automatic background checks
A new state audit is calling for automatic notifications when someone like a foster parent or childcare worker is suspected of committing a crime any time after they've already passed an initial background check.
Double standard? State senator defends job appointment (Video)
Republican state Sen. Don Benton, who represents Vancouver, is in familiar territory. He once went on KATU questioning whether a political opponent negotiated a backroom deal.
Seattle PD loosens pot, tattoo rules for new recruits
While you probably won't see officers with Mike-Tyson facial tattoos smoking joints while on bike patrol, the Seattle Police Department has loosened some of its regulations for new recruits in an effort to employ officers who better reflect the community they serve.
Governor Inslee appoints the Tri-Cities' first-ever Hispanic judge
The effort to improve our courts brought Governor Inslee to the Tri-Cities.
Marijuana tax set at 25%, drug-related DUIs up (Video)
Since marijuana has become legal, drug recognition experts have noticed a 50 percent increase in the number of drug-related DUI call outs.
Marriage will no longer be an absolute defense against allegations of some forms of rape and sexual assault in Washington state.
Woman claims she was fired for inhaling second-hand pot smoke (Photo Gallery) (Video)
You can't get drunk if the person next to you is overdoing it with the booze. But what if they were smoking pot? The consequences of breathing their second-hand smoke could lead to your firing or even a DUI.
Gun control advocates launch background check initiative (Video)
Gun control advocates in Washington are launching an initiative campaign after state lawmakers declined to expand background checks on gun sales.
Inslee wants Legislature to come back May 13 (Video)
One of the biggest divides on coming up with two-year budget is how to pay for public education.