Mar. 28, 2026
Washington Lawmakers Cite Local Newspaper in Panel Discussion
State legislators mention The Columbian multiple times during post-session event
Mar. 22, 2026
Washington State Passes 'Millionaires Tax' After Heated Debate
The new tax would impose a 9.9% levy on income over $1 million annually starting in 2029.
Mar. 20, 2026
Washington Governor to Sign Aerial Firefighting Bill
The new law gives local fire chiefs authority to call in aerial assets to fight wildfires.
Mar. 19, 2026
Washington Governor Expected to Sign State Income Tax, Sparking Legal Challenges
Opponents gear up to fight new tax on income over $1 million as state prepares for potential impact on NBA expansion team
Mar. 18, 2026
Washington Governor Signs Bill Banning Double Voting
New law clarifies definition of an election to prevent voters from casting ballots in multiple states.
Mar. 17, 2026
Washington Legislature Cuts WSU Budget Less Than Governor Proposed
State lawmakers approve smaller reductions for Washington State University compared to governor's plan
Mar. 16, 2026
Washington's Tax Structure Among Most Regressive in US
New letter highlights state's disproportionate tax burden on low-income households
Mar. 13, 2026
Washington Legislature Ends Session With Budgets Passed, Tax Debate
Lawmakers navigate late-night drama over data center tax break elimination before adjourning
Mar. 12, 2026
Washington Lawmakers Wrap Up 2026 Legislative Session
State legislature approves income tax on high earners, finalizes budget bills before adjourning.
Mar. 12, 2026
Washington State Approves Millionaires Tax
New 9.9% tax on income over $1 million expected to raise $3-4 billion annually for schools and social services
Mar. 12, 2026
Washington Democrats Unveil Budget Deal with Cuts, Rainy Day Fund Withdrawal
The $79.4 billion plan aims to address budget shortfall, but faces GOP opposition
Mar. 12, 2026
WA Democrats' Probe Demand Over UW Activist's Death Stalls After GOP Amendment
Republican amendment raises concerns about activist group's ties to terror organizations
Mar. 12, 2026
24th District State Representative Steve Tharinger to Retire After 16 Years
The Port Townsend Democrat announced he will not seek a ninth term in the state House.
Mar. 12, 2026
WA Court of Appeals Upholds 'Legislative Privilege' to Withhold Internal Records
Ruling affirms state legislature's ability to shield internal documents from public disclosure
Mar. 11, 2026
Late-Session Democrat Proposal Would Bar Corporations From Ballot Campaign Spending
The bill aimed to revoke corporate powers for engaging in ballot measure or election activity.
Mar. 11, 2026
Washington State House Approves New Income Tax After Marathon Debate
The bill now heads to the Senate and faces expected legal challenges
Mar. 11, 2026
Washington Legislature Expands Scope of Independent Police Investigations
New law gives Office of Independent Investigation broader authority to review deadly force and other incidents
Mar. 10, 2026
Washington State Enacts Domestic Worker Protections
New law requires minimum wage, overtime pay, and other benefits for nannies, housekeepers, and gardeners
Mar. 10, 2026
WA Lawmakers Debate Overnight Over 'Millionaires Tax'
House Republicans and Democrats continue marathon session on controversial income tax proposal.
Mar. 10, 2026
Washington House Approves Bill Creating Crash Prevention Zones on Dangerous Highways
The legislation aims to improve safety on highways with a history of serious crashes.
