Politics New WA long-term care tax delayed so Legislature can fix it State officials said they want to make tweaks to the state’s new long-term care insurance program, after a flood of people sought to opt out. by Melissa Santos / December 17, 2021 / Updated at 3:06 p.m. Friday, Dec. 24
Politics New WA police accountability law can now include past misconduct The state Criminal Justice Training Commission made the decision Wednesday, resolving a dispute about how far back the new law could reach. by Melissa Santos / March 31, 2022 / Updated at 8:31 a.m. Thursday, March 31
Politics WA redistricting panel withheld text messages, possibly breaking the law The messages show the degree of the Legislature's involvement in redrawing political districts — a process handled by a bipartisan commission. by Melissa Santos / March 18, 2022
Politics 5 major things the Washington Legislature approved in 2022 ... and a few bills they left on the table. by Melissa Santos / March 11, 2022
Politics Despite law, 20 WA counties don’t offer public-option health plans Now, legislators think they have a fix to bring the public-option law they passed two years ago to every county. by Melissa Santos / July 26, 2021
Politics New WA laws start to close public broadband gap — but it’s a small step Legislators are spending $400 million to expand broadband, while opening up public internet options. But access for everyone is still a long way off. by Melissa Santos / July 16, 2021
Politics New suicide prevention hotline aims to divert callers from police Starting in mid-2022, people will be able to dial 988 instead of 911 to access different types of services in a mental health crisis. by Melissa Santos / July 8, 2021
Politics WA farmers markets may get displaced by obscure tax break expiring If the Legislature doesn't intervene, nonprofits and churches won't be able to host weekly farmers markets anymore without losing their tax-exempt status. by Melissa Santos / January 25, 2022
Politics Weekly WA newspaper fined $15,000 for selling election coverage The Tacoma Weekly got slapped down by campaign finance regulators last week, who said its illegal move undermined journalism. by Melissa Santos / September 28, 2021