Washington State
Washington lawmakers to consider requiring union talks over government use of AI
A bill focused on public employee unions stalled this year, but its prime sponsor plans to try again in 2026.
With federal penalties looming, Washington looks to curb food stamp payment errors
States that routinely overpay or underpay food stamp recipients could now lose hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding.
Utilities and telecoms turn to Washington lawmakers for help as copper wire theft surges
Legislators are looking at tougher penalties and new requirements for scrapyards.
AI reviews rolling out for Medicare in Washington for some procedures
The federal government will test a new model for the often maligned prior authorization process in Washington and other states.
Teachers are happy with cellphone bans; students are more ambivalent
With cellphone bans, teachers have reported less stress, better ability to manage their classrooms and social benefits for their students, according to new research.
Pierce County, Washington violated state law by diverting millions in tax revenue meant to improve 911 calls, state audit finds
Officials repeatedly ignored guidance regarding their $4.5 million purchase to boost law enforcement radio connection at a government building in Tacoma, jeopardizing federal funding.
How Washington State maps current — and future — EV charging
The Evergreen State has turned to GIS to map charging infrastructure, as well as using other data to help guide planners on where they should invest next.
Washington to rein in fast drivers with speed limiters
A new state law set to take effect in 2029 will require repeat speeding offenders to install the devices in their vehicles.
Trump administration tells states billions in EV charger money is on hold
Washington was in line to receive $71 million for chargers along I-5 and other roads. But the U.S. Department of Transportation says it will revamp the program.
Washington governor orders team to study data centers’ impact on energy use, job creation and tax revenue
Data centers receive some of Washington’s largest corporate tax breaks and require enormous amounts of electricity, a need that is only expected to grow with increasing reliance on artificial intelligence.
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Aerial drones helpful in removing graffiti along Washington highways, agency says
The state’s Department of Transportation has been testing new ways to clean up and detect graffiti on signs, bridges and other structures.
States crack down on at-home sexual assault kits
Policymakers are concerned that self-administered sexual assault exams can impede justice and recovery for survivors.
Emails reveal how health departments struggle to track human cases of bird flu
Farm owners' resistance to tracking human bird flu infections is creating significant gaps in disease surveillance. But forcing farmers to submit to testing could reignite a backlash against public health efforts.
More states are planning for the coming retirement surge
Increasingly, states are turning to automated savings programs to help their constituents—and budgets.
Will Washington voters buy into Inslee’s vision on climate policy?
Voters are set to weigh in on the governor’s “proudest accomplishment.” The state’s cap-and-trade law that some say is key to the third-term Democrat’s legacy is on the ballot this fall.
California inspired a wave of plastic bag bans—with an unfortunate loophole
The Golden State finally fixed its ban last month, but at least five other states still allow the distribution of extra-thick "reusable" plastic bags.
Six airports want to charge ahead preparing for electric aircraft
All-electric passenger planes are still experimental. But regional airport managers are eager to install charging infrastructure to accommodate them.
The states where climate progress is on the ballot
Getting laws passed is one thing. Protecting them from Republican opposition is another.
‘License plate flippers’ help drivers evade police, tickets and tolls
A few states and cities are cracking down on the devices, which obscure or conceal license plates.
26 states may soon need to regulate cannabis—here’s what they can learn from Colorado and Washington
COMMENTARY | Colorado and Washington, the first two states to legalize marijuana, have more than a decade of experience writing and enforcing laws to control the marijuana marketplace.
