Washington State Legislature

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Looks like they made it, or not. Highlights from Washington's 2025 legislative session

The work of governing a state comes to a pinnacle every year when the governor signs or vetoes legislation. Nearly 500 bills were completed this session in Olympia. That’s a lot to keep track of. To focus on some highlights, KUOW’s Kim Malcolm spoke to Olympia correspondent Jeanie Lindsay.
- Jeanie Lindsay
Washington cities are decriminalizing magic mushrooms. Could a psychedelic ‘renaissance’ take hold statewide?

Resolutions have decriminalized psilocybin in cities across Western Washington. Studies show psychedelics can help people suffering from trauma, depression, and anxiety. And more people are microdosing for their mental health.
- Stephen Howie
Rent limits become law in WA with signature from Gov. Bob Ferguson

Washington has new limits on annual rent increases. Surrounded by affordable housing advocates, the governor signed the rent limits into law Wednesday – as well as a suite of other housing bills that the Legislature approved this year.
- Jeanie Lindsay
Rent limits, tax hikes head to governor as Washington lawmakers end session

In the session's final days, the Democratic majority settled on a deal for new rent caps, approved a gun permit requirement, and signed off on unemployment benefits for striking workers. The state budget passed with a slate of new tax hikes -- and without a single Republican vote in support.
- Jeanie Lindsay
Lobbying spending in Washington state has doubled since 2014 What’s it buying?

In the last decade, money spent lobbying in Washington rose more steadily and dramatically than other U.S. state that tracks lobbying money — from around $41 million in 2014 to more than $90 million last year.
- Scott Greenstone
Could Washington state be on the brink of fully funding special education?

The House on Wednesday passed Senate Bill 5263, which boosts special education funding multipliers for students in pre-K through 12th grade and eliminates the state's 16% cap on special education funding.
- Sami West
Washington state Democrats reveal sweeping new tax plan

The plan cobbles together a range of hikes, including on businesses, capital gains, and property. A question now is whether Gov. Bob Ferguson will support the proposals.
- Jerry Cornfield/Washington State Standard
Clergy members to become mandatory child abuse reporters in Washington state

Washington state is poised to require clergy members to report child abuse or neglect, even when it is disclosed in confession. The defining legislation now goes to Democratic Gov. Bob Ferguson for signing.
- Jerry Cornfield/Washington State Standard
Eid moves one step closer to becoming a Washington state holiday

Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, two holidays celebrated by nearly 100,000 Muslims in Washington state, is one step closer to state recognition.
- Ruby de Luna
Tax the rich? Not so fast, say Microsoft, other Washington state businesses

The local business community is sounding alarm bells about a package of new taxes on wealthy companies and individuals proposed by Washington state democrats.
- Monica Nickelsburg

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