Current law excludes many veterans from vulnerable communities, including those forced out by “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”

OLYMPIA — Today, the Washington state Legislature unanimously passed Attorney General request legislation sponsored by Rep. Mike Volz, R-Spokane, that will expand state benefits to more than 35,000 Washington veterans. It now heads to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.

Washington antitrust penalties now among nation’s strongest

OLYMPIA — Washington state’s maximum penalties for antitrust violations like price-fixing and collusion will be among the strongest in the nation after the Legislature approved a bill last night sponsored by Rep. Darya Farivar, D-Lake City, and requested by Attorney General Bob Ferguson.

AG Ferguson offers the following statement on the passage of Senate Bill 5427

OLYMPIA — Today, the Legislature adopted legislation sponsored by Sen. Javier Valdez, D-Seattle, creating a statewide hate crimes hotline in the Attorney General’s Office.

The bill, Senate Bill 5427, passed the House in a 56-39 vote. The Senate passed the bill in early February with a bipartisan 30-18 vote. It will now head to Gov. Inslee for his signature.