The Washington Senate approved Senate Bill 6129 on a tight 26–22 vote, sending a roughly $2‑per‑pack cigarette and matching vape tax increase to the House along with a 10% flavored‑product levy and funds for youth prevention. Lawmakers in Olympia will debate it in House committees this week.

Pierce County’s council approved a 0.1% public‑safety sales tax in a 5–2 vote. The measure routes most revenue to courts and the sheriff while funding jail planning and one‑time investments.

Seattle AI researchers, founders and investors told Gov. Bob Ferguson that the proposed "millionaires tax" could slow local AI innovation and push startups away. The signers urged a pause while lawmakers weigh the tradeoffs.

Joe Nguyễn left his role at the Washington Department of Commerce to become president and CEO of the Seattle Metro Chamber, pledging to focus on jobs, affordability and small‑business readiness.

More than 300 cars caravanned I‑5 and I‑405 Saturday in support of U.S. strikes on Iran while anti‑war protesters rallied at Pike Place Market.

Lawmakers approved a Ferguson‑requested bill to let Washington’s Department of Health set vaccine recommendations and preserve coverage for state‑recommended shots. Supporters say it protects access without imposing mandates.

Rep. Tomiko Santos introduced HB 2713 to add a 1% B&O surcharge on private detention operators, singling out the GEO‑run Tacoma processing center. The bill had a late House Finance hearing and now awaits committee action.

A House budget would eliminate Washington’s urban-forestry funding, threatening Tacoma plantings and the state staff that helps unlock federal grants. Advocates warn millions in pass-through funds are at risk.

Kent secured state approval under HB 2015 to keep a 0.1% safety sales tax and pursue state grants to hire additional officers. The move clears a path for roughly 10 new hires and a fast‑moving application window.

Cutoff day in Olympia left the 0.05 DUI proposal dead while bills on toxicology testing, face‑covering limits and supplemental budgets moved forward.

Washington’s $100M police-hiring program still hasn’t paid out. Officials blame complex eligibility rules and a new 0.1% sales-tax requirement that many cities are weighing.

Seattle officials say ALPR scans in the Real‑Time Crime Center are for criminal investigations only and federal agencies would generally need subpoenas for immigration queries.

After public pressure and a University of Washington audit showing federal access to Flock networks, Lynnwood's council voted to cancel the Flock Safety contract and remove the ALPR cameras. City staff will work out removal logistics and costs.