Category: The Seattle Times
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As session wanes, action urged to toughen DUI statutes
Washington has some of the most lax laws when it comes to DUI offenses, get-tough proponents say. It isn’t until the fifth charge in a 10-year period that a repeat offender can face a felony conviction. Read more here OLYMPIA — With the legislative session scheduled to end Thursday, a bipartisan group of lawmakers Monday…
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Bill would allow permanent protection orders for sexual assault victims
Advocates for sexual-assault victims note that repeated petitions for civil protection orders force them to relive the trauma. Legislation in Olympia would give judges the option of making the orders permanent. Read more here OLYMPIA — Victims of sexual assault could apply for permanent restraining orders instead of repeatedly returning to the courthouse to ask…
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Cursive is a dying art, and a state lawmaker gets nowhere with attempt to revive it
A Washington state senator’s attempt to make it mandatory in public schools didn’t even get a committee vote. Educators say their time is at a premium — and that typing is a much more practical skill. Read more here OLYMPIA — Upon hearing from a teacher that her son’s handwriting needed some work, Suzi Allan,…
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‘Students Protecting Students:’ Bill aims to prevent school shootings using tips
A bill in the Legislature would create a new way for students to anonymously send information about threats, potential mass shootings or other life-threatening situations at their schools. Read more here OLYMPIA — Kevin Parker was 25 and hiding under a cafeteria table at Columbine High School. Then he was running up the stairs with…
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Legislators push for free tuition at community, technical colleges
Democratic lawmakers are proposing free community-college tuition for two years, following models like Oregon’s. No word on where the money will come from, however. Read more here OLYMPIA —Tuition at the state’s community and technical colleges would be free for many state residents under an ambitious proposal that takes up President Obama’s call to expand…
Kelsey Hamlin | Portfolio 