On the final day to approve legislation originating in the state Senate, three bills sponsored by Sen. Phil Fortunato, were passed with bipartisan support. Tackling issues ranging from civic education in schools to improving fairness in divorce proceedings and modernizing knife laws, the Auburn Republican’s eclectic proposals now head to...

Sen. Phil Fortunato, R-Auburn, is condemning legislative Democrats for failing to act on his proposal, Senate Bill 5012, which would have ensured fairness and safety for girls in sports by preserving single-sex competition in Washington schools. The refusal to advance this common-sense legislation comes as concerns grow over the impact...

On the opening day of the 2022 legislative session, state Sen. Phil Fortunato put new COVID-related rules to the test. The Senate majority approved requirements for in-person participation in the Senate Chamber, but Fortunato argues that the rules are arbitrary, illogical and don’t supersede his constitutional duties. “The Senate majority...

Since Gov. Jay Inslee announced renewed masking requirements and vaccination mandates, legislative offices have been flooded with messages in strong opposition. The Freedom Caucus is backing a resolution for a historic legislative special session that would cover key policy areas being voiced by their constituents: Public safety; Emergency-powers reform; Vaccine...

Security remained tight at the state Capitol for yesterday’s opening of the 2021 legislative session. The Capitol Campus was fenced off from the public over the weekend after demonstrators had trespassed onto the grounds of Gov. Jay Inslee’s official residence Jan. 6. The governor also had called hundreds of armed...