Columbia Countercurrent

State Government

HB 2531 Advances Through Washington Legislature, Aiming to Update Medicaid Reimbursement for Ambulance Services

HB 2531, sponsored by Rep. David Stuebe, continues progressing through the Washington Legislature, aiming to update Medicaid reimbursement methods for emergency ambulance services. The bill has cleared the Appropriations Committee but has not yet reached a full House vote.

The Feed

Feb 13, 2026

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State Government

As National Debate Over Data Center Power Costs Grows, Washington Eyes Ratepayer Protections

A national backlash over electricity-hungry data centers is shaping Washington’s own legislative push to make tech companies bear their full power costs—an issue with future implications for the Longview–Kelso area.

The Feed

Feb 13, 2026

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State Government

Local Lawmakers Advance Multiple Health Care Measures During Mid‑Session in Olympia

Mid‑session in Olympia, local lawmakers from Clark County are advancing a suite of health‑care bills—from insurance plan evaluation and vaccination mandates to patient advocates and tightened charity care rules—that promise to affect affordability, access, and coverage quality statewide, including Cowlitz County residents.

The Feed

Feb 13, 2026

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State Government

Opinion Roundup: Washington’s SB 5292 and the Future of PFML Rate Caps

Washington’s SB 5292 would overhaul how PFML premiums are set by relying on actuarial projections rather than a statutory formula—and include a new reserve requirement. Critics warn the change could make future tax hikes all but inevitable, with low‑wage workers least likely to benefit.

The Feed

Feb 13, 2026

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State Government

Oregon Lawmakers Propose 10 mg THC Limit in Single-Serve Edibles

Oregon Senate Bill 1548 would limit THC in single‑serve edibles to 10 mg per piece, introduce packaging and warning requirements, and empower local buffer zones. Proponents cite child‑poisoning reductions; industry voices favor education over dosage caps.

The Feed

Feb 13, 2026

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State Government

Washington Legislature Knocks Out Key Social and Health Bills in Fiscal Deadline Fallout

Several high‑profile Washington bills—including proposals on psilocybin therapy, campus medication abortion, and short‑term rental taxes—were killed by Monday’s fiscal‑committee cutoff, highlighting how budget constraints continue to stall progressive reforms in Olympia.

The Feed

Feb 13, 2026

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State Government

Washington Bill SB 6239 Raises Arbitration Barrier for Long-Delayed Tort Claims, Including Child Survivors

Washington’s SB 6239 would mandate arbitration for tort claims filed long after the incident—especially affecting survivors of childhood abuse—raising accountability and transparency concerns for Longview, Kelso, and Cowlitz County.

The Feed

Feb 13, 2026

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State Government

Washington State Senate Unanimously Approves SB 5977 to Boost Transparency in Child Welfare Reporting

Washington’s Senate has unanimously passed SB 5977, sponsored by Sen. Nikki Torres, to require public reporting of child near‑fatality reviews by DCYF—closing a long-standing transparency gap in how serious child welfare incidents are disclosed.

The Feed

Feb 13, 2026

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State Government

Washington State House Tightens Rules for Voter Registration Challenges — What It Means Locally

Washington legislators have advanced House Bill 1916, making it harder to challenge a voter’s registration. The measure raises procedural requirements and penalties, with implications for Cowlitz County’s election oversight.

The Feed

Feb 13, 2026

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State Government

Washington State House Advances Bill Elevating Penalties for Impersonating Law Enforcement

Washington lawmakers advanced a bill this week that raises the penalty for impersonating law enforcement to a gross misdemeanor, increasing both jail time and fines and heightening deterrence for a growing public safety concern.

The Feed

Feb 13, 2026

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Columbia Countercurrent

State Government

HB 2531 Advances Through Washington Legislature, Aiming to Update Medicaid Reimbursement for Ambulance Services

As National Debate Over Data Center Power Costs Grows, Washington Eyes Ratepayer Protections

Local Lawmakers Advance Multiple Health Care Measures During Mid‑Session in Olympia

Opinion Roundup: Washington’s SB 5292 and the Future of PFML Rate Caps

Oregon Lawmakers Propose 10 mg THC Limit in Single-Serve Edibles

Washington Legislature Knocks Out Key Social and Health Bills in Fiscal Deadline Fallout

Washington Bill SB 6239 Raises Arbitration Barrier for Long-Delayed Tort Claims, Including Child Survivors

Washington State Senate Unanimously Approves SB 5977 to Boost Transparency in Child Welfare Reporting

Washington State House Tightens Rules for Voter Registration Challenges — What It Means Locally

Washington State House Advances Bill Elevating Penalties for Impersonating Law Enforcement

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