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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Transportation

Washington Bill Advancing to Offer Free or Reduced Transit Fares for Community College Students

State lawmakers advanced House Bill 2727, aiming to subsidize free or reduced public transit fares for community and technical college students. The pilot‑based grant program—if enacted—could reduce transportation barriers for tens of thousands of students, with impacts rippling to Spokane and potentially benefiting students across Cowlitz County.

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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Environment and Climate

Washington Textile EPR Legislation Stalls in House Appropriations

Washington’s effort to require clothing and textile producers to fund reuse and recycling infrastructure has failed to pass in the 2026 legislative session, leaving local governments responsible for textile waste without new state support—at least for now.

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

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 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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State Government

Washington House Expands ‘Good Samaritan’ Protections for Overdose Emergencies

The Washington House has passed HB 1574, expanding Good Samaritan protections to shield overdose victims or callers from arrest—even for unrelated nonviolent charges—and allowing hospitals to provide lifesaving harm‑reduction supplies.

The Feed

Feb 13, 2026

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Columbia Countercurrent

Washington Legislature

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

Washington Bill Advancing to Offer Free or Reduced Transit Fares for Community College Students

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

Washington Textile EPR Legislation Stalls in House Appropriations

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

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

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

Washington House Expands ‘Good Samaritan’ Protections for Overdose Emergencies

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