state of emergency

Legislative Democrats in Olympia are signaling they may be open this year to passing legislation that limits the governor's emergency powers. Unlike many other states, under current law, the Washington Legislature has no role in deciding when a state of emergency should end.

A torrent of support for curbing Inslee’s emergency powers as lawmakers take public testimony

Austin Jenkins

Washington’s COVID-19 state of emergency is approaching its two-year anniversary. Under current law, the governor has broad emergency powers. But the Legislature is considering new restrictions on that authority.

For nearly two years, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has operated the state under a COVID-19 state of emergency. Washington's emergency powers statute gives the governor broad powers to manage the state in times of crisis. Unlike in other states, the Legislature has limited opportunities to intervene and no role in renewing or ending the emergency.

More than 630 days and counting. When will Inslee’s state of emergency end?

Austin Jenkins

For months, minority Republicans in the Washington Legislature have called for limits on the governor’s emergency powers. But now even some Democrats are expressing concerns about the open-endedness of the COVID-19 state of emergency and the limited role of state lawmakers.

Government and Politics

Despite broad compliance, pockets of rebellion around Inslee’s ‘Stay Home’ order

Austin Jenkins

In recent weeks, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has repeatedly thanked Washington residents for complying with his emergency orders to shutter their…

Government and Politics

Inslee orders restaurants, bars and other businesses to close citing 'explosion' of coronavirus

Austin Jenkins

Joining states like California, Ohio and Illinois, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Sunday night announced plans to order the temporary closure of…