The IMPACT

From unemployment benefits for striking workers to repealing the Long-Term Care Act, labor and business groups have conflicting agendas for the 2024 Legislative Session. We've got an overview of the workplace bills to watch this year. Guests include Association of Washington Business President Kris Johnson and Washington State Labor Council President April Sims.

An overview of issues likely to surface during the 2024 Legislative Session. Featuring analysis with Paul Queary, founder of the independent political newsletter, The Washington Observer.

State authorities have reportedly cleared the long-running backlog of untested sexual assault evidence kits. A look at the implications for survivors and suspects. Guest: Chris Loftis, Washington State Patrol.

From convenience and speed, to security and privacy, we explore the potential pros and cons of a requested rule change to allow biometric forms of ID that rely on fingerprints or other physical characteristics for alcohol and cannabis purchases. Guest: Justin Nordhorn, Director of Policy and External Affairs for the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.

Can beekeepers breathe easy or are humongous hornets here to stay? An update on the multi-year effort to eradicate the invasive Northern Giant Hornet in Washington. Then a look at how Washington's experience may help other states with a different invasive hornet. Guest: Sven Spichiger, Washington State Department of Agriculture.

A look at how the legalization of sports betting has impacted the entertainment sector and sports coverage. From player intimidation to inside information, we explore emerging issues for regulators, then highlight resources for problem gambling. Guest: Tina Griffin, Director of the Washington State Gambling Commission

An update on the effort to remove the dam that created Capitol Lake and restore the Deschutes estuary in downtown Olympia. Featuring input from different stakeholders and a one-on-one interview with the new project lead for the Department of Enterprise Services, Ann Larson.

An update on the state effort to address hundreds of seismically vulnerable school buildings before the next big earthquake.

From potholes to public records, cap-and-trade to capital gains: a press corps panel looks back on the big state government stories of 2023 and issues to watch in 2024. Featuring Jerry Cornfield of the Washington State Standard and Shauna Sowersby of McClatchy Newspapers (Tacoma News-Tribune, The Olympian, Bellingham Herald, Tri-City Herald).

Research sheds light on a new high-risk earthquake scenario for the Seattle metropolitan area. State emergency management agency highlights annual earthquake preparedness drill.

Part two of our series on Washington's sweeping new carbon pricing policies. This episode covers plans to target air pollution in specific communities and outlines some of the unresolved questions facing regulators, utilities, and taxpayers.

Senate Environment, Energy, and Technology Committee leaders weigh in on Washington's new program to limit carbon emissions and auction greenhouse gas emissions permits. Guests include Sen. Joe Nguyen, D-White Center (Chair) and Sen. Drew MacEwen, R-Shelton (Ranking Member).

How colleges are responding to declining enrollment and the implications for the workforce of the future. Starting college before finishing high school, a deep dive into dual credit programs. Featuring Heather Hudson, Director of Policy & Planning for the Washington Student Achievement Council; Jamie Traugott, Director of Dual Credit & Strategic Enrollment Initiatives for the Washington St...

A look at Washington's role in the historical development of nuclear weapons and an update on the massive cleanup project at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation

A look at the implications of a school construction funding lawsuit, an update on trends in K-12 schools, and new options for students pursuing college credit in high school. Guest: Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal.

As trial delays stack up, will a shortage of public defenders lead to cases being dismissed? Q & A with Larry Jefferson, Director of the Office of Public Defense and Russel Brown, Exec. Director of the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys.

A preview of the recently authorized pilot program to explore the potential of the psychedelic drug psilocybin to treat PTSD and problem drinking. Guest: Dr. Darron Smith, Co-Director of the Center for Novel Therapeutics in Addiction Psychiatry at the University of Washington.

Inside the state's plan to vacate 50 years worth of invalidated drug convictions & refund fees & fines connected to the Blake decision. Chris Stanley, CFO for the Administrative Office of the Courts overseeing the Blake Refund Bureau and Grace O'Connor, Blake Defense Program Managing Attorney, Office of Public Defense

Analysis of new highway safety legislation, including a bill that will authorize automated speed cameras in highway work zones. Guest: Mike Gribner, Assistant Secretary and Principal Engineer for the Washington State Department of Transportation and Charles Prestrud, Transportation Center Director for the Washington Policy Center.

The ACLU attorney who wrote Initiative 502 and a former law enforcement officer and legislator debate the impact of the "Blake fix" replacement drug possession statute and the tumultuous recent history of drug law in Washington. Guests: Alison Holcomb, Political Director for ACLU of Washington and Steve Strachan, Executive Director of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.

A review of new legislation intended to bolster the dental workforce and increase access to care. Guests: Bracken Killpack, Executive Director of the Washington State Dental Association and Marcy Bowers, Executive Director of the Statewide Poverty Action Network.

An update on legislative efforts to overhaul the state's crisis response framework and implement the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Guests: Rep. Tina Orwall (D-Des Moines) and Rep. Michelle Caldier (R-Gig Harbor)

A look at two different approaches to address flooding in the Chehalis River Basin: one involving the construction of a dam near the headwaters of the river, and one focused on a series of local projects. Guests: Andrea McNamara Doyle, Director of the Office of Chehalis Basin, Glen Connelly, Natural Resources Director for the Chehalis Tribe, and Erik Martin, Administrator for the Chehalis River Ba...

Part two in a series focused on Washington's future electricity demands, the complexity of integrating more wind and solar energy, and the infrastructure needed to modernize the electric grid. Guests: KC Golden, Vice Chair of the Northwest Power and Conservation Council and George Caan, Executive Director of the Washington Public Utility District Association

Is the power grid ready for the demands of increased electrification? A look at legislation to amp up long-term planning for the electrical transmission system. Guests: Sen. Joe Nguyen, D-White Center and Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick.