Vancouver Energy is ending efforts to build an oil-by-rail terminal at the Port of Vancouver, terminating its lease for the project and donating the $100,000 in savings to community nonprofit organizations. The decision came after Gov. Jay Inslee denied necessary permits. (The Seattle Times)

The Evergreen State College is canceling the ‘Day of Absence’ event that led to protests, a backlash, and the eventual resignation of a professor last year. “The mischaracterization of Day of Absence last spring has led us to consider different and expanded ways to have these essential conversations, which continue among students, staff and faculty. The title is no longer in use, but the deep commitment to expanding inclusion remains.” (The Olympian)

Boeing will be supplying two new Air Force One planes after a $3.9 billion “fixed price contract” was recently negotiated between President Trump and Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg. A statement from Boeing said it is “proud to build the next generation of Air Force One, providing American Presidents with a flying White House at outstanding value to taxpayers.” (The Everett Herald)

The Seattle City Council passed a resolution against the natural-gas plant that is set to be constructed in Tacoma. “Natural gas, like other fossil fuels, emits carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change when used as a fuel source…and leaks along the natural-gas supply chain emit methane, a gas with 86 times the global-warming potential of carbon dioxide, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.” Then again, the Seattle City Council loves to pass resolutions against hydroelectric dams and nuclear power too, which emit no carbon. (The Seattle Times)

Rep. Larry Haler (R-Richland) announced he won’t seek re-election after seven terms. “I consider myself extremely blessed to have served for so long in this capacity. However, it is time for someone else to step forward and bring fresh ideas, new energy and a unique perspective to the state House of Representatives,” Haler said. (Tri-City Herald)

WSU is now taking steps to prevent students from falling out of their dorm-room windows as a response to a freshman suffering “life-altering injuries” six months ago after a fall. WSU “will improve written safety guidelines, inspect dorm rooms for potential hazards and require safety rails on all bunked or lofted beds, separating them from nearby windows.” (Spokesman-Review)

Bump stock ban | SB 5992 | “We can do better than this…When a legislative body acts under pressure and feels they must act right away we often don’t get it right,” said Sen. Tim Sheldon (D-Shelton). (The Seattle Times) 

Concerning records disclosure obligations of the legislative branch | ESB 6617 | 41-7-1-0 Senate vote (2/23), 83-14-0-1 House vote | “The message to Gov. Jay Inslee was widespread Tuesday morning: Veto Senate Bill 6617…Daily newspapers across the state — at least 12 of them — published front-page editorials urging Inslee to take action on the bill that would exempt the state Legislature from Washington’s Public Records Act.” (The Seattle Times)

Modifying basic education provisions | SB 6362 | 25-22-0-2 Senate vote, in House Rules Committee | “Section 407…would cut Running Start funding by $30 million a year. The funding cut targets students seeking to finish their GED or high school diploma and get on track for college.” (Washington Policy Center)

Concerning insurance coverage of tomosynthesis or three-dimensional mammography | SB 5912 | 95-2-0-1 House vote, 44-4-0-1 Senate vote

Enacting the Washington voting rights act of 2018 | ESSB 6002 | 52-46-0-0 House vote, 29-19-0-1 Senate vote

Extending the period for voter registration | SSB 6021 | 50-48-0-0 House vote, 29-20-0-0 Senate vote

Concerning diversion of juvenile offenses | ESSB 6550 | 55-43-0-0 House vote, 35-11-1-2 Senate vote

Concerning human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing | SB 6580 | 96-2-0-0 House vote, 47-1-0-1 Senate vote

Concerning the use of cross-laminated timber for building construction. (REVISED FOR ENGROSSED: Concerning the use of mass timber for building construction | ESB 5450 | 91-6-0-1 House vote, 45-2-0-2 Senate vote

Concerning priority processing for adult family home license applications | SB 6113 | 96-1-0-1 House vote, 47-0-0-2 Senate vote

Regarding prior authorization | ESSB 6157 | 90-8-0-0 House vote, 42-4-0-3 Senate vote

Concerning antifreeze products | HB 1095 | 38-11-0-0 Senate vote, 80-16-0-2 House vote

Concerning witnessing a student’s college bound scholarship pledge when efforts to obtain a parent’s or guardian’s signature are unsuccessful | 2SHB 1293 | 41-8-0-0 Senate vote, 93-3-0-2 House vote

Requiring health plans to cover, with no cost sharing, all preventive services required to be covered under federal law as of December 31, 2016 | ESHB 1523 | 27-22-0-0 Senate vote, 70-28-0-0 House vote

Recognizing the thirty-first day of March as Cesar Chavez day | HB 1939 | 35-14-0-0 Senate vote, 71-25-0-2 House vote

Protecting an open internet in Washington state | SHB 2282 | 35-14-0-0 Senate vote, 93-5-0-0 House vote

Concerning wastewater operator certifications | SHB 2298 | 33-16-0-0 Senate vote, 94-0-0-4 House vote

Updating health benefit exchange statutes | SHB 2516 | 37-12-0-0 Senate vote, 58-40-0-0 House vote

Encouraging investments in affordable and supportive housing | ESHB 2437 | 52-46-0-0 House vote

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