In an open letter, State Attorney General Bob Ferguson wrote county sheriffs refusing to enforce Washington’s new gun laws could be liable. Specifically if sheriffs refuse to perform enhanced background checks and someone who shouldn’t buy a gun uses one in a crime. “The taxpayers of your city or county assume the financial risk of your decision to impose your personal views over the law,” Ferguson wrote. (KING 5)

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal responded to distracts asking about waiving missed days. In a public response Reykdal wrote, “there is no legal authority to waive the mandatory average of 1,027 hours of instruction for students.” Adding that school districts have plenty of ways to make up instructional hours. (Kent Reporter) 

While a number of neighborhood streets remain covered in snow and ice, Seattle wants you to know there’s a good reason they haven’t had time to get to all of those streets. In addition to plowing the roadways, the city has also been plowing bike lanes. Yes, you read that correctly. (KING 5)

Seattle’s gun storage law will go into effect today. The law slaps a series of fines against gun owners for improperly storing their firearms. Wondering what constitutes proper storage? City Hall says it is, “safe, gun safe, gun case, gun cabinet, or lock box,” designed to “fully contain firearms.” Seattle Police Chief, Carmen Best said, “safe storage is a common sense measure to reduce crime and increase the safety of our homes and neighborhoods.” (MyNorthwest)

Franklin County commissioners decided yesterday to no longer provide office space to Blue Mountain Heart to Heart, Pasco’s experimental syringe exchange. After opening up last May, the exchange served roughly 350 Tri-Citians over the year. Commissioner Brad Peck, who supported the exchange last year, said he was troubled by the incorrect information being disseminated by the group. (Tri-City Herald)

The Walla Walla City Council plans to vote this week on a proposal to spend over $180,000 related to relocating the homeless sleep center. The funds are split between two contracts that will cover prep work including moving two modular buildings to the site and demolishing existing structures. (Union-Bulletin)

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