The state Senate passed a bill, by a large bipartisan margin, that would put Washington on a year-round daylight saving time. Steve Calandrillo, a professor at the University of Washington School of Law said on average, permanent daylight saving time would save about 400 lives per year. He contends that darkness in the late afternoon and evening is more dangerous than the dark of morning. If the bill does become law, it would still require federal approval to implement. (Seattle Times)

Governor Jay Inslee signed a measure that will ensure parts of the Affordable Care Act are protected in state law. The bill imports federal protections like including yearly out-of-pocket maximums and a list of must-cover health benefits. (The News Tribune)

Sen. Joe Nguyen (D-West Seattle), the preeminent do-nothing of the Senate, dropped a bill that would have no measurable benefit for students, families, or most Washingtonians. His bill would punish employers financially for paying employees over $1 million. Nguyen said the taxes would go toward the general fund – making it easy for him and Senate Democrats to shuffle funds to political friends and donors. (Washington State Wire)

Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan’s office is facing allegations of a toxic work environment. One employee claims Durkan grabbed them by the face and “turned her head during a gathering in the mayor’s office.” “We have worked hard to create a positive workplace, not just for the Mayor’s Office but across the City,” said Durkan. “Having a workplace where every employee is valued is essential for city workers to be able to best serve the residents and businesses of Seattle.” (Crosscut)

The Yakima City Council approved a proposal to allow the city manager to increase the severance package for Yakima’s next police chief. City Manager Cliff Moore asked the city council for special permission to increase the severance pay in the hiring package offered to Matt Murray.  The proposal would increase Murray’s severance package by $23,937. (Yakima Herald)

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