The House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee held a public hearing on a bill that would require presidential candidates release a copy of their last five federal income tax returns. Jay Jennings with the Office of the Washington Secretary of State argued against the bill. Jennings said, “Such a challenge would jeopardize our ability to successfully conduct presidential elections.” (Washington State Wire)

Bills in both the state House and Senate would allow cities to expand the use of automated traffic enforcement cameras. The proposals would allow automated enforcement cameras to issue tickets to drivers in bus only lanes, or those blocking intersections, crosswalks, and emergency vehicle lanes. “And just like the red light infractions, it’s not considered a moving violation when the camera issues it, so it’s more like a parking ticket or something like that,” said Senator Marko Liias (D-Lynnwood). (MyNorthwest)

The state is set to open the new flyover ramp that joins the HOV lanes of Highway 167 to the carpool lanes of 405. The overpass is expected to open later today, marking the completion of the $197 million project. “We started so long ago,” said former State Rep. Judy Clibborn (D-Mercer Island), the recently-retired House Transportation Committee chairperson. “The flyover and all of that is so critical. It’s one of the things that will bring relief, to my district.” (Seattle Times)

The City of Yakima is considering a proposal to provide $1 million in funding for an affordable housing project. The project, known as the Bicycle Apartments, would have 40 units for families and individuals who are homeless, along with 40 general purpose housing units. The funding would be come from the city’s HOME investment funds, as part of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. (Yakima Herald)

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