Gun initiative didn’t follow the rules – enough to keep it off the ballot?
A new gun control initiative failed to follow state law regarding petition requirements. That sounds like enough to keep it off the ballot, but a quirk in state law prevents the Sec. of State from rejecting the initiative for that reason. In the end, it’ll be up to the judicial branch to sort out this mess.

After a reprieve, the tussle over the Legislature’s open government rules begins again. Next month a taskforce start its work to craft new public disclosure laws for legislators. The Senate Facilities and Operation Committee approved a plan for a panel made up of eight lawmakers, three representatives of Washington-based media sources, three members of the public with experience managing public records, and one representative of an open government organization. (Everett Herald)

Call logs show Washington wildlife managers initially opposed sending a helicopter to save a woman treed by wolves. Notes from a call between state Dept. of Natural Resources dispatcher Jill Jones and a wildlife officer shed light on the Washington Dept. of Fish & Wildlife’s position – “No helicopter. Federally listed species. 3 WDFW personnel saying so.” WDFW’s wolf policy coordinator said later, “To tell the helicopter not to go was not the right call, and we have to own that.” (Capital Press)

The state Dept. of Commerce awarded $39 million in grants to help add spaces for those with behavioral health issues. The funds will go to 18 health care providers to construct new facilities and provide 341 additional beds, many of which will be used by patients discharged from psychiatric hospitals. (Washington State Wire)

The Seattle safe gun storage law recently passed by the city council appears headed for a legal challenge, something former Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna predicted before it was even passed. “State law is very clear on this, it’s very specific,” Dave Workman with GunMag said. “The state Legislature, back in 1983 and 1985, took over sole authority for regulating firearms inside Washington state.” (My Northwest)

Even after 55 percent of voters in Spokane County rejected a proposal to expand the county commission, state Rep. Marcus Riccelli (D-Spokane) decided he knew best. Riccelli’s bill to create a five-member commission by 2022 was signed into law earlier this year. Various counties are considering a lawsuit to prevent the state from dictating to counties the form of government they must use. (The Inlander)

Embattled Yakima County Clerk Janelle Riddle filed a formal request to have the state Supreme Court to weigh in on her case, instead of a court commissioner. Riddle was ordered by the Yakima County Superior Court to acquire an additional $200,000 in bonding or be removed from office after it was discovered her office had lost some county funds. (Yakima Herald-Republic)

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