Legislature begins 60-day session

The Washington state legislature began its 60-day 2020 legislative session Monday.

Rep. Laurie Jinkins (D-Tacoma) is the new speaker of the house, Washington's first female speaker.

Rep. Frank Chopp (D-Seattle) resigned last summer after serving as speaker for 17 years, the longest stretch in state history.

Proposals by Governor Jay Inslee include a $300 million plan to counter homelessness, a ban on the sale of assault weapons in Washington and high-capacity ammunition magazines, and further climate-related legislation.

Local representatives Joe Schmick (R-Colfax) and Mary Dye (R-Pomeroy) sta...