In a disappointing turn of events late today, the House of Representatives failed to reach an agreement on Sen. Ann Rivers’ bipartisan medical-marijuana measure before the Legislature adjourned for the year. Rivers said the fiscal details that ultimately caused the bill’s demise weren’t enough of a reason to leave patients...

The Senate approved a measure Saturday that would set the necessary framework and oversight surrounding medical marijuana to establish its place in the market alongside the 2012 voter-approved law allowing the recreational use of marijuana. Sen. Ann Rivers, R-La Center, introduced Senate Bill 5887 last year but said the measure...

With just over a week remaining in the 2014 regular session, Sen. Ann Rivers has three bills headed to the governor, thanks to the near-unanimous approval by the House of Representatives Wednesday. The three measures couldn’t be more different, spanning from health care to consumer privacy to victim protection, but...

I have several bills still alive and well in the legislative process. I’ll continue to keep you updated about them but in the meantime, please let me know if you have any questions. Senate Bill 5887 – this measure would reconcile the medical and recreational marijuana markets. It’s a bill...

Last Wednesday the Senate overwhelmingly approved a supplemental budget proposal that is projected to balance over four years and prioritizes education without raising taxes. Since this is the first time in six years that we have entered session without a budget deficit hanging over our heads, we were able to...

Dear Friends and Neighbors, On Saturday, Rep. Liz Pike and I hosted two in-district town hall meetings. It was great to see many of you there – thank you for joining us and voicing your concerns! It’s hard to believe March is already here, which leaves us with less than...

I encourage all students ages 14-16 to apply for a paid, week-long Senate page position here in Olympia. The page program offers students the unique chance to take an active role in our government and learn more about the state Legislature. Timbercrest freshman Blake Hirst spent last week as my page...

The Senate unanimously approved a measure today that would offer an extra layer of protection to victims of sexual abuse. Sen. Ann Rivers introduced Senate Bill 6069 after talking with an 18th District resident, who described the fear she felt when she was contacted by her abuser, who happened to...