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2023 is nearly in the books ? cheers to 2024!
2023 saw Washington state take?a big?leap towards a clean, just and exciting future. Historic investments in housing will accelerate construction and restrain runaway rents. Historic gun legislation will save lives?by keeping prolific assault weapons out of dangerous hands. Ferry workers kept passengers ? and kittens ? safe.?And kids now ride public transit for free all over Washington.
Big things happened in 2023. Enjoy this review of this year?s most-read stories and most-liked posts from the Office of the?Governor.
As we turn the page to the new year, a batch of new laws will take effect to improve rights for workers and improve public safety. Washington is recognized as a top state for workers and for having?the nation's strongest state economy. 2024?s new laws mark another step forward towards ensuring that the state?s hard-working and talented workforce gets a fair shake.
The state minimum wage will increase to a nation-leading rate of $16.28 per hour, or $13.84 for workers ages 14-15 as permitted. Overtime rules will also change, lowering the salary threshold for most professional workers to $67,725 per year. Agricultural workers may now also benefit from overtime pay after 40 hours worked in a week, down from 55 hours in 2022 and 48 hours in 2023.
Improved conditions for gig workers and rideshare drivers will take effect in January. Rideshare drivers will now enjoy rate guarantees depending on their location. Hospital workers will also benefit from improved staffing requirements. Lean staffing can heap an unfair burden on nurses and other workers, so the new rules will hold hospitals accountable to improve conditions for staff.
And more workers will be freed from non-compete agreements that limit their employment options after a separation. Only employees who earn more than $120,560 or independent contractors earning more than $301,340 may be held to a non-compete agreement.
In late April, Gov. Jay Inslee signed historic gun violence prevention legislation. A ban on the sale of deadly assault weapons took effect as soon as his signature dried, but a mandatory 10-day waiting period to receive a firearm after purchase will take effect in January. Such a ?cool-off? period may reduce impulsive weapons purchases and impulsive violence.
Dangerous street races will be disappointed to know that their cars may be impounded for 72 hours upon the first offense of street racing and confiscated entirely for a second. Those who abet street racing may also be criminally liable.
READ: The new Washington state laws taking effect in January 2024
Newborn orca spotted in Puget Sound
A peachy new face has surfaced near Bainbridge Island ? a newborn orca calf. The ?J Pod? of Southern Resident orcas welcomed a new member recently, spotted for the very first time this week. Orca calves are born with an orange hue to their white patches ? the young calf spotted this week has that peach-colored tint, suggesting that the calf was just days old when first spotted. Washingtonians are wishing it, and its mommy, well.
New report shows air pollution hits Washington?s most vulnerable the hardest
A report by the state Department of Ecology revealed that people living in 16 Washington communities overburdened by pollution experienced a higher death rate. These residents live for 2.4 fewer years than their fellow Washingtonians. Elevated rates of respiratory and cardiovascular ailments were also found. Pollution has a price, and vulnerable Washingtonians are the ones who pay it in the form of illness and premature death. The 2021 Climate Commitment Act has the state on course to reduce emissions by 95% from 1990 levels by 2050.
Inslee taps three new appointees for county superior courts
In December, Gov. Jay Inslee appointed three new judges to county superior courts: Cadine Ferguson-Brown was appointed to the Kitsap County Superior Court, Dean T. Chuang?to the Spokane County Superior Court's newly-created 13th seat, and K. Peter Palubicki?to the Adams County Superior Court. Ferguson-Brown has already served as a Superior Court judge in Mason County, and she brings extensive experience and a spirit of volunteerism to her new seat. Chuang is an Army veteran, was made partner at his law firm in 2011, and has long offered pro bono legal work through the Housing Justice Project. Palubicki has been a prosecuting attorney for many years, and founded Adams County Law Day in 2018 to introduce local youth to the judicial process.
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