SPOKANE, Wash. – More than 310 laws in Washington State will go into effect on June 6, potentially having a significant impact on residents.
One notable change that Washington will see is in law enforcement. The law stating that officers may pursue high-speed car chases if they have reasonable suspicion that the person had violated any law.
This law changes from police needing reasonable suspicion that a person had committed a specific crime including violence, sex crimes, intoxicated driving, or trying to escape arrest.
Firearms
Washington will not allow possession of a firearm in public libraries, zoos or aquariums or transit facilities.
Possessing a firearm in one of these areas would be considered a gross misdemeanor by the state starting Thursday.
The time a mortuary must keep an unclaimed body in the state has shortened. The new time frame going from 90 days to 45 days hopes to aid the limited amount of cooling spaces that are at maximum capacity.
Parental Rights
Parental rights will take effect, allowing parents to review school materials and opt out of assignments that involve questions about their children’s sexual experiences and religious beliefs.The law aims to support parents in keeping them involved in their child’s education. Police will no longer be allowed to hog-tie people they are placing under arrest. Hog-tying is defined in Washington as attaching a person’s restrained ankles to their restrained wrists making them immobile. Many counties and departments in Washington do not allow hog-tying already.
Co-living
Washington will once again allow for small independently rented units or rooms with shared kitchens and living spaces. The dorm-like living was restricted by some local governments and will now be legal across the state.
The law aims to help with the cost of housing giving people a more affordable option.
