Under the dome

For additional coverage of the Legislature, go to www.theolympian.com/ underthedome.

Two state lawmakers push to give adopted youths easier access to birth records

Giving adopted children in Washington state greater access to their birth records is an idea that hits close to home for state Reps. Tina Orwall and Ann Rivers.

Judges’ lobby stops stalking bill

A bill that would offer greater protections for stalking victims will not get a full hearing by the Legislature after an intense lobbying campaign by state judges.

Under the Dome: Legistlative highlight for Feb. 10

Some lawmakers say gay-marriage votes reflected the will of constituents

To understand the “no” vote cast on same-sex marriage by Rep. Steve Kirby, a Tacoman who usually sides with his fellow Democrats, look at how the people in his district voted in 2009 on the successful referendum giving gay couples “everything but marriage.”

Legislature likely won't fast-track pot legalization before election, supporters say

An initiative to legalize, regulate and tax marijuana in Washington probably won’t get fast-tracked by the Legislature before it sees the ballot this fall, the campaign supporting it says.

Under the Dome: Legislative highlights for Feb. 9

For additional coverage of the Legislature, go to www.theolympian.com/ underthedome.

House approves gay-marriage bill; governor's signature awaits

Washington is one step closer to legalizing gay marriage, and also to a citizen referendum against it, after the state House approved a same-sex marriage proposal Wednesday.

Under the Dome: Legislative highlights for Feb. 8

For additional coverage of the Legislature, go to www.theolympian.com/ underthedome.

Legislative pages for Feb. 8

Michael Bates, a junior at Tumwater High School, recently paged for one week for Sen. Dan Swecker (R- Rochester). Bates is the son of Reid and Kathryn Bates, of Tumwater.