Washington moved to close a dangerous loophole. Now there’s a constitutional showdown pitting religious freedoms against the duty to protect children

An unusual scene played out during the final hours of the 2025 legislative session, as Democrat after Democrat rose to deliver passionate speeches about a bill that stood no chance of passing into law.

As Washington faces a budget gap somewhere in the multi-billions, state lawmakers have brainstormed ways to close it. Two days after receiving a less-than-sunny revenue forecast, Senate Democrats revealed a five-part tax proposal — one that supporters say would ask ultra-wealthy residents to pay their fair share.

President Trump’s Department of Justice is investigating a new Washington state law that makes clergy mandatory reporters of child abuse, arguing it violates the First Amendment.

After Gov. Ferguson said he would veto a “wealth tax,” Democratic legislators proposed expanding capital gains, business and property taxes.