Jan. 3, 2024
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WA state laws in 2024: minimum wage, firearm sales, employee cannabis use, more By Randy Bracht The Center Square
Annie Norman Eatonville's Amari Samuel, seen here in a game earlier in the season, led the Cruisers with 9 points in a losing effort against Napavine.
TIGERS DOMINATE
as Eatonville falls to No. 3 Napavine By Skip Smith
Contributing Writer
In a clash of winning streaks, the Eatonville Cruiser boys’ basketball team faced a formidable challenge against the No. 3 ranked Napavine Tigers. With both teams riding impressive runs, Eatonville on a 4-game streak and Napavine boasting an undefeated 7-game stretch, the stage was set for a competitive showdown. However, the game didn't unfold favorably for the Cruisers, as the Tigers dominated, securing a decisive 71-38 victory this past Thursday evening in Napavine. The Cruisers began the game with promise, initiating a 4-0 run. However, Napavine swiftly
shifted the momentum with a commanding 14-0 run, leaving Eatonville trailing 20-6 at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter saw both teams exchanging baskets, but an 8-0 run by the Tigers further extended their lead, leaving the Cruisers in a 3816 deficit at halftime. Napavine continued to assert their dominance after the break, embarking on a 6-0 run to widen the gap. Although the Cruisers managed an 8-0 run late in the quarter, they entered the final frame facing a substantial 56-29 deficit. The Tigers started the fourth quarter with a decisive 13-0 run. The Cruiser offense, heavily BASKETBALL Page 3Æ
More than two dozen new laws take effect Jan. 1 in Washington, including an increase in the state’s minimum wage, a 10-day waiting period and safety training requirement for firearm purchases, and rules regarding employment of persons using cannabis or marijuana outside the workplace. The new statutes are among scores of bills approved by state legislators earlier this year and signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee. Most of the measures have already been enacted this year and less than a handful are on hold until 2025. Here’s a summary of those on tap for 2024: MINIMUM WAGE: As of Jan. 1, Washington state will have the nation’s highest minimum wage when the current rate of $15.74 jumps by 3.4% to $16.28 per hour. That’s more than double the federal minimum wage of $7.25, which has remained unchanged since July 2009. The state’s new rate will be even higher in the cities of Seattle ($18.69) and SeaTac ($19.06), according to the Washington Department of Labor & Industries. Most agriculture and nonag jobs qualify for minimum wage. A lower rate is allowed for working minors ages 14-15, who must receive at least 85% of minimum wage, and certain on-the-job, student, disabled, and apprentice workers. Annual adjustments are based on the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics' consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers as a result of Initiative 1433 approved by Washington voters in 2016. FIREARM PURCHASE WAITING PERIOD: With the Legislature’s passage of House Bill 1143, licensed dealers may not transfer any firearm until completion of federal and state background checks of the purchaser’s eligibility to possess a firearm and a waiting period of 10 business days from when the dealer requested the background check. The gun buyer or recipient must also provide proof of completing a recognized firearms safety training program within the last five years. The program must include safety training for semiautomatic rifles and instruction on state laws regarding use of deadly force for self-defense and techniques on avoiding criminal attacks and management of violent confrontations. Law enforcement officers and trained military personnel may be exempted. EMPLOYER CANNABIS TESTING: Under federal and state laws, cannabis remains a LAWS Page 8Æ