New Washington laws impact film, teachers, universities

OLYMPIA, Wash. — The film industry is getting incentives reinstated. Teachers are getting a new evaluation system. Universities are getting new rules on how to handle abuse allegations.

Dozens of new laws approved by Washington lawmakers earlier this year took effect on Thursday, though two of the most contentious proposals were not implemented as planned.

Opponents of same-sex marriage filed signatures Wednesday to force a public vote on the issue while a federal judge temporarily blocked the trafficking law. The trafficking law would require classified advertising companies to verify the ages of people in sex-related advertisements.

Washington's film incentives lapsed last year. Supporters hope the renewed benefits will draw production companies to do projects in the state. The program offers a 30 percent rebate off the amount of money spent in the state.