Legislative Information Center 07-13-2021

THE WASHINGTON STATE LEGISLATURE

Washington has a bicameral legislature of members of the House both during which convenes in regular session annu- the duration of session and the interim ally. Regular sessions begin the second between sessions. In the event of illness, Monday in January of each year and are death, or inability to act, the Speaker constitutionally limited to 105 days dur- Pro Tempore, who is also elected at the ing odd numbered years and 60 days in commencement of each regular session even years. Special sessions are called shall hold office during all sessions until by the Governor’s proclamation in which the convening of the succeeding regular reason for the call must be stated, or by a session. two-thirds vote of the Legislature. Chief Clerk: The Chief Clerk of the The Senate has 49 members and there House, like the Secretary of the Senate, are 98 representatives in the House. Dis- is an administrative officer. Neither is a tricts from which legislators are elected member of the Legislature, but both are are subject to redistricting and reappor- the Senate; has charge of and sees that elected by the bodies. The Chief Clerk tionment on the basis of population after all officers, attaches, and clerks perform selects and removes employees with each decennial census. their duties. These duties are prescribed approval of the Speaker of the House, State Representatives are elected to a by rules of the Senate, and pass, in the supervises preparation of the journal, two-year term and all Representatives absence of the President, to the Presi- performs other duties of this office, and stand for re-election at the general elec- dent Pro Tempore, who is elected by is responsible at all times for the acts of tion held in even-numbered years. Mem- fellow Senators. The Senate also elects assistants. bers of the State Senate are elected for a Vice President Pro Tempore to serve four-year staggered terms with about one in the absence of the President Pro Tem- Deputy Chief Clerk: The Deputy Chief half of the membership being up for re- pore, in the event the Lieutenant Gover- Clerk is elected by the House and assists election at general election in even-num- nor may be acting as Governor. the Chief Clerk in all duties. In the event bered years. You can find out precisely Other Legislative Officers: All other of the death, illness, or inability of the who is up for re-election in the Senate officers are elected in each house by its Chief Clerk to act, the Deputy Chief Clerk on the Legislature’s website at www.leg. members. In the Senate, the President Pro shall assume duties and powers of the wa.gov/senate/senators. As provided by Tempore, Vice President Pro Tempore, Chief Clerk. the State Constitution, each house is the Secretary of the Senate, and Sergeant at Sergeant at Arms: The Sergeant at Arms judge of the election and qualifications of Arms are elected immediately after the is elected by the body to administer its own members. oath of office is administered to the mem- services and security needs of the mem- The Legislature is the branch of gov- bers, roll is called, and temporary rules bers. It is his or her specific duty to keep ernment which establishes governmental have been adopted. At the same time, order, to summon members to their seats policy and determines services people the House of Representatives elects the upon call of the House or Senate, and to want and need from government. Thus Speaker of the House, Speaker Pro Tem- see that the legislative premises are kept the Legislature, as the policy forming rep- pore, Chief Clerk, Assistant Chief Clerk, clean and comfortable. The Sergeant at resentative of the people, fulfills its part in and Sergeant at Arms. Arms also supervises all other support the American system of government. Secretary of the Senate: The Secretary of services persons: tour guides, garage, Officers of the Legislature the Senate is the administrative officer of parking, shuttle bus, cafeteria, pages, the Senate. He or she selects and removes door keepers and building security per- With the exception of the Lieutenant sons. Governor, who serves as the President employees, subject to approval of the Sen- ate, supervises all procedural details, and of the Senate, the Constitution pro- The Committee System vides that each house shall elect its own performs other duties of the office during With the introduction of well over a officers. As President of the Senate, the the session and until the election of a suc- thousand bills during a regular legislative Lieutenant Governor presides over the cessor at the next session. session, and the limited time for consid- Senate, and the Constitution gives him Speaker of the House: Duties of the eration, it would be an almost impossible the deciding vote in the case of an equal Speaker of the House include presiding task for the entire legislative body to give division of the members on a question, over the House, preserving order and proper consideration and study to each except on final passage of a bill; has the decorum, referring bills to committees, proposed piece of legislation in detail. right to name any Senator to perform the speaking to points of order, deciding Therefore, the committee system has duties of the chair in the absence of the questions of order, naming any member been developed to facilitate the detailed President Pro Tempore; preserves order, to perform the duties of the chair dur- study of bills. The entire body of each controls the chamber and lobby, signs ing a temporary absence, appointing all house is divided into small groups or in open session all acts and resolutions; standing and special committees, signing committees, each of which has a special decides all questions of order without all bills, resolutions and memorials in field, and each of which considers pro- debate. The Lieutenant Governor may open session and, when necessary, sign- posed legislation dealing with particular speak to points of order in preference ing all acts, orders and proceedings of subjects falling within the purview of the to members, and signs all writs, war- the House. He or she also performs such committee. The same rules of procedure rants, and subpoenas issued by order of other duties as may be assigned by action that govern the conduct of business in the House and Senate apply where appli- House Order of Business: Business shall Bills, Resolutions cable in committee meetings, where the be disposed of in the following order: and Memorials chair or, in his or her absence, the vice 1. Roll Call, Presentation of Colors, A bill is a written proposal to enact a chair presides. Prayer, and Approval of the Journal of law. It may propose to enact an entirely After a bill is introduced and read the the preceding day. new law or make an addition to change first time, it is assigned to an appropriate 2. Introduction of Visiting Dignitaries. an existing statute in order to add clar- committee by the President of the Sen- ity. It may correct an error in statute, ate or the Speaker of the House. When 3. Messages from the Senate, Governor, or adjust it to changing circumstances. the bill is reported out of committee, the and other state officials. A bill is born as an idea in the mind of committee report or reports must carry 4. Introduction and First Reading of a legislator, a department or agency of signatures of the majority of the mem- Bills, Memorials, Joint Resolutions and government, or an individual citizen or bers on the committee. The rules of each Concurrent Resolutions. group. However, it must always be spon- house require that a bill be reported back 5. Committee Reports. sored by a member or committee of the with one of the following recommenda- Legislature, and be approved or drafted tions: that the bill “Do Pass;” that it “Do 6. Second Reading of Bills — Calendar of by legislative bill drafters. The sponsor Pass As Amended;” that it be rereferred the Day. is responsible for placing the bill in the to another committee; or “With No Rec- 7. Third Reading of Bills. “hopper” for introduction. ommendation.” A bill may be reported 8. Floor Resolutions and Motions. Resolutions and memorials are writ- back with both a majority and a minority 9. Presentation of Petitions, Memorials ten motions expressing the wishes and recommendation if disagreement on the and Remonstrances addressed to the recommendations of the Legislature, and measure arises. A completely new bill Legislature. some resolutions have the effect of law may be drafted by the committee on the for a temporary period. same subject, who then recommends that 10. Introduction of visitors and other A Joint Memorial is a message or “The Substitute Bill be Substituted There- business to be considered. petition addressed to the President and/ for.” 11. Announcements. or Congress of the United States, or the The committee often calls in representa- Senate Order of Business: After the roll head of any other branch of federal gov- tives of various state agencies, holds joint is called and Journal read and approved, ernment asking for consideration of some meetings with their counterpart in the business shall be disposed of in the fol- matter of concern to the state or region, other house, and holds public hearings in lowing order: or of universal interest. order to obtain information regarding bills A Joint Resolution may propose an referred to it. 1. Reports of Standing Committees. amendment to the Constitution for refer- 2. Reports of Select Committees. Committee Functions: Each of these ence to the people for acceptance or rejec- committees is important to the legisla- 3. Messages from the Governor and other tion, or it may formulate a legislative direc- tive process and to the functioning of state officials. tive to state administrative officers and all departments of state government, 4. Messages from the House of agencies. Joint resolutions which propose but the most important committees — Representatives. to amend the Constitution must receive a those upon which membership is highly 5. Introduction, First Reading and two-thirds affirmative vote of all members esteemed in both houses of the Legis- References of Bills, Joint Memorials, elected in each house to pass. lature — are those on Rules, Ways and and Joint Resolutions. A Concurrent Resolution is a state- Means, Transportation and Judiciary. The ment of policy concurred in by both 6. Second Reading of Bills. most important of these is the Committee houses. It may relate to the joint rules, to on Rules because it determines what bills 7. Third Reading of Bills. internal operations of the Legislature as a shall be brought before the respective 8. Presentation of Petitions, Memorials, unit of government, or it can create and houses for consideration. A simple major- Resolutions, and Motions. assign duties to an interim committee. ity of members present in the Senate can A Floor Resolution relates only to the take a bill from the Rules Committee and The order of business established by business of the house in which it origi- place it on the calendar. In the House, an this rule may be changed and any order nates. It is not considered by the other affirmative vote by a majority of elected of business already dealt with may be house, it is treated as a written motion, members is necessary to bring a bill out reverted or advanced to by a majority of and may be adopted by a voice vote. of the Rules Committee and place it on those present. Joint memorials and joint resolutions the calendar. In actual practice, however, All questions relating to the priority of are subject to all procedural rules govern- such floor action to place bills on the cal- business shall be decided without debate. ing the course of bills. Concurrent resolu- endar is seldom, if ever, taken by either Messages from the Governor, other state tions require a roll call vote only when house. officers, and from the House of Repre- they authorize investigating committees sentatives may be considered at any time and/or allocate or authorize expenditure Daily Order of Business with the consent of the Senate. of any funds; otherwise, they may be Each house follows a prescribed order of Any standing rules of order or business treated as motions and adopted without business, as provided by its rules, which may be suspended temporarily by a two- a roll call. is the standing agenda for each day of thirds vote of the members present. session.

If you are a person with a disability and need a special accommodation, contact the House at (360) 786-7271, or the Senate at (360) 786-7189. TTY 1-800-833-6388. For further legislative information, call the Legislative Hotline at 1-800-562-6000, or check the internet at www.leg.wa.gov (revised 10/17) WASHINGTON STATE LEGISLATURE Overview of the Legislative Process

The Washington State Legislature is chamber (or “second house”) and goes who disagree with the majority sign the made up of two houses (or chambers), through the same steps there. Each step “minority” report. Not all bills coming the Senate and the House of Representa- is identifi ed and explained below. out of committee have minority reports. tives. Washington has 49 legislative dis- Pre-fi ling: Members can pre-fi le As a bill moves through the commit- tricts, each of which elects a Senator and bills for introduction beginning the fi rst tee process, the staff prepares the “bill two Representatives. Senators serve four- Monday in December. Pre-fi led bills are report.” The bill report includes a legisla- year terms and Representatives serve offi cially introduced the fi rst day of the tive history of the bill, background on the two-year terms. The Senate and House session. issue, a summary of the legislation, the of Representatives meet in session each Introduction, or First Reading: The names of those who testifi ed on the bill, year to create new laws, change existing fi rst thing that happens to bills on the and a summary of the testimony for and laws, and enact budgets for the State. “fl oor” is introduction and referral to against the bill. The bill report is edited as The legislative cycle is two years long. committee. This is also referred to as the the bill moves through the process. When Within that two-year cycle, there are two bill’s fi rst reading. (Bills must have three the bill moves to the opposite house, that kinds of legislative sessions: regular ses- readings in each house in order to pass house prepares a bill report as well. A bill sions and extraordinary, or special, ses- the Legislature.) that has fi nally passed the Legislature sions. Regular sessions are mandated by Leadership determines to which would have House, Senate, and Final bill the State Constitution and begin the sec- committees bills will be referred; this is reports. ond Monday in January each year. In the usually determined by the bill’s subject At the start of the session, both odd-numbered year, for example, 2005, matter. Bills that require an appropria- houses agree on dates by which bills the regular session is 105 days; in the tion or that raise revenue must also go to have to be reported out of committee in even-numbered year, for example, 2006, a fi scal committee for review (the Appro- order to be eligible for further consider- it is 60 days. Extraordinary sessions are priations Committee in the House or ation by the Legislature. There is a “cut- called by the Governor to address specifi c the Ways and Means Committee in the off ” date for bills to be out of committee issues, usually the budget. There can be Senate). in the fi rst house and one for bills to be any number of extraordinary sessions Committee Action: The chair of each out of committee in the second house. within the two-year cycle, and they can committee works with leadership and Rules Committee: Once a bill has last no more than 30 days. staff to schedule bills to be heard by the been reported by the appropriate The members of the House and Sen- committee. Committees hold three kinds committee(s), the fl oor acts on the com- ate off er legislation, or bills, for consid- of meetings: (1) work sessions, where mittee report and then passes the bill to eration. The ideas for bills come from a issues are determined and reviewed; the Rules Committee. Usually, the fl oor number of places: something has hap- (2) public hearings, where testimony adopts the committee’s recommendation. pened in the last year that inspires new from interested parties is taken; and The Rules Committee is where leader- legislation (for instance, the change in (3) executive sessions, where the com- ship exercises the most control over the people’s perception of crime gave rise to mittee decides how it will report the process. The Rules Committee is made the youth violence bills that were off ered bill to the whole house. Not all bills get up of members from both parties. Each during the 1994 Session), a member scheduled for hearing, so a good num- member on the committee gets to select wishes to address an issue that is spe- ber of bills never get any further than two or three bills that will move on to cifi c to his or her district, the Legislature committee. the next step in the process. Which bills decides to tackle a major issue (such as Bills can be reported in several fash- a member selects could be the result regulatory reform), changes in technology ions, the most usual being “do pass” of a party caucus, or another member dictate a change in the State’s laws, etc. (pass the bill just as it is), “do pass as approaching that member, or a piece of Once a member introduces a bill, the amended” (pass the bill as amended by legislation about which the member feels legislative process begins. The process the committee), and “do pass substitute” strongly. has a number of specifi c steps. If the (the committee off ers a diff erent version Rules Review/Rules White: The fi rst bill makes it through all the steps in to take the place of the original bill). step in the Rules Committee process is the chamber in which it was introduced The members on the prevailing side sign called Rules Review in the House and (the “fi rst house”), it goes to the other the “majority” report; those members Rules White in the Senate (the report

The Legislative Information Center • P.O. Box 40500 • Olympia, WA 98504-0500 • 360-786-7573 • E-mail: [email protected] that lists the bills in this step in the decide to reconsider the vote that was Governor’s actions: The Governor Senate is printed on white paper). Rules taken; in that case, the chamber has reviews the bill. The Governor may Committee members review the bills and twenty-four hours to make a motion to decide to sign it, veto part of it, or veto decide whether or not to move them on reconsider the bill. all of it. If the Governor vetoes part or all to the next step. If the bill passes third reading in the of it, the Legislature may vote to over- Rules Consideration/Rules Green: second house and the second house did ride the veto. (That happens rarely.) If The next step is called Rules Consider- not amend the bill, the bill has passed the governor does not act on a bill after ation in the House and Rules Green the Legislature. the allotted number of days, it is as if it in the Senate (the report is printed on At the start of the session, both were signed. From the Governor’s desk, green paper). Sometimes bills skip this houses agree on “cut-off ” dates by which bills go to the Secretary of State who step and go to the calendar for second bills have to be fi nally passed out of the assigns a session law chapter number. reading. It is another step that allows fi rst house and fi nally passed out of the The Chapter to Bill Table (available on leadership to control the process. second house. the Internet) lists the bills that have Calendars/Bill Report Books: The Concurrence, Dispute, and Confer- passed the Legislature, the chapter num- Rules Committee decides which bills will ence Committees: If the bill has been bers assigned by the Secretary of State, be scheduled for second reading. Those amended by the second house, the fi rst vetoes, short descriptions, and the eff ec- bills that will probably require some house has to decide whether it will con- tive dates. debate are placed on the regular calen- cur in the amendments or not. Leader- Carryover: The Legislature works dar. Those that the rules committee agree ship decides which bills returned from within the framework of a two-year are not controversial may be placed on the second house will be discussed and cycle. For instance, the 2005-06 Session the suspension calendar in the House, the places those bills on the concurrence is the 59th Session of the Legislature. consent calendar in the Senate. calendar (House) or concurring calendar There will be a least two regular ses- Each house prepares documents that (Senate). If the fi rst house concurs in sions, a “long” session in 2005 (105 list the bills scheduled to be heard on the the amendments, the bill has passed the days) and a “short” session in 2006 fl oor. The House prepares “bill report Legislature. (60 days). There could also be any num- books” (containing an order of contents If the fi rst house disagrees with the ber of special sessions, none of which and the bill report of each bill on the cal- second house, it can ask the second can last longer than 30 days. endar) and “fl oor calendars” (a list of the house to recede from the amendments. Therefore, just because a bill did not bills, a brief description for each, and the If the second house recedes, the bill has make it all the way through during the committee action on each). The Senate passed the Legislature. regular session in the odd-numbered prepares “calendars” (with an order of If the two houses cannot resolve their year (for example, 2005) does not mean contents and the bill report of each bill), diff erences, one of them can ask for a it is “dead.” At the end of the session, all and “fl ash calendars” (the list with the conference committee. Members from bills in the second house are returned to brief descriptions and committee actions). each house meet to discuss the diff er- the fi rst house; so a House bill in com- The Senate fl ash calendar lists only those ences. If they agree on what is to be done, mittee in the Senate when session ends bills that were “pulled” from Rules at the the conference committee makes a report. is returned to the House. At the start of last Rules Committee meeting. Both houses must adopt the conference the next session, be it a special session Second Reading: It is on second committee report for the bill to pass or the next regular session, bills from the reading that the chamber discusses the the Legislature. If one house does not previous session are reintroduced and merits of the legislation. It is here, too, adopt the conference committee report retained in their present position. where members can off er amendments (whether by vote or inaction), the bill “Carryover” bills can be taken up to the bill. Most bills that get this far get has not passed. The House Floor Activ- again in subsequent sessions during the their second reading in the couple of ity Report and the Senate Floor Activity biennium. The Legislature has a lot of weeks following the committee cut-off . Report list the bills on the concurrence, latitude with these bills. The fi rst house If a bill has been amended in commit- dispute, and conference calendars. can place the bill on the calendar for tee or on the fl oor in the fi rst house, it Enrolling: Once a bill has fi nally third reading and send it right back to is ordered engrossed. Engrossing a bill passed the Legislature, it is enrolled. A the second house, or it can make the bill means incorporating the amendments certifi cate proclaiming that it has passed go to committee and through the whole into the body of the bill so that the sec- is attached and, if necessary, the amend- process again. ond house gets one document. If a bill ments from the second house or confer- This is in addition to the new bills has been amended in the second house, ence committee are incorporated into the introduced during the current session. it is returned to the fi rst house with the body of the bill. The bill is signed by the This procedure can make it diffi cult to amendments attached so that the fi rst Speaker of the House, the Chief Clerk of keep track of bills during a special ses- house can decide whether or not it wishes the House, the President of the Senate, sion or the second regular session. If a bill to agree with the changes the second and the Secretary of the Senate and is does not make it through the process by house made. sent to the Governor for his or her action. the end of the two-year cycle, it is “dead.” Third Reading: Third reading is where the roll call vote on fi nal passage is taken. If the bill fi nally passes, it con- tinues in the process. If the bill fails on fi nal passage, it goes no further. Under certain circumstances, the chamber may

Rev. 10/10 A Citizen’s Guide to Effective Legislative Participation

The Legislative Process You can actively participate in Every year, the Legislature the legislative process in a variety meets to engage in the process of ways. Select the method that al- of public decision making. The lows the fullest expression of your personal interest and commit- “There is but one element objective is to reach a consensus on a wide range of issues affect- ment, but follow some basic steps. of government, and that is ing every citizen and the future Know How the prosperity of Washington State. It Process Works THE PEOPLE. From this is a process that involves coopera- For your individual participa- springs all government.” tion to make critical decisions in everyone’s best interest. tion to be most effective, a basic understanding of the whole — John Adams We have chosen representa- tives to carry out the difficult task legislative picture is essential. If of determining what kind of laws there is something you do not and policies will best serve these understand about the process, interests. However, to effectively ask someone who can provide an answer. Here are some resources: “It is not the fact of liberty, perform their job, legislators rely heavily on input from a wide vari- • Call the Legislative Information but the way in which liberty ety of different sources. Center at (360) 786-7573. They receive a great deal of • Call your legislator’s office. is exercised that ultimately technical information from their • Explore the Legislative Web staff, state agency personnel and determines whether liberty Page at www.leg.wa.gov for professional lobbyists. Yet, much an overview of the legislative itself survives.” of what they actually decide de- process, and for information on pends on the views, interests and how a bill becomes a law and — Dorothy Thompson preferences of the citizens who how to read a bill. elect them. • Listen to or watch broadcasts This is precisely how the leg- of committee hearings to see islative process was designed to how they work. All committee work best. It is based on a close, hearings are broadcast live in open and positive relationship streaming audio over our inter- between elected officials and the net web site and many hear- citizens whom they represent. ings are televised live on TVW (www.tvw.org). Make Yourself the Expert make your comments as brief Legislative staff work on a wide Before you address an issue, and specific as you can. If you range of issues. They always ap- do some homework. Know the do not know something, be will- preciate new sources of clear and whole issue: who it affects, what ing to admit it and offer to fol- accurate information, and they can others feel about it, how it will low up with more information provide you with the most current influence future trends, and any later, which is also an avenue for information they have. other information you are able to further discussion. Network with gather. Thorough research allows • Write a letter. Express your Other Citizens you to present your viewpoint views and request the mem- with confidence and credibility, ber’s attention through the mail. Much of the information you and, combined with your personal Make your letters brief, to the need to be effective in the legis- experience, is the most effective point, clear, and formal. Include lative process can be obtained information you can provide. your mailing address and phone from other concerned and active number so the legislator knows citizens. Most interest areas are Get to Know where to respond. represented by informal citizen Your Legislators • Send an e-mail message. Like groups, if not formal membership To make a difference in the letters, e-mails should be brief, organizations. legislative process, you must to the point, clear, and formal. Find out whether there are develop a relationship with your Include your name and mailing groups that share your concerns legislators. Keep in mind that you address, as well as your e-mail and establish a network. A group can work effectively with someone, address, and let the legislator of concerned citizens can be much regardless of the personal opinions know how you’d prefer to be more effective working together, either of you may hold. Although contacted. rather than as separate individuals trying to accomplish the same goal. you are unlikely to agree on every • Call the toll-free Legislative issue, you can still build a positive Hotline. You can call the toll- Key Points to Remember relationship. free Hotline at 1-800-562-6000 Regardless of how frequently The best way to get to know to leave a brief message on any you contact your legislators, you your legislators on a personal basis issue. will be far more effective if you fol- is to spend time with them when • Testify before a committee. low these points: the Legislature is not meeting. Ar- Make your views and positions 1. Be well prepared for your dis- range a meeting during the months known by testifying before a cussions. between sessions when they are committee that is having public 2. Provide a written statement with home. hearings on an issue or bill. Your legislators are also your all verbal presentations. • Attend a Town Hall Meeting. neighbors. You share many of the 3. Make letters and e-mail formal, Most Legislators conduct peri- same interests and concerns, so specific, and concise. odic town hall meetings at vari- make a strong effort to build on the 4. Don’t berate or argue with your ous locations in their district. common ground you both hold. legislator when you disagree. This is a good opportunity to Take the time to find out who they Simply thank the member for meet your Legislator and to ex- are as people. the time spent with you and ex- press your views and concerns You can contact your legisla- press a desire for further discus- in an informal setting. tors in a number of ways: sion. • Personal visit. Call the office, Get to Know Whatever position you repre- introduce yourself, tell the legis- Legislative Staff sent, however, remember your par- ticipation makes a difference. Our lator or the legislative assistant Legislators rely heavily on legislative process is one way each what you would like to discuss, professional staff for information of us may contribute to the quality and make an appointment for a gathering and analysis. You can of life we experience in our state. visit. play an equally supportive role by Your willingness to be a responsi- If you plan a visit, be prepared making sure staff are aware of the ble, involved participant is crucial for your discussion. Know what perspective your personal knowl- to the decision-making process. you want to say, be factual, and edge and experience can provide.

If you are a person with a disability and need a special accommodation, please contact the House at (360) 786-7271, or the Senate at (360) 786-7189. TTY 1-800-833-6388. For further legislative information, call the Legislative Hotline at 1-800-562-6000, or check the internet at www.leg.wa.gov (revised 10/17). How to Testify in Committee

Every citizen has the right to testify, orally or in writing, on bills or constitu- tional amendments being heard by the Washington State Legislature.

“Open” Legislature Schedules of committee hearings Washington State has one of the are published weekly and daily “All political power is most “open” legislatures in the during the legislative session. To find out when a hearing is inherent in the people, and country. A bill has a public hear- scheduled: governments derive their just ing before Senate and House com- mittees before being considered • Check our web site at powers from the consent of the on the floor of the House and www.leg.wa.gov. governed, and are established Senate. Your opportunity to tes- • Call the toll-free Legislative to protect and maintain tify comes at the committee hear- ­Hotline number (1-800-562-6000). ings. If you cannot appear before individual rights.” • Inquire in person or by phone a committee, contact your legisla- at the Legislative Information — Article 1, Section 1 tor making your position on a bill Washington State Constitution Center, 110 Legislative Building known. You can do so by writing (360-786-7573). a letter, sending an e-mail, calling the legislator’s Olympia office, or • Subscribe to the Legislature’s “Every person may freely by calling the Legislative Hotline Committee E-mail Notification Service (GovDelivery). speak, write and publish on all at 800-562-6000. The Legislative Information Cen- subjects, being responsible for Senate committees usually meet in hearing rooms in the John A. ter also has copies of bills for dis- the abuse of that right.” Cherberg Building and House tribution. Be sure to ask for any — Article 1, Section 1 Committees usually meet in the pending amendments or substi- Washington State Constitution John L. O’Brien Building. Both tutes to particular bills. Notices of buildings are adjacent to the Leg- interim committee hearings are islative Building in Olympia. sent out by committees between legislative sessions and are avail- Committee Hearings able via the Legislature’s Com- mittee E-mail Notification Service Legislative hearings are con- If you are a person with (GovDelivery). a disability and need ducted informally. They are not special accommoda- judicial proceedings and the rules Before the Hearing tions, please contact the are somewhat relaxed. Anyone Are you a Lobbyist? Generally, if House at (360) 786-7271, and the can testify; you do not need for- you are testifying on a bill or issue Senate at (360) 786-7189. mal training. TTY 1-800-833-6388. and represent only yourself, you will not be required to register as • Sign-in is now done electroni- The chair will organize the hear- a lobbyist. cally in most committees. You ing to ensure that: A Public Disclosure Commission may: 1. The committee members hear (PDC) brochure outlines guide- (1) Go to one of the Commit- relevant information, tee Sign-In kiosks located in the lines on this subject. You do not 2. Interested persons are given main hallway of the Cherberg have to register and report if you: the opportunity to express their Building and the O’Brien Build- 1. Appear only before public positions, and ing, each Senate and House meetings of legislative commit- hearing room, or the first floor 3. The hearing does not exceed tees or state agencies, or of the Legislative Building and the time available. 2. Do not receive pay, expenses or the Pritchard Building; or Most committee hearings are lim- other consideration for lobbying (2) Access the Committee Sign- ited to no more that two hours, and make no expenditure for or In Program from a web-enabled and may have several matters on behalf of a legislator, elected device (smartphone, laptop or pending. The chair will attempt official or state employee in tablet), only while on campus to be fair and provide each per- connection with lobbying, or and connected to the Legisla- son an opportunity to testify. It 3. Restrict your lobbying to four ture’s WSLPublic wireless Inter- may be necessary, however, to days during any three month net network; or restrict testimony so that everyone period and spend no more than (3) Since not all committees use is given an opportunity to express $35 for or on behalf of a leg- the Committee Sign-In Pro- his or her opinions. You may be islator, elected official or state gram, if you do not see the com- called with others to save time. employee. mittee listed within the sign-in A copy of this brochure is avail- program, go to the hearing Making Your Remarks able through the Legislative Infor- room to sign-in on the paper 1. Begin by introducing yourself mation Center, or you may check sheets. to the chair and committee with the PDC if you’re uncertain. • Click Committee Electronic members and stating your The PDC provides on-line infor- Sign-In Instructions to obtain purpose. For example, “Mr. or mation for lobbyists as well. more detailed instructions or Madam Chair and members of Prepare Your Remarks. Time is for information on how to cre- the committee, I am John Doe usually limited, so be brief and ate an optional Committee from Spokane. I am here repre- direct. Written testimony should Sign-In account. senting myself. I support this bill because…” not be read at committee hear- • Check to see if copies of pro- ings. Committee staff will distrib- posed amendments or substi- 2. In your opening remarks, make ute copies of written testimony to tute bills are available. it clear whether you are rep- resenting other citizens, or a members of the committee if you • Take your written materi- separate group. bring a sufficient number – one als to the committee staff for for each member. distribution. 3. Be brief, and be sure your remarks are clear. Avoid being Writing down your comments in • Talk to the committee staff if too technical, and do not repeat outline form will be helpful when you are going to use the presen- previously made remarks. You you speak, and you should sum- tation equipment. marize your written testimony. do not need to be nervous or Avoid Duplication. If other per- How the Meeting Is worried about how you present sons will be offering similar tes- Conducted your testimony. 4. Be prepared for questions and timony at the hearing, try to Be present at the beginning of the comments from committee coordinate your testimony and hearing. The committee chair will members. These are designed to avoid duplication. Well-organized open the hearing on a particu- gain additional information, but testimony is the most effective. lar bill. Frequently, opening com- don’t answer if you are not sure ments will be made by the bill’s of the answer. Tell the members At The Meeting sponsor or by committee staff. you will send a written answer • Be punctual; usually there Sometimes, however, the chair back to the committee and then is only one public hearing at will ask for testimony from propo- follow through. which testimony is held on a nents and opponents immediately. particular bill. 5. Restrict yourself to your testi- mony. Abstain from other overt demonstrations such as clap- ping, cheering, booing, etc. How to Submit Written Testimony If you are unable to attend a com- mittee meeting, you may use the following method for submitting written testimony: In the House. Email your writ- ten testimony directly to all committee members as well as to the Committee Chair or the Chair’s LA. Be sure to include the bill number and your posi- tion on the bill. A list of Com- mittee Chairs can be found at this website: h t t p ://a p p . leg.wa.gov/Rosters/Commit- teeMembersByCommittee/ House. In the Senate. You may email your written testimony directly to committee members as well as to the Committee Chair or the Chair’s LA. Be sure to include the bill number and your position on the bill. Another option is to email your written testimony to committee staff, as an alternative or in addition to submitting testi- mony to committee members. A

If you are a person with a disability and need a special accommodation, please contact the House at (360) 786-7271, or the Senate at (360) 786-7189. TTY 1-800-833-6388. For further legislative information, call the Legislative Hotline at 1-800-562-6000, or check the internet at www.leg.wa.gov LSS Graphics 10/3/17 How a Bill Becomes a Law

L IL A bill may be It is referred to a committee for a . B R M introduced hearing. The committee studies 1in either the 2the bill and may hold Senate or House of public hearings on it. It

L IL B Representatives by can then pass, reject . R a member. or take no action M on the bill.

e! mitte om C ok? L es o L l I l I u o B R d . How R M A committee The Rules Committee can report is read in either place the bill on the 3open session of 4second reading of the calendar the House or Senate, and for debate before the entire body, or the bill is then referred to take no action. the Rules Committee.

At the second reading, a After passing If amendments bill is subject to debate and one house, are made, the 5amendment before being 6 the bill goes 7other house placed on the through the same must approve the M third reading R. B procedure in the changes. ILL Na calendar y! ! other house. ED for final a! SS passage. Ye PA

When the bill is accepted The Governor signs the bill in both houses, M into law or may veto all or part 8it is signed R. BILL 9of it. If the by the respective Governor fails to AW leaders and sent act on the bill, MR. L to the Governor. it may become law without a signature.

WA St House of Representatives - LSS Graphics revised11/03/2016 HOW A BILL BECOMES A LAW

1. A bill may be introduced in either the Senate 2. The committee studies the bill and often holds 3. The committee is now ready to report back to or House of Representatives, but the procedure public hearings on it. The committee will then the Senate. If the majority is in favor of the bill by which a bill becomes a law is much the meet to consider the information it has gathered. as introduced or with certain amendments, the same, wherever the bill originates. It may approve the bill with or without committee recommends the bill for passage. In this story, the bill is introduced in the amendments, draft a new bill on the same The committee report is read in open session of Senate by a member, or members, of that body. subject incorporating the desired changes, or the Senate, and the bill is then referred to the After the bill is filed with the Secretary of the take no action. Rules Committee. Senate, it is given a number and, unless a majority demands it be read in full, it is read the first time by title only in open session of the Senate. It is then referred to a standing committee of the Senate. 5. When the bill appears on the calendar for 4. After the bill has been recommended for second reading, it is subject to amendment. It is passage by the standing committee to which it then returned to the Rules Committee where it was originally referred, the Rules Committee must receive a favorable vote before being can either place it on the second reading 6. After passing in the Senate, the bill will go placed on the third reading calendar for final calendar for debate before the entire body, or through an almost identical procedure in the passage. This referral to Rules is often take no action. If the bill has a significant fiscal House. bypassed by vote of the Senate and the bill is impact, it may be referred to the Ways & Means If the bill is passed by the House, but is placed on final passage immediately following or Transportation Committee for budget impact amended by that body, the Senate must concur its second reading. Depending upon the degree in the amendments or ask the House to of controversy, debate may last a few minutes to remove them. If the Senate does not accept the several hours — or even several days. change in the bill and the House insists on the change, a conference committee may be requested to work out the differences.

7. If appointed, a conference committee has the power to work from the proposed amendments 8. If the report is adopted and the bill passed by or to recommend new amendments or a new 9. Within five days, if the Legislature is still in both houses, the bill is signed by the President session, or twenty days after its adjournment, bill, consistent with the subject matter of the of the Senate and the Speaker of the House in original measure. When the conferees reach the Governor may sign the bill or veto all or any open sessions of each body, and then is sent for section of it. The Legislature can override the agreement, they report to their respective the Governor’s signature. houses. Their report is either adopted or veto by a two-thirds vote of both houses. If the rejected without any changes. Governor fails to act on the bill, it becomes law without a signature. THE COURSE OF A BILL Published by the Senate and the House of Representatives

THE SENATE THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES EXECUTIVE OFFICIALS SECRETARY PRESIDENT SENATE SPEAKER HOUSE RULES SECRETARY INTRODUCING RULES CHIEF OF THE OF THE STANDING OF THE STANDING EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF MEMBER COMMITTEE CLERK SENATE SENATE COMMITTEES HOUSE COMMITTEES COMMITTEE STATE REFERRED TO FOR FILING *STANDING COMMITTEE CONSIDERED BY APPROPRIATE STANDING COMMITTEE READING AND TO BE PLACED ON RECORD OF REFERRED TO COMMITTEE REPORT * THE CALENDAR FOR SECOND READING

READ SECOND TIME SECTION BY SECTION *REFERRED TO TO BE PLACED ON THE CALENDAR FOR THIRD READING THIRD READING AND FINAL PASSAGE REFERRED TO FOR FILING STANDING CERTIFICATION COMMITTEE READ FIRST TIME BY CONSIDERED BY TITLE APPROPRIATE STANDING COMMITTEE READING AND TO BE PLACED ON RECORD OF REFERRED TO THE CALENDAR FOR COMMITTEE REPORT SECOND READING

READ SECOND TIME SECTION BY SECTION REFERRED TO TO BE PLACED ON THE CALENDAR FOR THIRD READING THIRD READING AND FINAL PASSAGE ENROLLED CERTIFICATION

SIGNED IN OPEN SESSION

SIGNED IN OPEN SESSION TRANSMITTED TO THE HOUSE ORIGINAL SIGNED IF APPROVED

TRANSMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR

GIVES BILL CHAPTER The above procedure for a noncommittee bill introduced in the Senate is the simplest possible, neither veto nor amendment has occured. If such a bill is introduced in the NUMBER IN SESSION House, the Chief Clerk would perform essentially the same functions as the Secretary of the Senate as indicated above, and the action of the Senate thereon would occur LAWS PERMANENTLY after passage thereof by the House. FILED Revised 12/4/15 * By a vote of the Senate UNDERSTANDING HOUSE AND SENATE CALENDARS

As bills are introduced and pass through the legislative process they are assigned to various “calendars”. Aside from the Cutoff Calendar and the various committee hearing calendars, these documents aren’t calendars in the familiar sense. They are generally lists of bills with brief descriptions that have been cleared through one of the legislative steps like bill introduction or coming out of committee. These “calendars” are issued as these events occur (usually daily) and may have different names in the House and the Senate.

The Cutoff Calendar At the beginning of each session, the House and the Senate jointly agree on a timetable for considering bills. Bills that haven’t moved forward through the various steps by the dates listed on the cutoff calendar will most likely receive no further consideration. Typical cutoff dates are last day to be voted out of committee, the last day to consider bills in the house of origin, the last day for bills from the opposite house to be voted out of committee, and the last day for bills from the opposite house to be considered on the floor. (Available on-line)

The Introduction Calendars The House and the Senate both have an Introduction Calendar (the Senate’s is sometimes call the Short Titles). The respective Introduction Calendars list all the bills introduced for the day on the floor of the House or Senate and provide a short description of each. (Available on-line)

The Standing Committee Reports The House and Senate both produce a Standing Committee Report which lists all the bills that have been passed out of committees for the day. The report lists the bill number, a brief description, the committee and its recommendation and the place to which the bill was referred next (usually the Rules Committee). (Available on-line)

The Rules Review Calendar (House) or Rules White Calendar (Senate) Bills generally go through a two-step review process in the rules committee where members can select a limited number of bills on the calendar to receive further consideration. These calendars list the bills which are in the initial review stage in the rules committee. (Available on-line-“Text of a Legislative Document”)

The Rules Consideration Calendar (House) or Rules Green Calendar (Senate) These calendars list the bills which have been selected from the Review or White calendars in the calendar above and are eligible to be pulled from this calendar to the floor of the House or Senate. (Available on-line-“Text of a Legislative Document”)

The Rules Flash Calendar (Senate Only) This calendar lists the bills that have been pulled from the Green or White Calendars at the most recent Senate Rules meeting and sent to the floor. The House produces no comparable calendar. (Available on-line-“Text of a Legislative Document”)

The X-Files Calendars The House and Senate both produce an X-Files calendar. This is a list of bills which the Rules Committee members agree will not be sent to the floor of the House or the Senate for further consideration.

The Suspension Calendar (House) and Consent Calendar (Senate) These calendars are published after a Rules Committee meeting and contain a list of non-controversial bills all the rules members agree can be sent to the floor without the usual two-step process. These calendars have been used rarely in the past few years.

The 2nd and 3rd Reading Calendar (Senate) and the Green Book (House) This is a list and description of all bills currently under consideration on the floor of the House or Senate. (Available on-line as part of the House and Senate Floor Activities Reports)

The Concurrence Calendar This is a list of bills from the opposite house which have been amended and are seeking concurrence (agreement on the amendments by the house of origin). (Available on-line as part of the House and Senate Floor Activities Reports)

The Dispute Calendar This is a list of bills with amendments that have come back from the opposite house without concurrence (the opposite house didn’t agree with the amendments and asks the house making the amendments to just pass the original version of the bill). (Available on-line as part of the House and Senate Floor Activities Reports).

The Conference Calendar This is a list of bills in dispute which have been referred to the Conference Committee. (Available on-line as part of the House and Senate Floor Activities Reports).

The Confirmation Calendar (Senate Only) This is a list of Gubernatorial appointments that are currently on the floor of the Senate awaiting confirmation.

All of these calendars are available in paper form in the Legislative Information Center as they are published, and most are available electronically on the Legislative Website (www.leg.wa.gov).

1/21/2009

A Guide to Reading a Legislative Measure BILL NUMBER: Each bill is assigned a number for identification. SENATE BILL 7999 PRIME SPONSOR: The member of the Legislature State of Washington 59th Legislature 2005 Regular Session who first introduced the bill.

By Senators Green and Blue (by request of Department of ______) CO-SPONSOR(S): The member(s) of the Read first time 01/10/2005. Referred to Committee on Government Legislature who join the Operations & Elections. prime sponsor in introducing the legislation. 1 AN ACT Relating to the board of accountancy; amending RCW 2 18.04.180; adding a new section to chapter 18.04 RCW; repealing RCW AGENCY REQUEST: 3 18.04.183 and 18.04.320; and providing an effective date. Indicates that bill was requested by an executive branch agency (legislative 4 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON: sponsor still required).

5 Sec. 1. RCW 18.04.180 and 2004 c 159 s 3 are each amended to read REFERRAL: The date the 6 as follows: bill was introduced and to which committee it was 7 (1) The board shall issue a license to a holder of a referred. 8 certificate/valid license issued by another state that entitles the 9 holder to practice public accountancy, provided that: BILL TITLE: Identifies the 10 (a) Such state makes similar provision to grant reciprocity to a subject of the legislation and how it affects the 11 holder of a valid certificate or license in this state; Revised Code of 12 (b) The applicant meets the CPE requirements of RCW 18.04.215(5); Washington (RCW). 13 (c) The applicant meets the good character requirements of RCW 14 18.04.105(1)(a); and ENACTING CLAUSE: This 15 (d) The applicant passed the examination required for issuance of states who intends to make 16 his or her certificate or license with grades that would have been this bill a law. It will either 17 passing grades at that time in this state and meets all current be by the people of the 18 requirements in this state for issuance of a license at the time state or by the Legislature. 19 application is made; or at the time of the issuance of the applicant's AMENDATORY 20 license in the other state, met all the requirements then applicable in HEADING: Also known as 21 this state; or has three years of experience within the five years the “jingle,” recites both the 22 immediately preceding application or had five years of experience most recent session law 23 within the ten years immediately preceding application in the practice and RCW citation being 24 of public accountancy that meets the requirements prescribed by the amended. 25 board. 26 (2) The board may accept NASBA's designation of the applicant as EXISTING LAW: The text 27 substantially equivalent to national standards as meeting the of the current RCW to be 28 requirement of subsection (1)(d) of this section. amended. 29 (3) A licensee who has been granted a license under the reciprocity DELETED LANGUAGE: 30 provisions of this section shall notify the board within ((thirty)) Lined-out phrases are 31 sixty____ days if the license or certificate issued in the other proposed deletions to 32 jurisdiction has lapsed or if the status of the license or certificate existing law. 33 issued in the other jurisdiction becomes otherwise invalid. 34 NEW LANGUAGE: 35 NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 18.04 RCW Underlined phrases are 36 to read as follows: proposed new language to 37 Each member of the board shall be compensated in accordance with existing law. 38 RCW 43.03.240 and shall be reimbursed for travel expenses incurred in NEW SECTION: Proposed 39 the discharge of such duties in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and new language to be added 40 43.03.060. as a new section to the existing RCW. 41 NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. The following acts or parts of acts are each 42 repealed: REPEALER: The section of 43 (1) RCW 18.04.183 (Accountants from foreign countries) and 2001 c a bill that lists which RCW 44 294 s 9, 1999 c 378 s 3, & 1992 c 103 s 18; and sections are to be removed from state law by the 45 (2) RCW 18.04.320 (Actions against license-—Procedures) and 1986 c proposed legislation. 46 295 s 13, 1983 c 234 s 14, & 1949 c 226 s 31. 47 EFFECTIVE DATE: The 48 NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. This act takes effect July 1, 2006. date the bill becomes a law. 49 ---END---

SB 7999 p. 1

Office of the Code Reviser/Senate Production Services—Revised 11/09/2005 A Guide to Reading a Legislative Measure

TYPES OF MEASURES

Bill: A proposed law presented to the Legislature for consideration; it may originate in either house.

Joint Memorial: A message or petition addressed to the president, Congress, or the head of any other agency of the federal or state government, asking for consideration of some matter of concern to the state or region. Proposed amendments to the U.S. Constitution are also in the form of joint memorials.

Joint Resolution: An act of the legislature which proposes an amendment to the state constitution for reference to the people for acceptance or rejection. Joint resolutions must receive a two-thirds affirmative vote in each house.

Concurrent Resolution: A resolution relating to the internal operation of the legislature, in which one house concurs in the action of the other; it may originate in either house.

Floor Resolution: A resolution adopted by either house usually honoring or commemorating an individual, organization, or event. It also may call for some type of action.

Initiative: A legislative power vested in the people. There are two types: (1) initiative to the people, which goes directly to the voters without consideration by the legislature; and (2) initiative to the legislature, which is considered by the legislature at its next regular session, and if not enacted, is placed on the next general election ballot.

DEFINITIONS OF TERMS

Amendment: Any change in a bill, resolution or memorial. A committee amendment is an amendment proposed in a committee meeting. A floor amendment is an amendment proposed on the floor of a legislative chamber.

Striking Amendment: Amendment removing everything after the title and inserting a whole new bill.

HB: Abbreviation for House Bill.

SB: Abbreviation for Senate Bill.

S (Substitute): A new bill is proposed by a committee to replace the original one. The substitution must be approved by the entire body.

E (Engrossed): Incorporates amendments that were passed by the house of origin (where the bill was introduced).

Scope and Object: If an amendment offered to a proposed bill does not relate closely to the content of the bill, a member may raise “scope and object.” The president then rules if the amendment is “in order” or “out of order.”

Enacted: When a bill is passed by both houses of the legislature and signed by the governor.

New Section: Proposed new language to be added as a new section to existing law.

Veto: Partial or complete rejection of a bill by the governor. The governor has the power to veto sections of bills but cannot make any additions.

Override: The legislature can override the governor’s veto with a two-thirds vote of both houses.

they serve. The Washington State sible for the administration of the total state gas exploration and surface mine reclama- Constitution establishes the office as the kindergarten through twelfth grade educa- tion. auditor of all public accounts. Every public tion program. This includes administering dollar spent by state agencies and local approximately 46 percent of the state gen- Firefighter governments comes under the Auditor's eral fund, and providing the following ser- The department's wildlife protection and purview. vices: suppression programs cover about 12 mil- The office's primary service is the • Administers the basic education program lion acres of state and private forest land. performance of regular financial and legal for more than 956,572 Washington pub- Fighting fire is a priority that spans every compliance audits of all state agencies and lic school students and over 747,009 stu- level ofDNR's seven regions and 13 divi- local governments. There are more than dents attending approved private schools; sions. 2,400 local governments in Washington including all cities, counties, schools, ports • Prepares the biennial state budget and ad- Conservator and special purpose districts. Also audited ministers that budget for the 296 school DNR has taken a lead role in preserving are all state agencies, boards and districts of the state; Washington's natural heritage. A rapidly commissions, including public colleges and • Grants certificates for teachers, adminis- growing system of Natural Area Preserves universities. Fraud and other special trators and others to work in the state's and Natural Resources Conservation Areas investigations are also performed. schools; protects sites of outstanding beauty and en- In addition, the Auditor administers the • Develops and disseminates curriculum vironmental significance. Employee Disclosure, or "Whistleblower guidelines and provides curriculum assis- DNR's responsibilities are linked by a Act", and investigates citizen reports of tance to school districts; guiding commitment to be good stewards of Washington's natural resources. government impropriety. As an elected • Administers the accreditation and school office, the State Auditor has the approval process for both public and pri- independence necessary to objectively vate schools; perform audits and investigations. Insurance Commissioner Other responsibilities include prescribing • Prepares state rules and regulations for dis- Consumer protection is the most important local governments' uniform budgeting, abled, gifted, remedial, health services, food job of the Insurance Commissioner. accounting and reporting systems; training services, vocational, basic education, bilin- When the office was created by the first and technical assistance; prescribing the gual, and other state programs; state Legislature in 1889-90, its main accounting manual for public school • Reviews expenditures oflocal school dis- function was simply to register insurance districts jointly with the Superintendent of tricts and provides statistical analysis; companies that wanted to do business in Washington. Today, the role has expanded Public Instruction; annually publishing • Regulates apportionment of feder- local government comparative statistics; to include overall industry regulation, ally-supported program funds, including making sure companies meet all their and coordinating the audit efficiency and Goals 2000; and quality assurance program. obligations and abide by the rigorous • Administers education programs for chil- financial and legal standards set for doing With a staff of nearly 300 located dren in state institutions. strategically around the state, the Auditor's business in this state. Office is able to deliver services effectively About 50 of the 1,500 authorized insurers and efficiently. in Washington State today are "domestic" Commissioner of insurers, which means they have their Public Lands headquarters in the state. In addition, the Attorney General The Commissioner of Public Lands is the agency is responsible for the testing, licensing The office of the Attorney General is the elected head of the Washington State De- and oversight of more than 36,000 individual largest law firm in the state of Washington. partment of Natural Resources (DNR), one companies and licenses each year. The office is headed by the Attorney Gen- of the largest natural resource agencies in Any citizen may file a complaint with the eral, the state's chieflegal officer. The office the nation. Insurance Commissioner and request an is also staffed by attorneys, appointed as As- The Board ofNatural Resources, chaired investigation of that complaint. The sistant Attorneys General, administrative, in- by the Commissioner of Public Lands, estab- Consumer Protection Division routinely vestigative, paralegal, secretarial and other lishes policy for the department. fields more than 200,000 contacts a year, staff members. The department has four primary roles: many of them via a special toll-free hot The Attorney General has a broad array land manager, regulator, firefighter, and line: 1-800-562-6900. ofresponsibilities unique and necessary to conservator. Seniors on Medicare or other retirement the operations of state government. These re- benefits have access to a special arm of the sponsibilities include: serving as legal coun- Land Manager agency. The Senior Health Insurance sel to the Governor, members of the The department, led by the Lands Commis- Benefits Advisors are trained by the experts Legislature, state officials, and the more than sioner, manages about 5 million acres of on the Commissioner's staff and are 230 state agencies, boards and commissions; public lands. DNR manages about 2 million available in most Washington communities defending the state officials and employees acres of forest lands and 1 million acres of to meet with other seniors to discuss for actions performed in their official capaci- agricultural and grazing lands as well as ur- health-insurance concerns. ties; advising and representing the state ban properties, generating income to sup- The Commissioner's office collects a agencies so they can fulfill their official du- port school construction, colleges, counties, special tax levied on insurance companies ties; and issuing legal opinions. The Attor- state institutions and other beneficiaries. and turns over more than $100 million a ney General also enforces the Consumer DNR manages nearly 2 million acres of year to the state's general fund. The Protection Act, and advises and assists local state-owned aquatic lands - tidelands, har- insurance industry also must pay for its prosecuting attorneys when requested. bors and the beds of navigable waterways - to own regulation. Companies share that cost benefit the people of Washington. according to the amount of business they do in the state. Superintendent of Regulator DNR oversees dozens of resource-based If you are a person with a disability and need a special Public Instruction businesses at the foundation of Washing- accommodation, please contact the House at (360) As head of the state educational agency and ton's economy. The department enforces 786-7271, or the Senate at (360) 786-7189. TTY Chief Executive Officer of the State Board laws regulating logging practices, reforesta- 1-800-833-6388. For further legislative information, call of Education, the Superintendent is respon- the Legislative Hotline at 1-800-562-6000 or check the tion requirements, petroleum and natural internet at: http://www.leg.wa.gov (revised 10/17) WASHINGTON STATE ACT. A bill adopted by the Legislature. CODE REVISER. Operating under the supervision of ACTUARY. A legislative staff officer appointed by the Statute Law Committee, this person codifies into the Joint Committee on Pension Policy to prepare the appropriate sections of the RCW those measures actuarial analyses of pension proposals and other enacted into law by the Legislature and also codifies items as directed by the Legislature. administrative rules adopted by executive branch agencies. AD HOC COMMITTEE. A committee formed for a short duration, usually to study a specific issue. CODIFY. To consolidate, arrange and systematize the permanent legislation passed in a legislative session ADJOURN. To conclude a day’s session with a time into a formal code organized by topic set to meet again, or conclude a meeting. COLLOQUY. A formal conversation in which one ADJOURN SINE DIE. To conclude a regular or spe- or more lawmakers recite a carefully written script, cial session without setting a day to reconvene. designed to clarify legislative intent. ADOPT. To approve formally. COMMITTEE. A portion of a legislative body AGENCY REQUEST BILL. A request for legisla- charged with examining matters specifically tion proposed by an agency of the executive branch referred to it. of government. COMMITTEE ON COMMITTEES. Committees AGENDA. The proposed order of business for a in each house that select the chairs and members of meeting. GLOSSARY standing committees. AMEND. To modify, delete or add to a proposal. OF LEGISLATIVE TERMS COMPANION BILL. A bill introduced in the same AMENDMENT. Any change in a bill, resolution or form in both the House and the Senate. memorial. A committee amendment is an amend- CONCURRENCE CALENDAR. A list of own- ment proposed in a committee meeting. A floor house bills amended by the opposite body and amendment is an amendment proposed on the floor BILLS ON CALENDAR. Printed volumes with yel- returned for possible concurrence. low covers distributed to each member’s floor desk. of a legislative chamber. CONCURRENT RESOLUTION. A resolution Includes the full text of bills and proposed commit- APPEAL FROM DECISION OF THE CHAIR. relating to the internal operation of the Legislature, tee amendments on the pending calendar. A parliamentary procedure for challenging the in which one house concurs in the action of the decision of a presiding officer by asking the mem- BOOST. A legislative procedure to move a bill other; it may originate in either house. directly from its introduction to the floor of the bers to uphold or reject the decision. CONFERENCE CALENDAR. A list of bills to House or Senate without going through the commit- APPORTIONMENT. The division of the state into which both bodies have appointed conferees to dis- tee process. districts with distinct geographic boundaries and the cuss differences and seek resolution. BUMPING. Slang term for suspending the rules to allocation of the number of legislators or congress- CONFERENCE COMMITTEE. A committee allow a bill to be advanced from second to third men to be elected to represent each district. appointed to discuss specific differences of opinion reading without having the bill revert to the Rules APPROACH THE BAR. A legislator’s physical between the House and Senate on bills which have Committee. movement from any place on the floor of either passed each house but with differing positions on house to the rostrum. CALENDAR. A list or schedule of pending one or more amendments. business. APPROPRIATION. A legislative allocation of CONFIRMATION. Approval by the Senate of money for a specific purpose. CALL OF THE HOUSE OR SENATE. A pro- gubernatorial appointments. cedure used to compel attendance of members. AT EASE. A pause in the proceedings of either CONFLICT OF INTEREST. Any interest, financial house, usually for an indefinite time. CALL TO ORDER. Notice given indicating the Leg- or otherwise, any business or professional activity, islature is officially in session. Also used to restore ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OPINION (AGO). or any obligation which is incompatible with the order during floor action. A formal expression of legal reasons and principles proper discharge duties. regarding statutory or common law questions from CAPITAL. Olympia, Washington. CONSENT CALENDAR. Bills with little or no state agencies or legislators. CAPITAL BUDGET. Appropriations made to state known opposition which are placed on a special BAR OF THE HOUSE OR SENATE. The rostrum and local agencies for building and construction calendar by the Rules Committee. within both houses behind which sit or stand the projects. CONSTITUTION. The written instrument embodying President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House, CAPITOL CAMPUS. The grounds and group of the fundamental principles of the state that estab- and others as designated, for presiding over the buildings surrounding the domed Legislative Build- lishes power and duties of the government and guar- body, recording, and processing legislation being ing, holding the offices of most of the state’s elected antees certain rights to the people. considered by the houses. officials. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT. Proposed BICAMERAL. Composed of two chambers or two CAUCUS. A group of legislators from the House change in the Washington State Constitution which legislative bodies. The Washington State bicameral or Senate who unite to promote an agreed-upon has been approved by two-thirds of both houses of legislature is made up of a House of Representa- agenda, influence a particular area of policy, and to the Legislature. To be enacted, the proposed amend- tives and a Senate. decide on questions of policy or leadership. Typi- ment must be placed on the next general election BIENNIUM. Two-year period. The Washington State cally, these take the form of political party (Demo- ballot and secure a simple majority of votes in favor fiscal biennium is from July 1 of odd-numbered years cratic/Republican) caucuses but may also include of adopting the measure. to June 30, two years later. members from multiple parties who join together to CONSTITUTIONAL MAJORITY. A majority of form a coalition. BILL. A proposed law presented to the Legislature members elected to either the Senate or the House. for consideration. CHAIR. Presiding officer. In the Senate, a constitutional majority is 25; in the House, it is 50. BILL BOOKS. Binders located adjacent to the cham- CHAMBER. Official hall for the meeting of a legisla- ber or in committees containing all bills and amend- tive body. CONVENE. Assemble for an official meeting. ments currently before or passed by the Legislature CHAPTER NUMBER. A chapter number, in numer- COSPONSOR. Two or more persons proposing any or committee. ical order, given to each bill enacted. The chapter document. BILL DIGEST. Section-by-section summary of a bill, number is the number of the law. When codified the CUTOFF DATES. Time certain set by a legislative prepared by the Code Reviser’s office. chapter is inserted in the appropriate section of the body for specified action such as bill introduction, statutes known as the Revised Code of Washington BILL DRAFTING OFFICE. Located in the Pritchard committee action, or passage of bills by either house. (RCW). Building in the Code Reviser’s office. Drafts legislation DAY CERTAIN. Adjournment with specific day to to be introduced to the Legislature. (Officially named CHERBERG, JOHN A. BUILDING. The four-story reconvene. building directly southeast of the Legislative Building the Statute Law Committee.) DEBATABLE. Open for discussion or argument. containing offices of senators and staff and hearing BILL HISTORY. A record of the action taken on rooms. DEBATE. Discussion of a matter following parlia- bills, resolutions and memorials. mentary rules. CHIEF CLERK. A person elected by the members of BILL INDEX. A list of legislative measures by sub- the House of Representatives to record the official DEPARTMENT REQUEST BILL. A request for ject matter. action sof the House and to be the chief administra- legislation proposed by a department of the state BILL REPORT. Summary of background and effect tive officer of the House. (also known as agency request bill). of bills, prepared by committee staff. DISCHARGE. What happens to an elected official FLASH CALENDAR. A listing of bills on the sec- INTERN. A college or university student from a who has been recalled. ond or third reading calendar for the next day’s higher education institution within the state, work- DISPUTE CALENDAR. Bills amended by one body agenda in the Senate. ing with the Legislature, who receives stipend and where the second body refuses to concur and asks FLOOR OF THE HOUSE OR SENATE. The credit hours. Legislative interns are assigned to the first body to recede. actual floor space, committed primarily to legisla- members’ offices during session and to committee staff during the interim. DISSENT. Difference of opinion. tors’ desks, on which the business of the Legislature is conducted. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS. An order of busi- DISTRICT. Area encompassing citizens represented ness during which new bills are read into the by a legislator. There are currently 49 legislative FLOOR RESOLUTION. A written motion calling for action, which may be offered from the floor of record. SEE FIRST READING AND ORDER OF districts, each having two House members and one BUSINESS. senator. either house. INVOCATION. Prayer given prior to a session. The DIVISION. A method of voting by standing. GALLERY. Areas of both chambers where public visitors may observe the Legislature in session. schedule for persons offering prayer is determined DIVISION OF QUESTION. Consideration of each by the presiding officer. GERMANE. Relating directly to a question. item separately. JARRC. Joint Administrative Rules Review Com- EFFECTIVE DATE. The date a bill, once passed, GERRYMANDERING. Legislative district bound- mittee. Reviews agency rules to ensure consistency becomes law. Unless a different date is specified, ary lines drawn to obtain partisan or factional with legislative intent. advantages. bills become law ninety days after Sine Die. JLARC. Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commit- EMERGENCY CLAUSE. A provision in a bill that GovDelivery. A software application which allows tee. A joint, bipartisan committee which conducts allows a measure to become effective immediately the user to be notified by e-mail or text messages of performance audits, program evaluations and other upon the signature of the Governor. legislative events such as committee hearing times oversight duties assigned by the Legislature. and agendas. ENACTMENT. The passage of a bill by both houses JOINT COMMITTEE. Committee which consists and the signing by the Governor. GOVERNOR. The chief executive officer of a state. of members from both houses. ENGROSSED BILL. A bill which includes all GRANDFATHER CLAUSE. Inserted in a bill mak- JOINT MEMORIAL. A message or petition amendments adopted on the floor of the house of ing provisions nonapplicable to activities or per- addressed to the President and/or Congress of the origin. sonnel involved prior to the enactment of the new United States, or the head of any other agency of the legislation. ENROLLED BILL. A bill passed by both houses, which federal or state government, asking for consideration incorporates all amendments, and to which has been GREEN SHEET. The list of bills eligible for action of some matter of concern to the state or region. Pro- attached a certificate of enrollment indicating the date by the Senate Rules Committee. Green sheet posed amendments to the U.S. Constitution are also passed, votes cast on the bill, and the certifying officers’ bills can be placed directly on the floor calendar if in the form of joint memorials. signatures. It is presented to the Governor for signature. approved by a majority of the members of the Sen- JOINT RESOLUTION. An act of the Legislature ate Rules Committee. Similar to the House Rules which proposes an amendment to the state Consti- ETHICS. Standard of moral conduct. Legislative eth- Consideration Calendar. ics standards are set forth in Chapter 42.52 RCW tution for reference to the people for acceptance or and House and Senate rules. GUBERNATORIAL APPOINTMENT. Designation rejection. To pass, joint resolutions must receive a by the Governor to fill an office or position. two-thirds affirmative vote of the members elected EXECUTIVE ACTION. 1. Executive action of a in each house. standing committee refers to final consideration of a HEARING. A legislative committee meeting at bill by the committee. 2. Executive action on a bill which witnesses present testimony on matters under JOURNAL. Official record of action of legislative already passed by both houses refers to action taken consideration by the committee. session. by the Governor. HONORARY PAGE. A young person who is acting LAW. Common law is law set by precedent in court and EXECUTIVE ORDER. A directive or command as a nonpaid short-term page for either house. by interpretation of the Constitution and statute law. from the Governor to agencies in the executive HOPPER. Box located in the bill drafting area Statute law is governing action or procedure approved branch. in which legislative measures are deposited for through the legislative process. EXECUTIVE REQUEST BILL. Request for legis- introduction. LEADERSHIP. The officers elected by their respec- lation proposed by the Governor. HOTLINE. Toll-free number (1-800-562-6000) oper- tive caucuses. EXECUTIVE RULES COMMITTEE. ated by the Legislative Information Center where LEAP. Legislative Evaluation and Accountability Pro- See Facilities and Operations (F&O). citizens can leave a brief phone or e-mail message gram. A computer-based program developed by the to communicate their concerns and opinions to their Legislature to monitor the budgetary process. Admin- EXECUTIVE SESSION. A meeting of committee legislator, the Governor or the Lt. Governor. istered by a joint committee and staff. members to discuss and vote on bills they wish to report out of committee. These meetings are open HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Lower cham- LEGISLATIVE AUDITOR. Staff director of JLARC. to the public but no testimony is taken. Note that in ber of our two-body legislature. The House has 98 LEGISLATIVE BUDGET NOTES. Document provid- other contexts executive sessions are closed to the members who serve two-year terms. ing detail about the biennial operating budget. public. INDEFINITELY POSTPONE. To postpone without LEGISLATIVE BUILDING. The domed capitol EX OFFICIO. Holding one office by virtue of hold- setting a definite time for consideration. building of the state of Washington containing both ing another office. Ex-officio members of a- com INITIATIVE. A legislative power vested in the the House and Senate chambers and the offices of mittee have voice but may not vote. people. An initiative is proposed through a petition the Governor, Lt. Governor, Treasurer, Auditor and EXPULSION. The act wherein a body removes one containing signatures of 8 percent of the number of Secretary of State. of its members as provided under its rules. voters voting in the last preceding regular guberna- LEGISLATIVE DIGEST AND HISTORY OF BILLS. torial election. There are two types of initiatives: 1. A publication issued periodically containing the FACILITIES AND OPERATION COMMITTEE. Initiative to the people. Original legislation by the The Senate leadership committee that oversees mat- sponsors, titles, short digest of content, legislative voters, proposing a new law (or changing existing actions, and veto messages of the Governor for ters relating to staff, the physical plant and equipment, laws) without consideration by the Legislature. 2. and operational matters. The corresponding House each bill, memorial, resolution and gubernatorial Initiative to the Legislature. Original legislation by appointment. committee is called EXECUTIVE RULES. the voters, proposing a new law (or changing exist- FIRST READING. First of three readings required to ing laws) for consideration by the Legis- lature at LEGISLATIVE ETHICS BOARD. Nine-member pass measures. Bill on first reading are introduced its next regular session. If not enacted, it is placed board with four legislators and five nonlegislators. and referred to standing committees. SEE INTRO- on the next general election ballot. Authority to interpret and apply the state ethics law DUCTION OF BILLS. for legislators and staff by training, advisory opin- INSURANCE BUILDING. Lying directly to the east ions, and complaints. FISCAL. Relating to financial matters. The state fis- of the Legislative Building, the Insurance Building cal year (FY) is July 1 through June 30. houses the Insurance Commissioner, the Office of LEGISLATIVE INFORMATION CENTER Financial Management and the State Auditor. (LIC). Located on the first floor of the Legisla- FISCAL COMMITTEES. Committees in each tive Building in which staff is available to answer house that create the budgets and review the fiscal INTERIM. Time between regular legislative questions about the legislature and the legislative impact of pending legislation (for example, Ways sessions. process and provide copies of all bills and legislative and Means, Appropriations, Transportation, etc.). INTERIM COMMITTEE ASSEMBLY. A legisla- documents. FISCAL NOTE. An estimate of the expected cost of tive practice during the interim of having some days LEGISLATIVE INFORMATION SPECIALIST. a measure to state and/or local government. devoted to committee hearings and caucuses in An employee of the Legislative Information Center Olympia or another location within the state. (LIC) who can answer questions about the legisla- ture and provide copies of bills, amendments, and NEWHOUSE, IRVING R. BUILDING. A two- PRESIDENT. Presiding officer of the Senate and other legislative documents. story building southeast of the Legislative Building, Lieutenant Governor of the state. LEGISLATIVE INTENT. If the words of a law can- it houses office space for senators and staff. PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE. A senator elected not be clearly interpreted as written, the court may NULL AND VOID CLAUSE. Language specifying by the Senate to discharge the duties of presiding refer to the journal and bill reports to establish the that a measure is invalid unless funding is provided officer in the Lieutenant Governor’s absence. intent of the Legislature in passing certain bills. in the budget by a specified date. PREVIOUS QUESTION. A motion to close debate LEGISLATIVE MANUAL. Biennial publication OATH OF OFFICE. Oath taken by members-elect and bring the pending question or questions to an that contains the rules of each body, joint rules, bio- of the Legislature prior to being seated. immediate vote. graphical and other information about the Legisla- O’BRIEN, JOHN L. BUILDING. The four-story PRIME SPONSOR. The originator or first name on a ture and state government. building southwest of the Legislative Building con- bill or amendment that has been introduced. LEGISLATIVE REPORT. Summary of legislation taining House members’ and staff offices, hearing PRITCHARD, JOEL, M. BUILDING. The former passed during one or more legislative sessions. rooms, and other House facilities. library building South of the Legislative Building. LEGISLATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES (LSS). OFM. Office of Financial Management. The chief It houses Senate staff, the Statute Law Committee, A legislative agency which provides joint adminis- executive agency for evaluating the budget, prepar- the public cafeteria and other legislative offices. trative services such as printing, graphics, videogra- ing fiscal notes, and providing fiscal policy analysis PROCLAMATION. An order issued by the Gover- phy, photography, mail services, facilities support, to the Governor. nor, such as a proclamation calling a special session supply, and technology support to the House, Sen- OPERATING BUDGET. Two-year plan for fund- of the legislature. ate and legislative agencies. LSS also manages the ing ongoing activities of state agencies, except PROVISO. A clause in a bill that sets out specific gift shop, the Legislative Information Center and transportation. Legislative Hotline. exceptions to the general law. OPR. Office of Program Research. The House non- PULL. Slang term for moving a bill. For example, LEGISLATOR. Elected member of either the House partisan research and committee staff located in of Representatives or Senate. Rules Committee members may move (pull) bills the John L. O’Brien Building. Equivalent to Senate from the Green sheet to the floor for action by the LEGISLATURE. The body made up of the members Committee Services. full Senate or from the white sheet to the green of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. ORDER OF BUSINESS. The usual order of daily sheet, or members may vote to pull a bill from a LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR. Presiding officer of activities of a body, set out in its rules. committee to the floor. the Senate. ORDER OF CONSIDERATION. A list of measures PUT THE QUESTION. When the presiding officer LOBBYIST. A person who tries to get legislators anticipated to be acted upon by the House or Senate instructs the body what it is about to vote on. to introduce or vote for measures favorable and on a particular day. QUORUM. A majority of members of the group con- against measures unfavorable to an interest that he PAGE. High school students who assist the House cerned. This means a majority of those elected to or she represents. or Senate during regular legislative sessions. Each either house; in a committee, this means a majority LSC. Legislative Service Center. A legislative agency page is appointed by a member for one week for of members assigned to the specific committee. providing planning, data and information process- which they receive a stipend. RCW. See Revised Code of Washington. ing services, equipment and training in support of PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY. Question posed to RECALL. The recall is the vote of the people which, the Legislature and legislative agencies. Policy and chair for clarification of a point in the proceedings. administrative supervision are provided by the Joint in effect, tries the elective public officer on charges Legislative Systems Committee and the Legislative PASSAGE OF BILL. The act of passing a bill by brought against the officer. All elective public -offi Systems Administrative Committee. either or both houses of the Legislature. cers except judges of courts of record are subject to recall and discharge from elective offices. LTC. Legislative Transportation Committee. A joint PDC. Public Disclosure Commission. Oversees the committee composed of eleven senators and twelve reporting of information filed by lobbyists, state RECEDE. To withdraw from an amendment in which representatives which conducts transportation studies agencies, legislators, candidates and political com- the other house refused to concur. between legislative sessions. mittees on the amount of money spent on the politi- RECODIFY. To reorganize existing sections, chap- cal process and enforces the campaign laws. MAJORITY LEADER. Leader of the majority party ters or titles of a code, usually to conform to a in the state Senate. In the House, second in command PENALTY CLAUSES. Sections of bills which lay scheme set forth in new legislation. to the Speaker. Elected by the majority caucus in each out criminal or civil penalties for violation of the RECOMMITTED BILL. A procedure whereby a bill body. law. is referred back to a standing or conference committee MAJORITY PARTY. The party numbering the most PENSION POLICY, JOINT COMMITTEE. Com- for further consideration. A bill may be recommit- members in a legislative body. mittee which reviews proposed changes to retirement ted at any time, usually on second or third reading. laws and recommends changes. Recommitment of bills can be used to kill a bill during MAJORITY REPORT. Document bearing the signa- the final days of a session. tures of a majority of the members of a committee PETITION. A formal request. recommending a particular action on a measure. PER DIEM. Payment in lieu of living expenses. RECONSIDER. To vote again on a question previ- ously before the body. MANSION. The official residence of the Governor, PICTORIAL DIRECTORY. Publication containing located directly west of the Legislative Building. pictures and biographical material about the state- RED BOOK. The Legislative Manual. MEASURE. Any matter before a body such as a bill, wide elected officials and members of the Legisla- REDISTRICTING. Redrawing the boundaries of memorial or resolution. ture. Known as the “baby book.” areas of representation to make them equal in popu- lation. Generally done once each decade. MEDIA DIGEST. Compilation of print media about PLURALITY. The person or alternative with the legislative activities for a certain period. Also called most votes between two or more choices; as REFER. To send a measure to a committee for study “daily clips.” opposed to a “simple majority,” meaning 51 per- and consideration. cent or more of those present and voting. A “con- MEMBERS. Legislators having taken the oath of RE-REFER. To reassign a measure to a different stitutional majority” is 51 percent or more of those committee. office. elected to the House or Senate. REFERENDUM. Recently passed legislation MINORITY PARTY. A party numbering less than a POINT OF ORDER. A demand or request by a majority of members in a legislative body. referred by the Legislature to the voters for their member for a legislative body to adhere to its rules rejection or enactment. MINORITY REPORT. Document carrying of procedure. signature(s) of a minority of the members of a com- REFERENDUM MEASURE. The legislative power POLICY COMMITTEES. Committees in each whereby the electorate may call back recently mittee recommending an action different from the house that examine bills and other matters related majority. enacted laws for voter consideration. It originates to specific policy areas (for example, Education, in a petition containing signatures of 4 percent of MOOT. A term indicating that a motion is not timely Health and Welfare, etc.). those registered and voting at the last preceding because it can no longer affect an action or event. POSTPONE TO A DAY CERTAIN. To defer con- regular gubernatorial election. MOTION. A proposal that the Senate or House take sideration until a later time or day. RELIEVED. A committee may be relieved of further a certain action. PREFILING. The act of introducing a bill prior to consideration of any bill in either house by a majority MOTION TO RECONSIDER. A motion which, if it the beginning of session. Prefiling starts on the first vote of the members of the particular house. succeeds, would place a question in the same status Monday in December prior to the commencement REPEAL. To revoke or abrogate by legislative action. as it was prior to a previous vote on that question. of the session, or twenty days prior to a special session. MOVE. A formal request for action. REPEALER CLAUSE. The section of a bill that SPEAKER. Presiding officer of the House of TITLE-ONLY BILL. A bill which contains nothing lists which RCW sections and chapters of law are Representatives. more than a title and a number. It is introduced in revoked and abrogated by the proposed legislation. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS. A motion to order to have a vehicle on which to amend sub- REPORTING OUT. Action by a committee on a take up a specified measure at a specific time. stance at a later time. measure which moves the measure out of the com- SPECIAL SESSION. A session of no more than 30 TRANSPORTATION BUDGET. Appropriations for mittee. Committee reports include do pass, do not days, convened by the Governor or the Legislature, highways, bridges, ferries, transit, vehicle licensing, pass, amend, substitute, refer to another committee, following adjournment of the regular session. The and traffic enforcement. or no recommendation. Legislature, upon two-thirds vote of all members, TVW. Washington State version of C-SPAN, broad- REVISED CODE OF WASHINGTON. A codifica- may call itself into special session. casting state government meetings and activities. tion of current statutes as enacted and amended. SPONSOR. Member offering a bill, amendment, ULCER GULCH. Slang term for area in the Legisla- ROLL CALL. Record of how members voted on a resolution or memorial. tive Building used by lobbyists and general public particular issue or question. STANDING COMMITTEES. Committees set up for telephone calls and messages. RSS. A software program or application that notifies by the Legislature to last for the entire length (two UNFINISHED BUSINESS. Business which has the user when a bill has changed status. years) of a legislature. been laid over from a previous day. RULES CONSIDERATION CALENDAR. The STATE OFFICIALS. The nine elected statewide UNICAMERAL LEGISLATURE. A legislative list of bills eligible for action by the House Rules administrative officers: Governor, Lieutenant body having only one house, such as a city council. Committee. Bills from this calendar can be placed Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Nebraska has the only unicameral state legislature. directly on the floor calendar, if approved by a Treasurer, Auditor, Commissioner of Public Lands, VETO. Rejection of a bill by the Governor. Governor majority of the members of the House Rules Com- Insurance Commissioner and Superintendent of has power to veto sections of bills but cannot make mittee. Similar to the Senate Green Sheet. Public Instruction. any additions. The Governor can also veto appro- RULES REVIEW CALENDAR. The list of bills STATUS SHEET. A daily publication during session priation items. To pass a bill over a Governor’s veto eligible to be moved to the Rules Consideration giving status of bills pending or acted upon by the takes a two-thirds vote of both houses and is known Calendar by the House Rules Committee. Pulls Legislature. as overriding a veto. from this calendar to the Rules Consideration Cal- STATUTE. A law enacted by the Legislature. WAC. Washington Administrative Code. States how endar require a vote by the majority of members of STATUTE LAW COMMITTEE. See Code Reviser. state agencies shall organize and adopt rules and the House Rules Committee. Similar to the Senate regulations. WACs and rules and regs refer to White Sheet. STRIKE OUT. To delete language from a bill or agency guidelines adopted pursuant to the Adminis- RULE SUSPENDED. To temporarily set aside a resolution. trative Procedure Act. rule. STRIKING AMENDMENT. Amendment remov- WALIS. Washington Legislative Information System. A RULES. Regulating principles used in the conduct of ing everything after the title and inserting a whole number of different types of services, including a data legislative business. new bill. processing system, which provides accurate up-to- RULES COMMITTEE. Committee responsible SUBCOMMITTEE. Selected members of a commit- date information on legislative actions. for setting the daily calendar of the Senate and tee designed to study a special area of concern and WASHINGTON STATE REGISTER. A monthly House. The President of the Senate and Speaker then report to the whole committee their findings publication which lists all proposed new agency of the House, respectively, serve as chair of these and recommendations. WAC rules and regs as well as proposed amend- committees. SUBSTITUTE. A bill which replaces an entire bill or ments, meeting notices, etc. SCOPE AND OBJECT. A parliamentary ruling resolution. WAYS AND MEANS. The chief revenue and appro- by the presiding officer as to whether a proposed SUNSET. A program for review of state agencies, priations committee in the Senate. The committee amendment fits within the subject matter of the programs and statutes by JLARC and OFM. is responsible for deciding the ways in which state bill under consideration. Senate and House rules SUNSET PROVISION. A date certain for a law to monies will be spent and the means that will be prohibit amendments which change or expand the automatically be repealed unless renewed by the used to raise the tax revenues. scope and object of a bill. Legislature. WHIP. An assistant to the majority or minority leader, SECRETARY OF THE SENATE. A person elected SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET. Changes in the second the duties of the whip include counting votes, check- by the Senate members to record the official actions year of the biennium to funds allocated in the original ing attendance and maintaining caucus discipline on of the Senate and to be the chief administrative offi- capital, operating, or transportation budgets. partisan issues and procedural questions. cer of the Senate. SUPREME COURT. The highest court of the state. WHITE SHEET. The list of bills eligible for consid- SECOND READING. The reading of a bill for the Comprised of nine elected justices who serve stag- eration to be moved to the Green Sheet by the Sen- second time, in full, in open session, opening it to gered six-year terms. ate Rules Committee. Pulls from the White Sheet amendatory action. to the Green Sheet do not require a vote. Similar SUSPENSION CALENDAR. Special calendar of to the House Rules Review Calendar. SELECT COMMITTEE. A committee appointed to noncontroversial bills created by the House Rules consider a particular topic for a limited time. Used Committee. The only question on the floor is accep- WITHDRAW A MOTION. To recall or remove a interchangeably with special committee. tance of committee recommendations and advance- motion according to parliamentary procedure. SENATE. Upper chamber of our two-body legisla- ment to third reading. Closely related to the consent WITHIN THE BAR. Refers either to a legislator’s ture. The Senate has 49 members who serve four- calendar occasionally used in the Senate. presence within the bar of the house or to his or her year terms. TABLE. To set aside a matter for possible consider- physical presence on the floor of the Legislature. SENATE COMMITTEE SERVICES. The Senate ation at a future time. WORK ROOM. An office in each house where the nonpartisan research and committee staff located in TEMPLE OF JUSTICE. The building directly north bills are processed, roll call information retained the John A. Cherberg Building. Equivalent to House of the Legislative Building housing the Supreme and bills engrossed, enrolled, etc. Office of Program Research. Court and offices of the Supreme Court Clerk, WORK SESSION. Informal discussion of a measure SERGEANT AT ARMS. Enforces protocol of the Commissioner, Reporter of Decisions, and the Law or topic by a committee. No executive action or House or Senate and provides security for the legis- Library. amendments are permitted. lative offices. TERM. Duration of office of an elected official. YIELD. To relinquish the floor of the House or Sen- SESSION. Official meeting of the Legislature. The TERM LIMITS. Restrictions on the length of service ate to allow another member to speak. Constitution provides for one 105-day regular ses- for elected offices. sion during odd-numbered years and one 60-day THIRD HOUSE. An association whose member- regular session during even-numbered years each If you are a person with a disability and need a biennium. ship includes most of the professional lobbyists in the state. special accommodation, please contact the House at SEVERABILITY CLAUSE. A section of a bill (360) 786-7271, or the Senate at (360) 786-7189. which instructs the court that if one section of the THIRD READING. The final consideration of a bill TTY 1-800-833-6388. before either house. The bill can be debated, tabled, act is found unconstitutional, the remainder of the For reprint, phone the Legislative Information Center act will remain intact. referred, but not amended. Final passage takes a con- stitutional majority. (360) 786-7573. SHORT TITLE. An abridged description of a Senate Bill TITLE OF BILL. Description of bill or act which SINE DIE. To conclude a regular or special session encompasses the intent of the bill. without setting a day to reconvene. Revised 10/3/2017 2021 Organization Chart Washington State Government Legislative Branch Executive Branch Judicial Branch Senate and House of Representatives Supreme Court Joint Legislative Audit & Review Committee Legislative Evaluation & Accountability Administrative Office of the Courts Law Library Joint Legislative Systems Committee Program (LEAP) Committee Office of Civil Legal Aid Municipal Courts Joint Transportation Committee Office of the State Actuary Court of Appeals Office of Public Defense Legislative Ethics Board Redistricting Commission (activated decennially) Commission on Judicial Conduct District and Superior Courts Office of Legislative Support Services Statute Law Committee (Code Reviser’s Office)

Commissioner of Insurance LieutenantAgencies Managed by Statewide ElectedAttorney Officials Superintendent of Secretary Public Lands Commissioner Treasurer Governor Governor General Public Instruction Auditor of State

Dept. of Natural Resources Public Deposit Protection See offices below Executive Ethics State Library - Board of Natural Resources Commission Board State Finance Committee

Environment and Health and Community and Natural Resources General Government Transportation Human Services Education Economic Development Agencies led by Governor-appointed executives Department of Board of Accountancy Dept. of Licensing Dept. of Children, Youth and Center for Deaf and Hard of Commission on African- Agriculture Office of Administrative Hearings (occupational regulatory Families Hearing Youth American Affairs (commodity commissions) boards) Dept. of Archaeology and Historic Department of Corrections School for the Blind Arts Commission Department of Ecology Preservation Washington State Patrol - Indeterminate Sentence Workforce Training and Commission on Asian Pacific Pollution Liability Traffic Safety Review Board Education Coordinating American Affairs Consolidated Technology Services Employment Security Dept. Insurance Agency (WaTech) Commission Board Department of Commerce - Governor’s Committee on Puget Sound Partnership - Chief Information Officer, Office of the Dept. of Transportation - Community Economic Disability Issues & Employment Revitalization Board Recreation and - Technology Services Board - Cybersecurity, Office of Department of Health - Developmental Disabilities Conservation Office (occupational regulatory boards) Council Department of Enterprise Services - Board of Health - Public Works Board - Building Code Council Health Care Authority - Broadband Office Department of Financial Institutions - Public Employees Benefits Bd. Commission on Hispanic Office of Financial Management - School Employees Benefits Bd. Affairs - Personnel Resources Board Dept. of Labor and Industries Office of Minority & Women’s - Sentencing Guidelines Commission Dept. of Services for the Blind Business Enterprises - Serve Washington Office of the Governor Dept. of Social and Health Services - Corrections Ombuds, Office of - Education Ombuds, Office of Dept. of Veterans Affairs - Equity Office - Family & Children’s Ombuds, Office of - Independent Investigations, Office of - LGBTQ Commission - Regulatory Innovation & Assistance, Ofc. for - Results Washington - Women’s Commission Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs State Lottery Military Department Department of Retirement Systems

Department of Revenue Agencies under authority of a board, council, or commission Columbia River Gorge Caseload Forecast Council County Road Criminal Justice Training Charter School Commission Economic Development Commission Citizens’ Commission on Salaries for Administration Board Commission Board of Education Finance Authority Conservation Elected Officials Freight Mobility Health Care Facilities Professional Educator Housing Finance Commission Economic & Revenue Forecast Council Strategic Investment Authority Standards Board Commission Board Environmental and Land Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council Human Rights Commission State Board for Community Use Hearings Office Board of Pilotage Forensic Investigations Council Board of Industrial Insurance and Technical Colleges - Growth Management Commissioners Appeals - Boards of trustees for 34 Hearings Board Gambling Commission Transportation Tobacco Settlement community/technical colleges - Pollution Control Hearings Horse Racing Commission Improvement Board Board Authority Governing boards of higher Investment Board Transportation education institutions: - Shorelines Hearings Commission Board Law Enforcement Officers’ and Fire - Central Washington University Fighters’ Plan 2 Retirement Board - Eastern Washington University Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Liquor and Cannabis Board - The Evergreen State College - Fish and Wildlife - University of Washington Commission Public Disclosure Commission - Washington State University Parks and Recreation Public Employment Relations Commission Commission - Western Washington University Washington Materials Board of Registration for Professional Washington Student Management and Engineers & Land Surveyors Achievement Council Financing Authority Prepared by Tax Appeals, Board of Higher Education Facilities Authority Office of Financial Utilities and Transportation Commission Eastern Washington State Management Board for Volunteer Firefighters and Historical Society July 2021 Reserve Officers Wash. State Historical Society

Salutations for State and Federal Offices

Governor: Sir or Madam; Dear Governor ______

Lt Governor: Sir or Madam; Dear Lt Governor ______

Speaker of the House: Dear Mr. or Madam Speaker ______

Senator: Dear Mr. or Madam Senator; or Dear Mr. or Ms. ___

Representative: Dear Mr. or Madam ______

Attorney General Dear Sir or Madam; Dear Mr. or Ms. Attorney General

President of the U.S. Mr. President or Madam President; Dear Mr. President or Dear Madam President

U.S. Vice President Dear Sir or Madam; Mr. Vice President or Madam Vice President

Washington State Legislative Information Center

P.O. Box 40500 Olympia, WA 98504-0500 (360) 786-7573 E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.leg.wa.gov Hotline: 1-800-562-6000 TTY: 1-800-833-6388

Estado de Washington Centro de Información Legistiva

Apartado Postal 40500 Olympia, WA 98504-0500 (360) 786-7573

E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.leg.wa.gov Linea de servicio: 1-800-562-6000 TTY: 1-800-833-6388