Welcome to the Washington State Legislature
The Washington State Legislature is the state's lawmaking body, where elected Senators and Representatives come together to create and pass laws that shape the daily lives of Washingtonians.
Find a bill or initiative
Find out what's happening in the Legislature
Today, November 21, 2024
| Joint Transportation Committee | Joint | Vancouver | Agenda | View Video |
Joint Transportation Committee Joint Vancouver |
How we make laws
Legislators introduce bills
First, legislators submit bills to the House or Senate. Leaders in those chambers choose which committees should receive them.
Bill introductions
Committees review bills
Committees study bills and make reports on them. They also hold meetings that are open to the public.
Bills in committees
Rules committees set the schedule
These special committees control the legislative calendar. They decide which bills will move forward.
Rules committee review
The first chamber votes
Bills then go to the entire House or Senate for discussion and voting. If they pass, they go to the next chamber.
Debates
The next chamber repeats the process
The other chamber follows the same steps as the first chamber. If bills pass both chambers, they go to the Governor.
Next chamber
The Governor makes a choice
Finally, the Governor may sign bills into law or veto them. The Legislature can vote to override a veto.
Governor's decision
How we're structured
Civic education
Our Civic Education program provides opportunities and resources for students and teachers. Whether you want to join a program, teach others, or simply learn, we're here to help.
Civic education programs
Visit the Capitol
Planning a visit? The Capitol Campus website has information about everything you need to know, from maps and parking to tours and attractions.
Visit Capitol.wa.gov website