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Legislative procedures

We follow written rules during the lawmaking process and other work. There are separate rules for the House of Representatives, Senate, and other legislative groups.

List of rules for legislative groups

House rules
The Washington State House rules establish procedures and protocols for conducting legislative business in the House of Representatives. These rules provide the framework for how bills are processed, committees operate, and representatives conduct official business.
Senate rules
The permanent rules of the Washington Senate inform administrative operations and parliamentary procedures in Senate business, including committee meetings and floor sessions.
Joint rules
The House and Senate both vote to adopt joint rules that govern processes that affect both chambers.
Reed's Rules
Reed’s Rules is a parliamentary manual used by the Washington State Legislature to inform parliamentary practice when not in conflict with adopted rules. The manual was written by Thomas B. Reed, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 1889-91 and 1895-99.
Senate emergency rules
Read the Senate emergency rules, which are in effect and in addition to the permanent Senate rules.
Code Reviser's Office Procedures
Code Reviser's Office Procedures.
Ethics Board rules
Read the rules for legislative ethics and the Legislative Ethics Board's procedures.