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.
Preface
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That permanent House rules for the Sixty-ninth Legislature be adopted as follows:
PERMANENT RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
SIXTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE 2025-2026
Rule 1. Definitions
(A) "Absent" means an unexcused failure to attend.
(B) "Bill" means bill, joint memorial, joint resolution, or concurrent resolution unless the context indicates otherwise.
(C) "Committee" means any standing, conference, joint, or select committee as so designated by rule or resolution.
(D) "Fiscal committee" means the appropriations, capital budget, finance, and transportation committees.
(E) "Sergeant at arms" means the director of house security.
(F) "Session" means a constitutional gathering of the house in accordance with Article II, section 12 of the state Constitution.
(G) "Term" means the two-year term during which the members as a body may act.