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-Eighth Legislature be adopted as follows:
PERMANENT RULES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SIXTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE 2023-2024

Chapters

Rule 1. Definitions
Rule 2. Chief Clerk to Call to Order
Rule 3. Election of Officers
Rule 4. Powers and Duties of the Speaker
Rule 5 . Chief Clerk
Rule 6. Executive Rules Committee
Rule 7. Duties of Employees
Rule 8. Admission to the House
Rule 9. Absentees and Courtesy
Rule 10. Bills, Memorials and Resolutions - Introductions
Rule 11. Reading of Bills
Rule 12. Amendments
Rule 13. Final Passage
Rule 14. Hour of Meeting, Roll Call and Quorum
Rule 15. Daily Calendar and Order of Business
Rule 16. Motions
Rule 17. Remote Participation and Voting Permitted Upon Authorization
Rule 18. Members' Right to Debate
Rule 19. Rules of Debate
Rule 20. Ending of Debate - Previous Question
Rule 21. Voting
Rule 22. Reconsideration
Rule 23. Call of the House
Rule 24. Appeal from Decision of Chair
Rule 25. Standing Committees
Rule 26. Duties of Committees
Rule 27. Standing Committees - Expenses - Subpoena Power
Rule 28. Vetoed Bills
Rule 29. Suspension of Compensation
Rule 30. Smoking and Vaping
Rule 31. Liquor
Rule 32. Parliamentary Rules
Rule 33. Standing Rules Amendment
Rule 34. Rules to Apply for Assembly
Rule 35. Legislative Publications
Rule 36. Emergency Resolution Authorized

Rule 9. Absentees and Courtesy

No member shall be absent from the service of the house without leave from the speaker. When the house is in session, only the speaker shall recognize visitors and former members.