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Senate emergency parliamentary rules

Read the Senate emergency rules, which are in effect and in addition to the permanent Senate rules.

Adoption date
January 13, 2025
Senate Resolution(s)

Preface

WHEREAS, The Facilities and Operations Committee has the authority to determine whether physically convening all members and staff in a single location could present a danger to health or safety of the participants and requires continued operational changes to adhere to public health guidance during the 2025 legislative session; and
WHEREAS, Permanent Senate Rule 70 establishes a process by which the Senate will adopt a resolution establishing the rules and procedures to govern floor and committee action for such a legislative session;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, By the Senate of the state of Washington, That the following be adopted as the Emergency Parliamentary Rules of the Sixty-Ninth Legislature:
EMERGENCY PARLIAMENTARY RULES OF THE SENATE
SIXTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE
2025

Section I. General

Rule A. Public Health Measures

(1) Senate members and employees must comply with the 2023 Senate Session Guidelines adopted by the Facilities and Operations Committee, including any subsequent amendments and as implemented by Senate Administration. These guidelines govern mask-wearing, social distancing, and COVID-19 isolation procedures.
(2)(a) Regular floor action will occur in a hybrid remote format with only the number of members present as determined by the Facilities and Operations Committee and subject to the 2023 Senate Session Guidelines.
(b) Committee hearings and executive action will be held remotely.
(3) Public access to the Senate galleries during floor action shall be determined by the Facilities and Operations Committee. All committee and floor proceedings will be broadcast to the public via streaming or televised platforms to ensure public access. (See Article II, Section 11 of the state Constitution.)

Rule B. Interpretation of Permanent Senate Rules

To the extent that a matter is not addressed in this Resolution, the Permanent Rules of the Senate adopted January 13, 2025, will govern. The President will interpret all rules and procedures to facilitate legislative business in a fair and efficient manner in light of the ongoing emergency and remote session.

Related links

Senate rules
Joint rules
Reed's Rules
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