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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.

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Find out what's happening in the Legislature

The Legislature will convene for the 2025 regular session on January 13, 2025
The next regular session convenes in 38 day(s) on 01/13/2025

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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
Hand placing bill documents in to a wooden box labeled 'hopper'

Committees review bills

Committees study bills and make reports on them. They also hold meetings that are open to the public.

Bills in committees
committee hearing with attendees

Rules committees set the schedule

These special committees control the legislative calendar. They decide which bills will move forward.

Rules committee review
coference room with chairs around a square table

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
hand tapping electronic voting machine

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
Governor signing a bill

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
Hand placing bill documents in to a wooden box labeled 'hopper'

    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
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