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.
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.
Find a bill or initiative
Looking for something else? View more ways to find bills.
Find out what's happening in the Legislature
Floor and meeting calendars
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 introductionsCommittees review bills
Committees study bills and make reports on them. They also hold meetings that are open to the public.
Bills in committeesRules committees set the schedule
These special committees control the legislative calendar. They decide which bills will move forward.
Rules committee reviewThe 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.
DebatesThe 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 chamberThe 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 decisionHow we're structured
- House of Representatives
The House of Representatives consists of 98 members, with two members representing each of Washington state's 49 legislative districts.
- Senate
The Senate is made up of 49 Senators, each one representing a legislative district in Washington.
- Committees
Members of the House and Senate also serve on committees. Each committee reviews and hears testimony about bills.
- Legislative agencies
Legislative agencies are special organizations that support the Legislature. They provide services that other legislative groups cannot.
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 programsVisit 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