Washington State Legislative Process

The video explains the legislative process in the Washington State Legislature, detailing how bills are introduced, reviewed, and potentially passed into law. It covers the sources of bill ideas, the role of committees, the importance of fiscal analysis, and the steps a bill must go through, including readings and amendments. The Governor's role in signing or vetoing bills is also discussed, highlighting the challenges and intentional difficulty in passing new laws to ensure thorough review and debate.

What is one reason why many bills do not become laws in Washington State?

• Bills require unanimous approval to pass.

• There are not enough legislators to review all bills.

• The legislative process is designed to be challenging.

• The Governor vetoes most bills.

Who can introduce a bill in the Washington State Legislature?

• The Governor

• Any citizen

• A legislator

• A lobbyist

What happens to a bill after it is filed in Washington State?

• It goes to the Code Revisor's Office for numbering and titling.

• It is immediately voted on by the full chamber.

• It is sent to the federal government for review.

• It is sent to the Governor for approval.

What is the purpose of a public hearing in the legislative process?

• To determine the bill's fiscal impact

• To allow the Governor to express opinions on the bill

• To finalize the bill's language

• To give interested parties a chance to discuss the bill

What is required for a bill to move out of committee?

• A unanimous vote

• A majority vote

• Approval from the Governor

• A fiscal note

What is a 'fiscal note' in the context of a bill?

• A financial analysis of the bill's cost

• A report on public opinion about the bill

• A list of amendments to the bill

• A summary of the bill's content

What is the role of the Rules Committee in the legislative process?

• To conduct public hearings

• To approve fiscal notes

• To decide which bills advance to the floor

• To draft new bills

What must happen for a bill to advance to the Governor's office?

• It must have a fiscal note attached.

• It must be approved by the Rules Committee.

• It must pass both chambers of the legislature.

• It must be signed by the Speaker of the House.

What happens if the Governor does not sign a bill by the deadline?

• The bill is automatically vetoed.

• The bill becomes law automatically.

• The bill is sent back to the legislature.

• The bill is discarded.

What is required to override a Governor's veto?

• A public referendum

• Approval from the Rules Committee

• A two-thirds majority vote in both chambers

• A simple majority vote in both chambers