How a Bill Becomes a Law in WA
How does a bill become a law in Washington? And how does it differ from the U.S. Congress? Learn how Washington State’s legislative branch is designed to ensure a citizen legislature and allow for public engagement in the legislative process.. This episode focuses on how a bill becomes a law in Washington State and some key differences in the legislative process on the state and federal levels.
Discussion Questions:
- Where do the ideas for bills come from? Who can draft a bill in WA? Who can introduce a bill?
- Can bills in WA have more than one subject? Why or why not?
- What are four things that can happen to a bill during a committee’s executive session?
- What is a fiscal note and how does it affect the legislative process?
- What happens if the governor refuses to sign a bill?
- Why is it difficult to pass legislation in Washington state? What are some of the ways in which a bill can “die” in the process?