How a Bill Becomes a Law
Who can introduce a bill to the legislature?
A senator or representative
What are the two major political parties in WA State?
Democrats and Republicans
What are three ways you can contact your legislator?
1. Meet in person
2. Phone call
3. Email
4. Letter
5. Meet over Zoom
a) How many legislative districts are in Snohomish County?
b) how many legislative districts are in Washington State?
a) 7 legislative districts
b) 49 legislative districts
President?
If a Senator introduces a bill, does it only have to be approved by the Senate to become a law?
No. Both houses must agree.
Once a bill is passed in one house the bill goes through the same procedure in the other house. When both chambers agree on passing the bill, it is delivered to the governor’s desk for signing.
What is the Legislature?
The branch of government that makes new laws and changes old ones. The legislature can also enact budgets for the state.
Where & how can you meet with your legislators?
1. Call and make an appointment for a private meeting at the Capitol Building during the legislative session.
2. Attend a Town Hall
3. Attend a Legislative Coffee.
4. Schedule a Zoom meeting.
What city does the Washington State Legislature convene in? Hint: state legislatures meet in the capital city of each state.
Olympia, WA.
Mayor?
What does it mean if the Governor vetoes a bill?
The Governor rejects the bill.
If the Governor vetoes all or part of a bill the bill dies.
The legislature can override a Governor veto if ⅔ of both chambers agree.
a) How many chambers are there?
b) Name them.
a) Two.
B) The Senate and the House of Representatives.
What is the Legislative Hotline?
1-800-562-6000
A toll-free number you can call during the legislative session to voice your opinions on bills.
An operator will answer and take your message.
Your message will be sent to all three of your Legislators and the Governor.
True or false: senators serve 4 year terms and representatives serve 2 year terms
True
Member of Congress?
Federal
What happens to a bill when the Governor doesn’t sign it or veto it?
If the Governor doesn’t take any action on a bill that has been passed by both the House and the Senate, it may become a law without a signature.
How many legislators represent each Legislative District?
Three.
1 Senator
2 Representatives
What information do you need to give when you call the Legislative Hotline?
Your NAME & ADDRESS.
Names of your legislators (if you know them).
The BILL NUMBER (or budget item) you’re calling about.
STATE YOUR POSITION simply. Do you support, oppose or want changes to the bill?
How long is the legislative cycle in Washington State?
The legislative cycle is two years long. Bills that did not make it through the legislature during the first year of the biennium can be brought back and passed during the second year of the two year cycle.
Legislator?
State (or Federal).
State level legislators serve each of the legislative districts in Washington. The advocacy work we do is primarily with State level legislators.
DAILY DOUBLE: How many readings does a bill need to have in each chamber to pass the legislature?
3 readings in each chamber.
What are committees?
Small groups of Senators or Representatives who review proposed laws (bills) and study issues.
Public Hearings are where citizens are given a chance to present their opinions about a bill to the committee members.
What is an “Action Alert”?
An email The Arc sends, that alerts you about an urgent time sensitive issue that needs your advocacy.
Provides an easy way to send a message to the appropriate legislator with a click of a button.
You can send the message as is, or edit it using your own words.
True or false: A year ending in an even or odd number has nothing to do with the length of the legislative session.
False. In odd number years (like 2021) there is a regular long session that lasts 105 days. In even number years (like 2022), there is a regular short session that lasts 60 days.
Council member?
Local.