Washington State Senate

General Information
Party control: |  Democrat
Session start: |  January 9, 2017
Session end: |  April 23, 2017
Term length: |  4 years
Term limits: |  None
Redistricting: | Commission
Salary: |  $60,191/year for senators. $61,997/year for representatives.
\+ per diem
Members
Total: | 49
Democrats: | 30
Republicans: | 19
Other: | 0
Vacancies: | 0
Leadership
President: |  Denny Heck (D)
Maj. Leader: |  Jamie Pedersen (D)
Min. Leader: |  John Braun (R)
Elections
Last election: | November 5, 2024
Next election: | November 3, 2026

The Washington State Senate is the upper chamber of the Washington State Legislature. Alongside the Washington House of Representatives, it forms the legislative branch of the Washington state government and works alongside the governor of Washington to create laws and establish a state budget. Legislative authority and responsibilities of the Washington State Senate include passing bills on public policy matters, setting levels for state spending, raising and lowering taxes, voting on initiatives or referring them to the ballot, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.

The Washington State Senate meets in the state capitol building in Olympia, Washington.

* Twenty-five out of 49 Senate seats were up for election in 2024. The chamber's Democratic majority increased from 29-20 to 30-19.

* Twenty-four out of 49 Senate seats were up for election in 2022. The chamber's Democratic majority remained 29-20.
* Washington has a Democratic trifecta. The Democratic Party controls the office of governor and both chambers of the state legislature.

This page contains the following information on the Washington State Senate.

* Which party controls the chamber
* The chamber's current membership
* Partisan control of the chamber over time
* Elections in the chamber and how vacancies are filled
* A district map
* How redistricting works in the state
* Legislation currently under consideration
* Legislative session dates
* Legislative procedures, such as veto overrides and the state budget process
* A list of committees

## Contents

* 1 Party control
* 1.1 Current partisan control
* 2 Members
* 2.1 Leadership
* 2.2 Leadership and members
* 2.3 Salaries
* 2.4 Swearing in dates
* 2.5 Membership qualifications
* 3 Historical party control
* 3.1 Trifecta history
* 4 Elections
* 4.1 Elections by year
* 4.2 2026
* 4.3 2024
* 4.4 2022
* 4.5 2020
* 4.6 2018
* 4.7 2016
* 4.8 2014
* 4.9 2012
* 4.10 2010
* 4.11 2008
* 4.12 2006
* 4.13 2004
* 4.14 2002
* 4.15 2000
* 4.16 Vacancies
* 5 District map
* 6 Redistricting
* 6.1 2020-2024
* 6.1.1 District map after 2020 redistricting
* 6.2 2010
* 7 Sessions
* 7.1 Legislation
* 7.2 Dates of legislative sessions in Washington by year
* 7.3 2025
* 7.4 2024
* 7.5 2023
* 7.6 2022
* 7.7 2021
* 7.8 2020
* 7.8.1 Effect of coronavirus pandemic
* 7.9 2019
* 7.10 2018
* 7.11 2017
* 7.12 2016
* 7.13 2015
* 7.14 2014
* 7.14.1 Major issues in 2014
* 7.15 2013
* 7.15.1 Major issues in 2013
* 7.16 2012
* 7.17 2011
* 7.18 2010
* 7.19 About legislative sessions in Washington
* 8 Legislative roles and procedures
* 8.1 Veto overrides
* 8.2 Initiatives to the legislature
* 8.3 Role in state budget
* 9 Committees
* 10 Constitutional amendments
* 10.1 Legislature
* 10.2 Convention
* 11 See also
* 12 External links
* 13 Footnotes

## Party control[edit]

### Current partisan control[edit]

The table below shows the partisan breakdown of the Washington State Senate as of September 2025:

Party  | As of September 2025

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| Democratic Party | 30
| Republican Party | 19
| Other  | 0
| Vacancies  | 0
Total |  49

## Members[edit]

### Leadership[edit]

The lieutenant governor serves as president of the Senate but only votes in the event of a tie. In the absence of the lieutenant governor, the president pro tempore serves as the presiding officer. The president pro tempore is elected by the majority party caucus but must also be confirmed by the entire Senate.[1][2]

### Leadership and members[edit]

* Senate president: Denny Heck (D)
* President Pro Tem: Steve Conway (D)
* Majority leader: Jamie Pedersen (D)
* Minority leader: John Braun (R)

Office | Name | Party | Date assumed office

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Washington State Senate District 1 | Derek Stanford | Democratic  | July 1, 2019
Washington State Senate District 2 | Jim McCune | Republican  | January 11, 2021
Washington State Senate District 3 | Marcus Riccelli | Democratic  | January 13, 2025
Washington State Senate District 4 | Leonard Christian | Republican  | January 13, 2025
Washington State Senate District 5 | Victoria Hunt | Democratic  | June 3, 2025
Washington State Senate District 6 | Jeff Holy | Republican  | 2019
Washington State Senate District 7 | Shelly Short | Republican  | 2017
Washington State Senate District 8 | Matt Boehnke | Republican  | January 9, 2023
Washington State Senate District 9 | Mark Schoesler | Republican  | 2005
Washington State Senate District 10 | Ron Muzzall | Republican  | October 18, 2019
Washington State Senate District 11 | Bob Hasegawa | Democratic  | January 14, 2013
Washington State Senate District 12 | Keith Goehner | Republican  | January 13, 2025
Washington State Senate District 13 | Judith Warnick | Republican  | January 12, 2015
Washington State Senate District 14 | Curtis King | Republican  | 2007
Washington State Senate District 15 | Nikki Torres | Republican  | January 9, 2023
Washington State Senate District 16 | Perry Dozier | Republican  | January 11, 2021
Washington State Senate District 17 | Paul Harris | Republican  | January 13, 2025
Washington State Senate District 18 | Adrian Cortes | Democratic  | January 13, 2025
Washington State Senate District 19 | Jeff Wilson | Republican  | January 11, 2021
Washington State Senate District 20 | John Braun | Republican  | January 14, 2013
Washington State Senate District 21 | Marko Liias | Democratic  | 2014
Washington State Senate District 22 | Jessica Bateman | Democratic  | January 13, 2025
Washington State Senate District 23 | Drew Hansen | Democratic  | August 28, 2023
Washington State Senate District 24 | Mike Chapman | Democratic  | January 13, 2025
Washington State Senate District 25 | Chris Gildon | Republican  | January 11, 2021
Washington State Senate District 26 | Deborah Krishnadasan | Democratic  | December 11, 2024
Washington State Senate District 27 | Yasmin Trudeau | Democratic  | November 2, 2021
Washington State Senate District 28 | T'wina Nobles | Democratic  | January 11, 2021
Washington State Senate District 29 | Steve Conway | Democratic  | 2011
Washington State Senate District 30 | Claire Wilson | Democratic  | 2019
Washington State Senate District 31 | Phil Fortunato | Republican  | January 7, 2017
Washington State Senate District 32 | Jesse Salomon | Democratic  | 2019
Washington State Senate District 33 | Tina Orwall | Democratic  | December 11, 2024
Washington State Senate District 34 | Emily Alvarado | Democratic  | January 21, 2025
Washington State Senate District 35 | Drew MacEwen | Republican  | January 9, 2023
Washington State Senate District 36 | Noel Frame | Democratic  | January 9, 2023
Washington State Senate District 37 | Rebecca Saldana | Democratic  | 2016
Washington State Senate District 38 | June Robinson | Democratic  | May 13, 2020
Washington State Senate District 39 | Keith Wagoner | Republican  | January 3, 2018
Washington State Senate District 40 | Liz Lovelett | Democratic  | 2019
Washington State Senate District 41 | Lisa Wellman | Democratic  | January 9, 2017
Washington State Senate District 42 | Sharon Shewmake | Democratic  | December 9, 2022
Washington State Senate District 43 | Jamie Pedersen | Democratic  | 2013
Washington State Senate District 44 | John Lovick | Democratic  | December 15, 2021
Washington State Senate District 45 | Manka Dhingra | Democratic  | 2017
Washington State Senate District 46 | Javier Valdez | Democratic  | January 9, 2023
Washington State Senate District 47 | Claudia Kauffman | Democratic  | January 9, 2023
Washington State Senate District 48 | Vandana Slatter | Democratic  | January 7, 2025
Washington State Senate District 49 | Annette Cleveland | Democratic  | January 14, 2013

### Salaries[edit]

See also: Comparison of state legislative salaries
State legislative salaries, 2024[3]

Salary| Per diem
$60,191/year for senators. $61,997/year for representatives.| $202/day

### Swearing in dates[edit]

See also: When state legislators assume office after a general election

Washington legislators assume office the second Monday of January.[4]

### Membership qualifications[edit]

See also: State legislature candidate requirements by state

Section 7 of Article 2 of the Washington State Constitution states, "No person shall be eligible to the legislature who shall not be a citizen of the United States and a qualified voter in the district for which he is chosen."[5]

## Historical party control[edit]

Democrats won control of the Washington State Senate in 2018. In 2024, they won a 30-19 majority.

The table below shows the partisan history of the Washington Senate following every general election from 1992 to 2024. All data from 2006 or earlier comes from Michael Dubin's Party Affiliations in the State Legislatures (McFarland Press, 2007). Data after 2006 was compiled by Ballotpedia staff.

Washington State Senate election results: 1992-2024

Year  | '92  | '94  | '96  | '98  | '00  | '02  | '04  | '06  | '08  | '10  | '12  | '14  | '16  | '18  | '20  | '22  | '24

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Democrats | 28 | 25 | 23 | 28 | 25 | 24 | 26 | 32 | 31 | 27 | 26 | 24 | 25 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 30
Republicans | 21 | 24 | 26 | 21 | 24 | 25 | 23 | 17 | 18 | 22 | 23 | 25 | 24* | 20 | 20 | 20 | 19

*A Democrat caucused with Republicans, giving the Republican Party a one-member majority.

### Trifecta history[edit]

A state government trifecta is a term that describes single party government, when one political party holds the governor's office and has majorities in both chambers of the legislature in a state government. Between 1992 and 2023, Washington was under the following types of trifecta control:

* Democratic trifecta: 1993-1994, 2002, 2005-2012, 2018-2023
* Republican trifecta: None
* Divided government: 1992, 1995-2001, 2003-2004, 2013-2017

Washington Party Control: 1992-2024
Eighteen years of Democratic trifectas • No Republican trifectas
Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

Year  | 92  | 93  | 94  | 95  | 96  | 97  | 98  | 99  | 00  | 01  | 02  | 03  | 04  | 05  | 06  | 07  | 08  | 09  | 10  | 11  | 12  | 13  | 14  | 15  | 16  | 17  | 18  | 19  | 20  | 21  | 22  | 23  | 24

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Governor | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D
Senate | R | D | D | D | D | R | R | D | D | D | D | R | R | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | R | R | R | R | R[6] | D | D | D | D | D | D | D
House | D | D | D | R | R | R | R | S | S | S | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D

## Elections[edit]

### Elections by year[edit]

Washington state senators serve staggered four-year terms, with half of the chamber up for election every two years. Washington holds elections for its legislature in even years.

### 2026[edit]

See also: Washington State Senate elections, 2026

Elections for the Washington State Senate will take place in 2026. The general election is on November 3, 2026. The primary is August 4, 2026. The filing deadline is May 8, 2026.

### 2024[edit]

See also: Washington State Senate elections, 2024

Elections for the Washington State Senate took place in 2024. The general election was on November 5, 2024. The primary was August 6, 2024. The filing deadline was May 10, 2024.

In the 2024 elections, Democrats increased their majority in the Washington State Senate to 30-19.

Washington State Senate

Party  | As of November 5, 2024  | After November 6, 2024
| Democratic Party | 28 | 30
| Republican Party | 20  | 19
| Vacancy  | 1  | 0
Total |  49 |  49

### 2022[edit]

See also: Washington State Senate elections, 2022

Elections for the Washington State Senate took place in 2022. The general election was on November 8, 2022. A primary was scheduled for August 2, 2022. The filing deadline was May 20, 2022.

Heading into the 2022 elections, Democrats held a 29-20 majority in the Washington State Senate. No change to the partisan balance of the chamber occurred in the election.

Washington State Senate

Party  | As of November 8, 2022  | After November 9, 2022
| Democratic Party | 29 | 29
| Republican Party | 20  | 20
Total |  49 |  49

### 2020[edit]

See also: Washington State Senate elections, 2020

Elections for the office of Washington State Senate took place in 2020. The general election was held on November 3, 2020. A primary was scheduled for August 4, 2020. The filing deadline was May 15, 2020.

Heading into the election, Democrats held a 29-20 majority. Democrats retained their 29-20 majority in the election.

Washington State Senate

Party  | As of November 3, 2020  | After November 4, 2020
| Democratic Party | 29 | 29
| Republican Party | 20  | 20
Total |  49 |  49

### 2018[edit]

See also: Washington State Senate elections, 2018

Elections for the Washington State Senate took place in 2018. A top-two primary election took place on August 7, 2018, and the general election was held on November 6, 2018. The candidate filing deadline was May 18, 2018.[7]

In the 2018 elections, Democrats increased their majority in the Washington State Senate from 26-23 to 29-20.

Washington State Senate

Party  | As of November 6, 2018  | After November 7, 2018
| Democratic Party | 26 | 29
| Republican Party | 23  | 20
Total |  49 |  49

### 2016[edit]

See also: Washington State Senate elections, 2016

Elections for the Washington State Senate took place in 2016. The primary election was held on August 2, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was May 20, 2016. A total of 26 seats out of the 49 seats in the Washington State Senate were up for election in 2016.

The Washington State Senate was one of 20 battleground chambers in 2016. Democrats gained a 25-24 majority as a result of the 2016 elections. However, Republicans maintained control of the chamber due to a Democratic senator who announced plans to caucus with Republicans.

Washington State Senate

Party  | As of November 7, 2016  | After November 8, 2016
| Democratic Party | 24  | 25
| Republican Party | 25 | 24[8]
Total |  49 |  49
Click [show] to see election information dating back to 2000

### 2014[edit]

See also: Washington State Senate elections, 2014

Elections for the office of Washington State Senate took place in 2014. The primary election was held on August 5, 2014, and the general election was held on November 4, 2014. The candidate filing deadline was May 17, 2014. A total of 25 seats out of the 49 seats in the Washington State Senate were up for election in 2014.

The Washington State Senate was one of 20 state legislative battleground chambers in 2014. Although Democrats had a 25-24 majority going into the 2014 election, a coalition gave Republicans control of the chamber. After the election, Republicans gained an outright 25-24 majority.

| Washington State Senate

Party  | As of November 3, 2014  | After November 4, 2014
| Democratic Party | 25 | 24
| Republican Party | 24  | 25
Total |  49 |  49

Note: Although Democrats had a numerical majority going into the 2014 election, a coalition gave Republicans control of the chamber.

### 2012[edit]

See also: Washington State Senate elections, 2012

Elections for the office of Washington State Senate took place in 2012. The primary election was held on August 7, 2012, and the general election was held on November 6, 2012. The candidate filing deadline was June 8, 2012. A total of 25 seats out of the 49 seats in the Washington State Senate were up for election in 2012.

Heading into the election, Democrats held a 27-22 majority. Democrats lost one seat in the election, giving them a 26-23 majority.

Washington State Senate

Party  | As of November 5, 2012  | After the 2012 Election
| Democratic Party | 27 | 26
| Republican Party | 22  | 23
Total |  49 |  49

The table below details the 10 districts with the smallest margin of victory in the November 6 general election in 2012.

2012 Margin of Victory, Washington State Senate

District  | Winner  | Margin of Victory  | Total Votes  | Top Opponent
District 17 |  Don Benton | 0.1% | 54,998 | Tim Probst
District 10 |  Barbara Bailey | 5.6% | 71,588 | Mary Margaret Haugen
District 41 |  Steve Litzow | 8.1% | 69,048 | Maureen Judge
District 5 |  Mark Mullet | 8.9% | 67,548 | Brad Toft
District 20 |  John Braun | 10.9% | 54,018 | Dan Swecker
District 1 |  Rosemary McAuliffe | 11% | 67,248 | Dawn McCravey
District 2 |  Randi Becker | 13.6% | 56,232 | Bruce Lachney
District 27 |  Jeannie Darneille | 14.6% | 54,007 | John Connelly
District 39 |  Kirk Pearson | 15.2% | 58,052 | Scott Olson
District 3 |  Andy Billig | 15.7% | 51,185 | Nancy McLaughlin

### 2010[edit]

See also: Washington State Senate elections, 2010

Elections for the office of Washington State Senate took place in 2010. The primary election was held on August 17, 2010, and the general election was held on November 2, 2010. The candidate filing deadline was June 11, 2010. A total of 25 seats out of the 49 seats in the Washington State Senate were up for election in 2010.

Democrats entered the election with a 31-18 majority. In the election, Democrats lost four seats, giving them a 27-22 majority.

Washington State Senate

Party  | As of November 1, 2010  | After the 2010 Election
| Democratic Party | 31 | 27
| Republican Party | 18  | 22
Total |  49 |  49

### 2008[edit]

See also: Washington State Senate elections, 2008

Elections for the office of Washington State Senate consisted of a primary election on August 19, 2008, and a general election on November 4, 2008.

During the 2008 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $6,822,733. The top 10 contributors were:[9]

2008 Donors, Washington State Senate

Donor  | Amount
Senate Democratic Campaign Cmte Of Washington  | $343,472
Washington State Republican Party  | $238,525
Senate Republican Campaign Cmte Of Washington  | $211,320
Washington State Democratic Party  | $125,536
Washington State Dental Association  | $42,000
Washington Beverage Association  | $36,900
Shannon, Ted  | $35,987
Pierce County Republican Party  | $33,879
Holland America Line  | $32,800
Washington Federation Of State Employees  | $32,200

### 2006[edit]

See also: Washington State Senate elections, 2006

Elections for the office of Washington State Senate consisted of a primary election on September 19, 2006, and a general election on November 7, 2006.

During the 2006 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $7,241,049. The top 10 contributors were:[10]

2006 Donors, Washington State Senate

Donor  | Amount
Senate Democratic Campaign Cmte  | $351,479
Washington State Democratic Party  | $274,726
Senate Republican Campaign Cmte/SRCC  | $252,418
Oemig, Eric W  | $70,871
Marr, Christopher J  | $68,819
Benson Surplus Account, Brad  | $45,000
Washington Health Care Association  | $44,650
Washington State Dental Association  | $32,775
Washington Bankers Association  | $31,600
Tom, Rodney  | $30,400

### 2004[edit]

See also: Washington State Senate elections, 2004

Elections for the office of Washington State Senate consisted of a primary election on September 14, 2004, and a general election on November 2, 2004.

During the 2004 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $6,993,740. The top 10 contributors were:[11]

2004 Donors, Washington State Senate

Donor  | Amount
Washington State Democratic Party  | $384,148
Senate Democratic Campaign Cmte Of Washington  | $351,039
Washington State Republican Party  | $199,192
Senate Republican Campaign Cmte Of Washington  | $171,931
Weinstein, Brian D  | $59,456
Washington Restaurant Association  | $33,625
Washington State Auto Dealers Association  | $32,125
Washington State Dental Association  | $31,575
Puget Sound Energy  | $29,800
Pemco Mutual Insurance  | $28,800

### 2002[edit]

See also: Washington State Senate elections, 2002

Elections for the office of Washington State Senate consisted of a primary election on September 17, 2002, and a general election on November 5, 2002.

During the 2002 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $4,496,407. The top 10 contributors were:[12]

2002 Donors, Washington State Senate

Donor  | Amount
Washington State Democratic Party  | $355,369
Senate Democratic Campaign Cmte Of Washington  | $300,541
Washington State Republican Party  | $152,655
Senate Republican Campaign Cmte Of Washington  | $130,962
Public School Employees Of Washington Local 1948  | $26,525
AT&T  | $23,100
Washington Society Of CPAs  | $21,625
Washington State Dental Association  | $21,275
Roosevelt Fund  | $21,250
42nd Leg District Democrats  | $21,000

### 2000[edit]

See also: Washington State Senate elections, 2000

Elections for the office of Washington State Senate consisted of a primary election on September 19, 2000, and a general election on November 7, 2000.

During the 2000 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $4,339,111. The top 10 contributors were:[13]

2000 Donors, Washington State Senate

Donor  | Amount
Senate Democratic Campaign Cmte  | $257,475
Washington State Democratic Party  | $195,848
Washington State Republican Party  | $172,609
Senate Republican Camp Cmte  | $166,599
Clark County Democratic Central Cmte  | $34,295
Washington State Auto Dealers  | $28,375
Public School Employees Of Washington Local 1948  | $24,300
Washington Federation Of State Employees  | $24,200
Washington Education Association  | $23,814
Washington Restaurant Association  | $23,010

### Vacancies[edit]

See also: How vacancies are filled in state legislatures

If there is a vacancy in the Washington State Legislature, the board of county commissioners where the vacant seat is located has the responsibility to select a replacement. The county central committee of the political party that last held the seat must submit a list of three candidates to the board of county commissioners representing the vacant district. If the vacancy occurs in the office of a joint senator or joint representative, the state central committee is responsible for submitting the list of three candidates. A selection must be made within 60 days after the vacancy occurred. The person appointed will hold the seat until his or her successor is elected at the next general or special election in November.[14]

See sources: Washington Const. Art. 2, Sec. 15

## District map[edit]

See also: Washington state legislative districts

The state of Washington has 49 legislative districts. Senators are elected from the same legislative districts as are members of the Washington House of Representatives. Each district elects two representatives but only one senator. Use the interactive map below to find your district.

## Redistricting[edit]

See also: Redistricting in Washington

In Washington, congressional and state legislative district boundaries are drawn by a five-member non-politician commission. The commission was established by constitutional amendment in 1983. The majority and minority leaders of the Washington State Senate and Washington House of Representatives each appoint one registered voter to the commission. These four commissioners appoint a fifth, non-voting member to serve as the commission's chair. In the event that the four voting commissioners cannot agree on a chair, the Washington Supreme Court must appoint one.[15]

The Washington Constitution stipulates that no commission member may have been an elected official or party officer in the two-year period prior to his or her appointment. Individuals who have registered with the state as lobbyists within the past year are also prohibited from serving on the commission.[15]

The Washington State Legislature may amend the commission's maps by a two-thirds vote in each legislative chamber.[15]

The state constitution requires that congressional and state legislative districts "should be contiguous, compact, and convenient, and follow natural, geographic, artificial, or political subdivision boundaries." The constitution states that the redistricting commission "must not purposely draw plans to favor or discriminate against any political party or group."[15]

State statutes require that congressional and state legislative districts "preserve areas recognized as communities of interest." State statutes also require the commission to draw districts that "provide fair and effective representation" and "encourage electoral competition."[15]

### 2020-2024[edit]

See also: Redistricting in Washington after the 2020 census

On March 15, 2024, Judge Robert Lasnik of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington ordered the state to adopt a new legislative map named Remedial Map 3B that complies with the Voting Rights Act. Judge Lasnik ordered Washington to redraw a legislative district in the Yakima Valley region because its boundaries undermined the ability of Latino voters to participate equally in elections. According to the district court's decision:[16][17]

“  | The task of fashioning a remedy for a Voting Rights Act violation is not one that falls within the Court’s normal duties. It is only because the State declined to reconvene the Redistricting Commission – with its expertise, staff, and ability to solicit public comments – that the Court was compelled to step in. Nevertheless, with the comprehensive and extensive presentations from the parties, the participation of the Yakama Nation, and the able assistance of Ms. Mac Donald, the Court is confident that the adopted map best achieves the many goals of the remedial process. The Secretary of State is hereby ORDERED to conduct future elections according to Remedial Map 3B...[17][18] | ”

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#### District map after 2020 redistricting[edit]

This map took effect for Washington's 2022 legislative elections.

### 2010[edit]

See also: Redistricting in Washington after the 2010 census

Washington received its local census data on February 23, 2011. The state increased in population by 14.1 percent from 2000 to 2010. The major outlier was Franklin County, which grew 58.4 percent. The largest cities had the following growth rates: Seattle grew by 8.0 percent, Spokane grew by 6.8 percent, Tacoma grew by 2.5 percent, Vancouver grew by 12.7 percent, and Bellevue grew by 11.7 percent.[19]

The Commission released the first draft maps on September 13, 2011. For the third time in a row, the Commission worked up to their deadline, finishing two hours and five minutes before January 1, 2012, at which point the Washington Supreme Court would have taken over. The Commission was primarily concerned with the eastern districts and how to distribute Hispanic people in Yakima. The Legislature made tweaks to the plan and approved the final maps on January 27, 2012.

## Sessions[edit]

### Legislation[edit]

The legislation tracker below displays all legislation that the Washington State Senate has approved in its most recent legislative session—this includes legislation that has been sent from the Senate to the House and legislation that has already been approved by the House and signed by the governor after its passage in the Senate. The table below includes the bill number, its name, progress, most recent action date, and sponsor. Scroll up and down and side to side to see more. Click the bill number to read the bill text and see its voting history. Click the headings to sort the content. Rearrange the order of the headings by clicking and dragging them. Click the magnifying glass in the bottom left corner to search for specific terms. The legislation tracker is maintained and updated by BillTrack50.

### Dates of legislative sessions in Washington by year[edit]

### 2025[edit]

See also: 2025 Washington legislative session and Dates of 2025 state legislative sessions

In 2025, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 13, 2025, and adjourn on April 27, 2025.

Click [show] for past years' session dates.

### 2024[edit]

See also: 2024 Washington legislative session and Dates of 2024 state legislative sessions

In 2024, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 8, 2024, and adjourn on March 7, 2024.

### 2023[edit]

See also: 2023 Washington legislative session and Dates of 2023 state legislative sessions

In 2023, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 9, 2023, and adjourn on April 23, 2023.

### 2022[edit]

See also: 2022 Washington legislative session and Dates of 2022 state legislative sessions

In 2022, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 10, 2022, and adjourn on March 10, 2022.

### 2021[edit]

See also: 2021 Washington legislative session and Dates of 2021 state legislative sessions

In 2021, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 11, 2021, and adjourn on April 25, 2021.

### 2020[edit]

See also: 2020 Washington legislative session and Dates of 2020 state legislative sessions

In 2020, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 13, 2020, and adjourn on March 12, 2020.

#### Effect of coronavirus pandemic[edit]

See also: Changes to state legislative session dates in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

Coronavirus pandemic
Select a topic from the dropdown below to learn more.

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Several state legislatures had their sessions impacted as a result of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. No modifications to state legislative activity in Washington were made.

### 2019[edit]

See also: 2019 Washington legislative session and Dates of 2019 state legislative sessions

In 2019, the legislature was in session from January 14, 2019, through April 28, 2019.

### 2018[edit]

See also: 2018 Washington legislative session and Dates of 2018 state legislative sessions

In 2018, the legislature was in session from January 8, 2018, through March 8, 2018. To read about notable events and legislation from this session, click here.

### 2017[edit]

See also: Dates of 2017 state legislative sessions

In 2017, the legislature was in session from January 9, 2017, through April 23, 2017. The legislature held its first special session from April 24, 2017, to May 23, 2017. A second special session took place from May 23, 2017, to June 21, 2017. A third special session began on June 21, 2017. It ended on July 20, 2017.

Click [show] to read about the 2017 state budget conflict.

* Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) signed into law a two-year $43.7 billion operating budget at 11:00 pm on June 30, allowing the state to enter into the 2018 fiscal year on July 1 with a spending plan in place. Without it, Washington would have experienced its first-ever partial government shutdown.[20] Budget negotiations in Washington throughout 2017 centered largely on the issue of funding education. In 2012, the Washington Supreme Court ruled that the state was underfunding education and required the legislature to ensure full funding for K-12 education by 2018. Inslee and Democratic lawmakers in the state proposed tax increases to bolster funding for education, while Republican lawmakers argued that the state could meet most of the requirements of the 2012 state Supreme Court ruling without significant tax increases throughout the state as a whole. The final budget agreement provided an additional $7.3 billion for education funding in the state between 2018 and 2021 and included a Republican-backed plan to increase property taxes in areas such as King County, where the city of Seattle is located. An analysis of the plan showed that residents in 185 school districts would see property taxes decreases over the next four years, while 100 districts would property taxes increase. The House supported the bill 70-23, while the Senate supported it 39-10.[21][22]

### 2016[edit]

See also: Dates of 2016 state legislative sessions

In 2016, the legislature was in regular session from January 11 through March 10. The legislature held a special session from March 11 to March 29 to pass a supplemental budget.[23][24]

### 2015[edit]

See also: Dates of 2015 state legislative sessions

In 2015, the legislature was in session from January 12 through April 24. The legislature was in special session from April 29 to May 28, May 29 to June 27, and June 28 to July 10.[25]

### 2014[edit]

See also: Dates of 2014 state legislative sessions

In 2014, the legislature was in session from January 13 through March 14.

#### Major issues in 2014[edit]

Major issues during the 2014 legislative session included a court-mandated $5 billion education funding package, transportation funding through a gas tax increase, and climate change proposals.[26]

### 2013[edit]

See also: Dates of 2013 state legislative sessions

In 2013, the legislature was in session from January 14 to April 29.

#### Major issues in 2013[edit]

Throughout the 2013 legislative session, the budget remained the most pressing issue for the state. Other agenda items included marijuana, child sex abuse, firearm ownership regulation, wolves, small businesses, human trafficking, and healthcare.[27]

### 2012[edit]

See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions

In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 9 through March 8.

### 2011[edit]

See also: Dates of 2011 state legislative sessions

In 2011, the legislature was in session from January 10 through April 24.[28]

### 2010[edit]

See also: Dates of 2010 state legislative sessions

In 2010, the legislature was in regular  session from January 11 to March 11. Additionally, the legislature was in special session from March 15 to April 12 to deal with issues related to the economy and the state budget.[29]

### About legislative sessions in Washington[edit]

The Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution declares that any power not already given to the federal government is reserved to the states and the people.[30] State governments across the country use this authority to hold legislative sessions where a state's elected representatives meet for a period of time to draft and vote on legislation and set state policies on issues such as taxation, education, and government spending. The different types of legislation passed by a legislature may include resolutions, legislatively referred constitutional amendments, and bills that become law.

Article II of the Washington Constitution establishes when the Washington State Legislature, of which the Senate is a part, is to be in session. Section 12 of Article II allows the dates of regular sessions to be determined by statute. Section 12 limits the length of regular sessions to 105 days in odd-numbered years and 60 days in even-numbered years.

Section 12 also establishes rules for convening special sessions of the Legislature. It states that special sessions can be called by the Governor of Washington or by resolution of two-thirds of the members of each legislative house. Special sessions are not to exceed 30 days in length.[31]

## Legislative roles and procedures[edit]

Every state legislature throughout the country features its own internal procedures that it uses to govern itself and how it interacts with other parts of state government. Ballotpedia's coverage of internal state legislative procedures includes veto overrides, initiatives to the legislature, the role of the legislature in the state budget, procedures for filling membership vacancies, and redistricting.

### Veto overrides[edit]

See also: Veto overrides in state legislatures

State legislatures can override governors' vetoes. Depending on the state, this can be done during the regular legislative session, in a special session following the adjournment of the regular session, or during the next legislative session. The rules for legislative overrides of gubernatorial vetoes in Washington are listed below.

How many legislators are required to vote for an override? Two-thirds of members present in both chambers.

Two-thirds of members present in both chambers must vote to override a veto. If all members are in attendance, this is 66 of the 98 members in the Washington House of Representatives and 33 of the 49 members in the Washington State Senate. Washington is one of 36 states that requires a two-thirds vote from both of its legislative chambers to override a veto.

How can vetoes be overridden after the legislature has adjourned?

According to Article III, Section 12 of the Washington Constitution, the legislature can call a special veto session to consider overrides of bills the governor vetoed after adjournment. Two-thirds of members in both chambers must agree to do so. The session may not exceed five days. The legislature may also consider vetoed bills during the next regular session.

Authority: Article III, Section 12 of the Washington Constitution.

"Every act which shall have passed the legislature shall be, before it becomes a law, presented to the governor. If he approves, he shall sign it; but if not, he shall return it, with his objections, to that house in which it shall have originated, which house shall enter the objections at large upon the journal and proceed to reconsider. If, after such reconsideration, two-thirds of the members present shall agree to pass the bill it shall be sent, together with the objections, to the other house, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two-thirds of the members present, it shall become a law; but in all such cases the vote of both houses shall be determined by the yeas and nays, and the names of the members voting for or against the bill shall be entered upon the journal of each house respectively."

### Initiatives to the legislature[edit]

Initiative to the Legislature (Washington)

Twenty-six (26) states have a process for statewide citizen initiative or veto referendum, and Washington is one of those states. Initiative to the Legislature is the name of indirect initiated state statutes in the state of Washington; an indirect initiative is one that goes to the legislature and only then to the ballot if the legislature does not approve it. Washington is one of the nine states with a process for indirect initiatives and one of two states that have both direct and indirect initiated state statutes; direct initiated state statutes—which go directly to the people without going to the legislature first—are called Initiatives to the People in Washington.

Upon the submission and verification of enough signatures, Initiatives to the Legislature go before the Washington Legislature at its next regular legislative session in January. The legislature must take one of three actions:

* The legislature can adopt the initiative as proposed, in which case it becomes law without a vote of the people.
* The legislature can reject or refuse to act on the proposed initiative, in which case the initiative must be placed on the ballot at the next state general election.
* The legislature can approve an alternative to the proposed initiative, in which case both the original proposal and the legislature's alternative must be placed on the ballot at the next state general election.

Besides Initiatives to the Legislature, Washington citizens may initiate Initiatives to the People. These initiatives are direct initiatives, meaning that groups collect signatures and once enough valid signatures are collected, election officials place the measure on the next general election ballot for a vote.

### Role in state budget[edit]

See also: Washington state budget and finances
Washington on

Check out Ballotpedia articles about policy in your state on:
Budgets • Civil liberties • Education • Elections • Energy • Environment • Healthcare • Pensions

* * *

The state operates on a biennial budget cycle. The sequence of key events in the budget process is as follows:[32]

1. Budget instructions are sent to state agencies in June.
2. State agency budget requests are submitted between August and September.
3. The governor submits his or her proposed budget to the Washington State Legislature on or before December 20.
4. The legislature adopts a budget between April and June. A simple majority is required to pass a budget.
5. The biennial budget cycle begins in July.

Washington is one of 44 states in which the governor has line item veto authority.[32][33]

The governor is required by statute to submit a balanced budget to the legislature. Likewise, the legislature must pass a balanced budget.[32]

## Committees[edit]

See also: List of committees in Washington state government

Every state legislature and state legislative chamber in the country contains several legislative committees. These committees are responsible for studying, amending, and voting on legislation before it reaches the floor of a chamber for a full vote. The different types of committees include standing committees, select or special, and joint.

* Standing committees are generally permanent committees, the names of which sometimes change from session to session.
* Select or special committees are temporary committees formed to deal with specific issues such as recent legislation, major public policy or proposals, or investigations.
* Joint committees are committees that feature members of both chambers of a legislature.

Ballotpedia covers standing and joint committees. The Washington State Senate has 14 standing committees:

* Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks Committee
* Business, Financial Services & Trade Committee
* Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee
* Environment, Energy & Technology Committee
* Health & Long Term Care Committee
* Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee
* Housing & Local Government Committee
* Human Services, Reentry & Rehabilitation Committee
* Labor, Commerce & Tribal Affairs Committee
* Law & Justice Committee
* Senate Rules Committee
* Senate Transportation Committee
* State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections Committee
* Ways & Means Committee

## Constitutional amendments[edit]

In every state but Delaware, voter approval is required to enact a constitutional amendment. In each state, the legislature has a process for referring constitutional amendments before voters. In 18 states, initiated constitutional amendments can be put on the ballot through a signature petition drive. There are also many other types of statewide measures.

The methods in which the Washington Constitution can be amended:

See also: Article XXIII of the Washington State Constitution and Laws governing ballot measures in Washington

The Washington Constitution provides two mechanisms for amending the state's constitution— a legislative process, and a state constitutional convention. Washington requires a simple majority vote (50% plus 1) for voters to approve constitutional amendments.

#### Legislature[edit]

See also: Legislatively referred constitutional amendment

According to Article XXIII, the state Legislature can refer constitutional amendments to the ballot for voters to decide. In Washington, a referred constitutional amendment requires a two-thirds (66.67%) vote in each chamber of the Washington State Legislature during one legislative session. That amounts to a minimum of 66 votes in the Washington House of Representatives and 33 votes in the Washington State Senate, assuming no vacancies. Amendments do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.

#### Convention[edit]

See also: Convention-referred constitutional amendment

According to Article XXIII of the Washington State Constitution, a two-thirds (66.67%) vote is required during one legislative session for the Washington State Legislature to place a constitutional convention question on the ballot. If a simple majority of voters approve the question, then the legislature needs to call for a convention during its next session.

## See also[edit]

Elections | Washington State Government | State Legislatures | State Politics

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## External links[edit]

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## Footnotes[edit]

1. ↑ Washington State Senate, "2009 Permanent Rules of the Senate," accessed February 17, 2021
2. ↑ Washington State Senate, "2009-2010 Leadership," accessed February 17, 2021
3. ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "2024 Legislator Compensation," August 21, 2024
4. ↑ Washington State Legislature, "RCW 44.04.021 Commencement of terms of office," accessed February 17, 2021
5. ↑ Washington State Legislature, "Constitution of the State of Washington," accessed May 23, 2025
6. ↑ Democrats gained full control of the state Senate after a special election on November 7, 2017.
7. ↑ Washington Secretary of State, "Elections Calendar 2018," accessed September 19, 2017
8. ↑ A power-sharing agreement gave Republicans effective control of the chamber.
9. ↑ Follow the Money, "Washington 2008 Candidates," accessed August 5, 2013
10. ↑ Follow the Money, "Washington 2006 Candidates," accessed August 5, 2013
11. ↑ Follow the Money, "Washington 2004 Candidates," accessed August 5, 2013
12. ↑ Follow the Money, "Washington 2002 Candidates," accessed August 5, 2013
13. ↑ Follow the Money, "Washington 2000 Candidates," accessed August 5, 2013
14. ↑ Washington Legislature, "Washington Constitution - Section Article II, Section 15," accessed February 8, 2023
15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 All About Redistricting, "Washington," accessed May 6, 2015
16. ↑ Washington State Standard, "Federal judge orders redrawing of Yakima Valley legislative district," August 10, 2023
17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 U.S. District Court for the District of Washington at Seattle, "Case No. 3:22-cv-05035-RSL: Susan Soto Palmer v. Steven Hobbs," March 15, 2024
18. ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
19. ↑ U.S. Census Bureau, "U.S. Census Bureau Delivers Washington's 2010 Census Population Totals, Including First Look at Race and Hispanic Origin Data for Legislative Redistricting," February 23, 2011
20. ↑ The Seattle Times, "Gov. Inslee signs $43.7 billion state budget; 11th-hour deal averts shutdown," June 30, 2017
21. ↑ King5, "Property tax increase for some, lower for others under state budget," July 1, 2017
22. ↑ King5, "Gov. Inslee signs $43.7 billion state budget," June 30, 2017
23. ↑ q13fox.com, "‘There’s no break, no rest,’ Inslee says as he vetoes 27 bills, calls lawmakers back into immediate special session," accessed February 17, 2021
24. ↑ washingtontimes.com, "The Latest: Washington Legislature adjourns special session," accessed February 17, 2021
25. ↑ Multi State, "2015 State Legislative Session Dates," accessed February 17, 2021
26. ↑ washingtonstatewire.com, "Session Set to Open in ‘Bizarro World’ – Supreme Court Decision Turns Everything Upside Down," January 13, 2014
27. ↑ The Spokesman Review, "Budget remains pressing issue in new legislative session," January 13, 2013
28. ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "2011 Legislative Sessions Calendar," accessed February 17, 2021
29. ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "2010 Legislative Sessions Calendar," accessed February 17, 2021
30. ↑ Find Law, "Tenth Amendment - U.S. Constitution," accessed February 17, 2021
31. ↑ Washington Legislature, "Constitution of the State of Washington," accessed February 17, 2021
32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 32.2 National Association of State Budget Officers, "Budget Processes in the States, Spring 2021," accessed January 24, 2023
33. ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "Separation of Powers: Executive Veto Powers," accessed January 26, 2024

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