Washington State Legislature

General information
Type: |  State legislature
Term limits: |  None
Session start: |  January 11, 2021
Website: |  Official Legislature Page
Leadership
Senate President: |  Denny Heck (D)
House Speaker: | Laurie Jinkins (D)
Majority Leader: |  Senate: Andy Billig (D)
House: Pat Sullivan (Washington) (D)
Minority Leader: |  Senate: John Braun (R)
House: J.T. Wilcox (R)
Structure
Members: | 49 (Senate), 98 (House)
Length of term: |  4 years (Senate), 2 years (House)
Authority: |  Art II, Section 2, Washington Constitution
Salary: |  $56,881/year + per diem
Elections
Last election: | November 3, 2020
Next election: | November 8, 2022
Redistricting: | Washington State Redistricting Commission has control

## Contents

* 1 Elections
* 1.1 2022
* 1.2 2020
* 1.3 2018
* 1.4 2016
* 1.5 2014
* 1.6 2012
* 1.7 2010
* 2 Sessions
* 2.1 2021
* 2.2 2020
* 2.2.1 Effect of coronavirus pandemic
* 2.3 2019
* 2.4 2018
* 2.5 2017
* 2.6 2016
* 2.7 2015
* 2.8 2014
* 2.8.1 Major issues in 2014
* 2.9 2013
* 2.9.1 Major issues in 2013
* 2.10 2012
* 2.11 2011
* 2.12 2010
* 2.13 Role in state budget
* 3 Senate
* 3.1 Leadership of the Senate
* 3.2 Partisan composition
* 4 House of Representatives
* 4.1 Leadership of the House
* 4.2 Partisan composition
* 5 District maps
* 5.1 State Senate
* 5.2 State House
* 6 Veto overrides
* 7 Redistricting
* 7.1 2020
* 7.2 2010
* 8 Legislators
* 8.1 Salaries
* 8.2 Swearing in dates
* 9 History
* 9.1 Votes for women
* 9.2 Statehood
* 9.3 Partisan balance 1992-2013
* 9.3.1 SQLI and partisanship
* 10 Joint Committees
* 11 Constitutional amendments
* 12 See also
* 13 External links
* 14 Footnotes

The Washington State Legislature is the state legislature of Washington. It is a bicameral body, composed of the lower Washington House of Representatives, with 98 representatives, and the upper Washington State Senate, with 49 senators.

The State Legislature meets at the Legislative Building in Olympia.

The Legislature begins each legislative session annually on the second Monday in January. In odd-numbered years, such as when the state budget is debated upon, the State Legislature meets for 105 days, and in even-numbered years, it meets for 60 days. The Governor of Washington, if necessary, can call legislators in for a special session for a 30-day period at any time during the year. Legislators can also call themselves into special session by a two-thirds vote by both the House of Representatives and the State Senate.

Article II of the Washington State Constitution defines the powers, duties, and privileges of the legislative branch of Washington's state government.

Washington has a Democratic trifecta. The Democratic Party controls the office of governor and both chambers of the state legislature.

See also: Washington House of Representatives, Washington State Senate, Washington Governor

## Elections[edit]

### 2022[edit]

See also: Washington State Senate elections, 2022 and Washington House of Representatives elections, 2022

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

Elections for the Washington House of Representatives will take place in 2022. The general election is on November 8, 2022. A primary is scheduled for August 2, 2022. The filing deadline is May 20, 2022.

### 2020[edit]

See also: Washington State Senate elections, 2020 and Washington House of Representatives 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.

Elections for the office of Washington House of Representatives 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.

### 2018[edit]

See also: Washington State Senate elections, 2018 and Washington House of Representatives 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, 2018Candidate filing deadline.[1]

Elections for the Washington House of Representatives 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, 2018Candidate filing deadline.[2]

### 2016[edit]

See also: Washington State Senate elections, 2016 and Washington House of Representatives 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.

Elections for the Washington House of Representatives 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.

### 2014[edit]

See also: Washington State Senate elections, 2014 and Washington House of Representatives elections, 2014

Elections for 25 districts in the Washington State Senate took place in 2014. A blanket primary election took place on August 5, 2014. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was May 17, 2014.

Elections for the Washington House of Representatives took place in 2014. A blanket primary election took place on August 5, 2014. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was May 17, 2014.

### 2012[edit]

See also: Washington State Senate elections, 2012 and Washington House of Representatives 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 May 18, 2012.

Elections for the office of Washington House of Representatives 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 May 18, 2012.

### 2010[edit]

See also: Washington State Senate elections, 2010 and Washington House of Representatives 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.

Elections for the office of Washington House of Representatives 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.

## Sessions[edit]

This image shows the state capitol under construction in the 1920s.

Article II of the Washington Constitution establishes when the Legislature is to be in session. Section 12 of Article II allows the dates of regular sessions to be determined by statute. Current law calls for the Legislature to meet on the second Monday in January.[3] Section 12 of the constitution 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.[4]

### 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.

Political responses overviewState reopening plansDocumenting America's Path to RecoveryDaily updatesElection changesChanges to vote-by-mail and absentee voting proceduresFederal responsesState responsesState executive ordersStay-at-home ordersMultistate agreementsNon-governmental reopening plansEvictions and foreclosures policiesTravel restrictionsEnacted state legislationState legislative session changesSchool closuresState court closuresInmate releasesLocal government responsesDiagnosed or quarantined politiciansBallot measure changesArguments about government responsesThe 1918 influenza pandemicPandemic Response Accountability CommitteeUnemployment filingsLawsuitsBallotpedia's polling on the coronavirus pandemicSubmit

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.

Click [show] for past years' session dates.

### 2017[edit]

See also: Dates of 2017 state legislative sessions and Potential government shutdowns

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.[5] 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.[6][7]

### 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.[8][9]

### 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.[10]

### 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.[11]

### 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.[12]

### 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.[13]

### 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.[14]

### 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:[15]

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.[15]

The governor is required by statute to submit a balanced budget to the legislature. Likewise, the legislature must pass a balanced budget.[15]

## Senate[edit]

The Washington State Senate is the upper house of the Washington State Legislature. The body consists of 49 senators. Each member represented an average of 137,236 residents, as of the 2010 Census.[16] After the 2000 Census, each member represented 120,288.[17]

Senators serve four-year terms, without term limits. Senators are elected from the same legislative districts as House members, with each district electing two representatives but only one senator.

Like other upper houses of state and territorial legislatures and the federal U.S. Senate, the Washington State Senate can confirm or reject gubernatorial appointments to the state cabinet, commissions, and boards.

### Leadership of the Senate[edit]

The Lieutenant Governor of Washington serves as the President of the Senate, but only casts a vote if required to break a tie. In his or her absence, the President Pro Tempore presides over the Senate. The President Pro Tempore is elected by the majority party caucus followed by confirmation of the entire Senate through a Senate Resolution. The President Pro Tempore is the chief leadership position in the Senate. The majority and minority leaders are elected by their respective party caucuses.

### Partisan composition[edit]

Party  |  As of November 2021

|

|  Democratic Party |  29
|  Republican Party |  20
|  Vacancies  |  0
Total |  49

Click here for a list of members of this chamber.

Between 1992 and 2020, partisan control of the Washington State Senate fluctuated between the Democratic and Republican parties. Between 2012 and 2018, the chamber also saw a governing coalition involving the Republican caucus and members of the Democratic Party. The table below shows the partisan history of the Washington State Senate following every general election from 1992 to 2020. 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 Party Control: 1992-2020

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

|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|

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

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

From 1992 to 2004, the Democratic and Republican parties both claimed relatively small majorities, the largest being from 1992 to 1994 and 1998 to 2000 when Democrats had seven-member majorites. The Democratic majority spiked following the 2006 election when the party managed to flip six seats, giving Democrats a 32-17 majority. The Democratic majority in the state Senate steadily decreased between 2010 and 2016, expanding again in 2018. In 2014, Republicans established a numerical majority in the chamber, their first since 2002.

It was during this period—2012 to 2016—that the state Senate saw the emergence of governing coalitions. Following the 2012 elections, Democrats in the Washington Senate had a 26-23 majority. Two Democrats, however, joined with all 23 Senate Republicans to create a 25-24 coalition majority. The two Democrats, Tim Sheldon and Rodney Tom, became president pro tempore and majority leader, respectively.[18] Republicans had a 25-24 majority without the coalition in 2015 and 2016. Republican Pam Roach, with the help of Democrats and Republicans, won the president pro tempore position in 2015.[19] In the 2016 election, that majority flipped to the Democrats, but, because of Sheldon, Republicans were able to maintain a slim 25-24 majority. On January 6, 2017, Republicans announced plans to back Sheldon for president pro tempore. In the Washington Senate, the lieutenant governor is the presiding officer and casts votes in cases of ties. The president pro tempore, a regular voting member of the chamber, presides in the lieutenant governor's absence and generally serves as vice chair of the Senate Rules Committee.[20][21] Democrats regained control of the chamber in a November 2017 special election.[22]

## House of Representatives[edit]

The Washington House of Representatives is the lower house of the Washington State Legislature. It is composed of 98 representatives, two from each of Washington's 49 districts. All members of the House are elected to a two-year term without term limits. Each member represented an average of 68,617 residents, as of the 2010 Census.[23] After the 2000 Census, each member represented an average of 60,144 residents.[24]

### Leadership of the House[edit]

The Speaker of the House presides over the House of Representatives. The Speaker is elected by the majority party caucus followed by confirmation of the full House through the passage of a House Resolution. As well as presiding over the body, the Speaker is also the chief leadership position, and controls the flow of legislation. Other House leaders, such as the majority and minority leaders, are elected by their respective party caucuses relative to their party's strength in the House.

### Partisan composition[edit]

Party  |  As of November 2021

|

|  Democratic Party |  57
|  Republican Party |  41
|  Vacancies  |  0
Total |  98

Click here for a list of members of this chamber.

Between 1992 and 2020, partisan control of the Washington House of Representatives passed from Democratic to Republican control before swinging back to Democrats. The table below shows the partisan history of the Washington House of Representatives following every general election from 1992 to 2020. 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 House of Representatives Party Control: 1992-2020

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

|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Democrats | 66 | 40 | 45 | 49 | 49 | 52 | 55 | 63 | 64 | 57 | 55 | 51 | 50 | 57 | 57
Republicans | 32 | 58 | 53 | 49 | 49 | 46 | 43 | 35 | 34 | 41 | 43 | 47 | 48 | 41 | 41

As a result of the 1992 elections, Democrats held a 66-32 majority. Republicans gained 26 seats and took control of the chamber in 1994. The Republican Party held the chamber until the 1998 elections, when the chamber moved to a split 49-49 balance. The split balance was maintained until Democrats regained the chamber in 2002. The Democratic majority expanded until 2008, when the party had a 20-seat advantage. The partisan balance of the state House narrowed after 2008 until, after the 2016 elections, the Democratic majority was reduced to 50-48. In 2018, House Democrats expanded their majority to 57-41. Democrats maintained that majority in 2020.

## District maps[edit]

### State Senate[edit]

### State House[edit]

## 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."

## 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.[25]

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.[25]

The Washington State Legislature may amend the commission's maps by a two-thirds vote in each legislative chamber.[25]

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."[25]

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."[25]

### 2020[edit]

See also: Redistricting in Washington after the 2020 census

Upon completion of the 2020 census, Washington will draft and enact new district maps. The following timeline was adapted from a redistricting timeline provided by the Washington Secretary of State's office.[26]

Projected redistricting timeline for Washington, 2020 cycle

Date  |  Event
April 1, 2020  |  Census Day
November 3, 2020  |  Last congressional and state legislative elections held under previous maps
January 1, 2021  |  First day to appoint Redistricting Commission members
January 15, 2021  |  Last day to appoint Redistricting Commission members
January 31, 2021  |  Last day for Redistricting Commission to appoint chairperson
February 23, 2021  |  State has historically received U.S. Census data
April 1, 2021  |  Deadline for Census Bureau to disseminate population data to local jurisdiction
April 9, 2021  |  45 day deadline for county and local jurisdictions to receive census data from State (last possible date)
May 3, 2021  |  Deadline for county legislative authorities to adopt precinct boundary changes for the Primary-General Election cycle
May 15, 2021  |  Latest possible deadline for Redistricting Commission to disseminate redistricting population data to local jurisdictions for local redistricting (RCW 29A.76.010 (2))
October 15, 2021  |  State Redistricting Commission submits completed state plan to the Legislature
October 22, 2021  |  Deadline for submission of third-party maps for full consideration
November 15, 2021  |  Constitutional deadline for Redistricting Commission to adopt revised congressional and legislative district boundaries (State Const. Art. II Sec. 43 (6))
November 23, 2021  |  Last day for county certification of the 2021 General Election
December 8, 2021  |  Last day possible for local jurisdictions to send redistricting plans to County Auditors (Eight months after the date that jurisdictions received census data from the state)
January 16, 2022  |  Latest possible deadline for counties, municipal corporations, and special purpose districts to adopt their local redistricting plans
February 8, 2022  |  Last day for legislature to amend Redistricting Commission’s proposed boundaries
February 10, 2022  |  Earliest date that state approved plan is transmitted to the County Auditors
March 1, 2022  |  Deadline for Supreme Court to adopt a state redistricting plan if Redistricting Commission fails to submit a plan to the legislature
May 2, 2022  |  Deadline for county legislative authorities to adopt precinct boundary changes for the Primary-General Election cycle
December 17, 2022  |  Changes for any jurisdiction redistricting not involved in the 2022 election will begin
April 29, 2023  |  Precinct changes completed by this date and affected voters and jurisdictions notified

The Washington Redistricting Commission posted the following public outreach meeting schedule on their website.[27] For more information or to register for public comment click here.

Washington Redistricting Commission public outreach schedule, 2020 cycle

Date  |  Districts  |  Time
July 31, 2021  |  Round #2: Districts Seven & Nine  |  10:00 am-12:00 pm
July 31, 2021  |  Round #2: Districts Eight & Ten  |  1:00 pm-3:00 pm
July 26, 2021  |  Round #2: Districts Three & Six  |  7:00 pm-9:00 pm
July 24, 2021  |  Round #2: Districts Four & Five  |  1:00 pm-3:00 pm
July 24, 2021  |  Round #2: Districts One & Two  |  10:00 am-12:00 pm
June 28, 2021  |  District Eight  |  7:00 pm-9:00 pm
June 26, 2021  |  District Nine  |  10:00 am-12:00 pm
June 22, 2021  |  District Ten  |  7:30 pm-9:00 pm
June 22, 2021  |  District Two  |  6:00 pm-7:30 pm
June 14, 2021  |  District Three  |  7:00 pm-9:00 pm
June 5, 2021  |  District One  |  1:00 pm-3:00 pm
June 5, 2021  |  District Four  |  10:00 am-12:00 pm
May 24, 2021  |  District Six  |  7:00 pm-9:00 pm
May 22, 2021  |  District Five  |  1:00 pm-3:00 pm
May 22, 2021  |  District Seven  |  10:00 am-12:00 pm

### 2010[edit]

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 jumped 58.4 percent. As far as the most populous cities, 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.[28]

The Commission released first draft maps on September 13, 2011. For the third time in a row, the Commission went down to the wire in agreeing on new legislative districts, finishing two hours and five minutes before New Year's Day 2012, at which point the Washington Supreme Court would have taken over. The Commission had mainly been concerned with the eastern districts and how to distribute Hispanic people in Yakima. The Legislature followed with tweaks, approving the final maps on January 27, 2012.

## Legislators[edit]

### Salaries[edit]

See also: Comparison of state legislative salaries
State legislators

Salary| Per diem
$56,881/year| $120/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.[29]

## History[edit]

The Washington State Legislature traces its ancestry to the creation of the Washington Territory in 1853, following successful arguments from settlers north of the Columbia River to the U.S. federal government to legally separate from the Oregon Territory. The Washington Territorial Assembly, as the newly-created area's bicameral legislature, convened the following year. The Legislature represented settlers from the Straits of Juan de Fuca to modern Montana.

### Votes for women[edit]

From nearly the start of the territory, arguments over giving women the right to vote were present in legislative proceedings. Support among legislators stemmed from concerns over women deserving the right to vote and the belief that giving women suffrage would entice more Eastern women to immigrate to the remote and sparsely populated territory. In 1854, only six years after the Seneca Falls Convention, the issue was brought to a vote by the Legislature. Women's suffrage was defeated by a single vote.

In 1869, the Wyoming State Legislature would become the first body in the United States to grant women's suffrage.

The issue over female suffrage did not diminish. In 1883, the issue returned to the floor, this time with the Territorial Assembly successfully passing universal suffrage for women. It quickly became one of the most liberal voting laws in the nation, giving female African-American voters the voting franchise for the first time in the U.S. However, in 1887, the territorial Washington Supreme Court ruled the 1883 universal suffrage act as unconstitutional in Harland v. Washington. Another attempt by the Legislature to regrant universal female suffrage was again overturned in 1888.

After two failed voter referenda in 1889 and 1898, the now-Washington State Legislature approved full female voting rights in 1910.

### Statehood[edit]

With more than two decades of pressure on federal authorities to authorize statehood, on February 22, 1889, the U.S. Congress passed the Enabling Act, signed into law by outgoing President Grover Cleveland, authorizing the territories of Washington, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana to form state governments. The Territorial Assembly set out to convene a constitutional convention to write a state constitution.

Following its successful passage by the Legislature, Washington voters approved the new document on October 1. On November 11, 1889, President Benjamin Harrison authorized Washington to become the 42nd state of United States. It was the last West Coast state of the Continental U.S. to achieve statehood. The modern Washington State Legislature was created.

### Partisan balance 1992-2013[edit]

See also: Ballotpedia:Who Runs the States and Ballotpedia:Who Runs the States, Washington

Partisan breakdown of the Washington legislature from 1992-2013

Washington Senate: From 1992-2013, the Democratic Party was the majority in the Washington State Senate for 16 years while the Republicans were the majority for six years.

Across the country, there were 541 Democratic and 517 Republican state senates from 1992 to 2013.

Washington House: From 1992-2013, the Democratic Party was the majority in the Washington State House of Representatives for 15 years while the Republicans were the majority for four years.

Across the country, there were 577 Democratic and 483 Republican state houses from 1992 to 2013.

Over the course of the 22-year study, state governments became increasingly more partisan. At the outset of the study period (1992), 18 of the 49 states with partisan legislatures had single-party trifectas and 31 states had divided governments. In 2013, only 13 states had divided governments, while single-party trifectas held sway in 36 states, the most in the 22 years studied.

The chart below shows the partisan composition of the Office of the Governor of Washington, the Washington State Senate and the Washington House of Representatives from 1992 to 2013.

#### SQLI and partisanship[edit]

To read the full report on the State Quality of Life Index (SQLI) in PDF form, click here.

The chart below depicts the partisanship of the Washington state government and the state's SQLI ranking for the years studied. For the SQLI, the states were ranked from 1-50, with 1 being the best and 50 the worst. During the course of the study, Washington had a number of Democratic trifectas. The state experienced both high and low rankings during the years with Democratic trifectas. Its highest ranking overall, finishing eighth, occurred in 1998 during a divided government.

Chart displaying the partisanship of the Washington government from 1992-2013 and the State Quality of Life Index (SQLI).

## Joint Committees[edit]

See also: Public policy in Washington

The Washington State Legislature utilizes joint legislative committees, work groups, task forces, and legislative agencies. Details on those groups can be found on the Legislature website.

## 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 State Constitution can be amended through two routes:[30]

* A constitutional convention can suggest amendments to the state's constitution.

* A convention question can be put before voters by the Washington State Legislature if two-thirds of the members elected to each branch of the legislature vote to do so.
* If a simple majority of voters say "yes," then the state legislature must call a convention.

* The Washington State Legislature can propose amendments to the state's constitution through legislatively referred constitutional amendments.

* Either branch of the state legislature can introduce an amendment.
* Both the Washington State Senate and the Washington House of Representatives must approve the proposal, or a version of it, by a two-thirds (66.67 percent) supermajority vote to put it before voters.
* The amendment must go on a general election ballot.
* If it is approved by a simple majority, it becomes part of the constitution.

Although Washington citizens can use the power of initiative to qualify initiated state statutes for the ballot, the power does not extend to constitutional amendments.

2021 measures:

Below is a list of measures that were referred to the 2021 ballot by the legislature.

See also: Washington 2021 ballot measures

Certified:

The following measures were certified for the ballot.

No measures to list

## See also[edit]

Elections | Washington State Government | State Legislatures | State Politics

|
|
|

* Washington elections, 2022
* Washington elections, 2020
* Washington elections, 2018

* Washington State Senate
* Washington House of Representatives
* Governor of Washington
* Washington State Supreme Court

* State legislative elections, 2022
* State legislative elections, 2021
* State legislative elections, 2020
* State legislative elections, 2019
* State legislative elections, 2018

* State government trifectas
* State government triplexes
* State executives
* State courts
* Ballot measures

## External links[edit]

* Washington State Legislature
* Wikipedia: Washington State Legislature

## Footnotes[edit]

1. ↑ Washington Secretary of State, "Elections Calendar 2018," accessed September 19, 2017
2. ↑ Washington Secretary of State, "Elections Calendar 2018," accessed September 19, 2017
3. ↑ Washington State Legislature, "Visiting the Legislature," accessed February 17, 2021
4. ↑ Washington Legislature, "Constitution of the State of Washington," accessed February 17, 2021
5. ↑ The Seattle Times, "Gov. Inslee signs $43.7 billion state budget; 11th-hour deal averts shutdown," June 30, 2017
6. ↑ King5, "Property tax increase for some, lower for others under state budget," July 1, 2017
7. ↑ King5, "Gov. Inslee signs $43.7 billion state budget," June 30, 2017
8. ↑ 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
9. ↑ washingtontimes.com, "The Latest: Washington Legislature adjourns special session," accessed February 17, 2021
10. ↑ Multi State, "2015 State Legislative Session Dates," accessed February 17, 2021
11. ↑ washingtonstatewire.com, "Session Set to Open in ‘Bizarro World’ – Supreme Court Decision Turns Everything Upside Down," January 13, 2014
12. ↑ The Spokesman Review, "Budget remains pressing issue in new legislative session," January 13, 2013
13. ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "2011 Legislative Sessions Calendar," accessed February 17, 2021
14. ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "2010 Legislative Sessions Calendar," accessed February 17, 2021
15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 National Association of State Budget Officers, "Budget Processes in the States, Spring 2015," accessed February 5, 2021
16. ↑ census.gov, "Population Distribution and Change: 2000 to 2010," accessed February 17, 2021
17. ↑ U.S. Census Bureau, "States Ranked by Population," April 2, 2001
18. ↑ The Seattle Times, "Democratic duo joins with GOP to shake up state Senate," December 10, 2012
19. ↑ The Seattle Times, "In twist, Democrats elevate GOP state Sen. Pam Roach to leadership," January 12, 2015
20. ↑ The Seattle Times, "Sen. Tim Sheldon picked as president pro-tem of GOP-controlled state Senate," January 6, 2017
21. ↑ The Seattle Times, "Race for Washington lieutenant governor a study in contrasts," September 28, 2016
22. ↑ The Spokesman-Review, "Democrats take control of Washington State Senate," November 8, 2017
23. ↑ census.gov, "Population Distribution and Change: 2000 to 2010," accessed February 17, 2021
24. ↑ U.S. Census Bureau, "States Ranked by Population," April 2, 2001
25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 25.3 25.4 All About Redistricting, "Washington," accessed May 6, 2015
26. ↑ Washington Secretary of State, "Redistricting and Census Timeline," accessed December 15, 2020
27. ↑ Draw your WA, "Public Outreach Meetings," accessed July 27, 2021
28. ↑ 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
29. ↑ Washington State Legislature, "RCW 44.04.021 Commencement of terms of office," accessed February 17, 2021
30. ↑ Gallagher Law Library, University of Washington, "History of the Washington State Constitution," accessed July 13, 2015

[show]

Current members of the Washington State Senate

Leadership

Majority Leader:Andy Billig

Senators

District 1

Derek Stanford (D)

District 2

Jim McCune (R)

District 3

Andy Billig (D)

District 4

Mike Padden (R)

District 5

Mark Mullet (D)

District 6

Jeff Holy (R)

District 7

Shelly Short (R)

District 8

Sharon Brown (R)

District 9

Mark Schoesler (R)

District 10

Ron Muzzall (R)

District 11

Bob Hasegawa (D)

District 12

Brad Hawkins (R)

District 13

Judith Warnick (R)

District 14

Curtis King (R)

District 15

Jim Honeyford (R)

District 16

Perry Dozier (R)

District 17

Lynda Wilson (R)

District 18

Ann Rivers (R)

District 19

Jeff Wilson (R)

District 20

John Braun (R)

District 21

Marko Liias (D)

District 22

Sam Hunt (D)

District 23

Christine Rolfes (D)

District 24

Kevin Wege (D)

District 25

Chris Gildon (R)

District 26

Emily Randall (D)

District 27

Yasmin Trudeau (D)

District 28

T'wina Nobles (D)

District 29

Steve Conway (D)

District 30

Claire Wilson (D)

District 31

Phil Fortunato (R)

District 32

Jesse Salomon (D)

District 33

Karen Keiser (D)

District 34

Joe Nguyen (D)

District 35

Tim Sheldon (D)

District 36

Reuven Carlyle (D)

District 37

Rebecca Saldana (D)

District 38

June Robinson (D)

District 39

Keith Wagoner (R)

District 40

Liz Lovelett (D)

District 41

Lisa Wellman (D)

District 42

Doug Ericksen (R)

District 43

Jamie Pedersen (D)

District 44

Steve Hobbs (D)

District 45

Manka Dhingra (D)

District 46

Dave Frockt (D)

District 47

Mona Das (D)

District 48

Patricia Kuderer (D)

District 49

Annette Cleveland (D)

Democratic Party (29)

Republican Party (20)

v • e

State legislatures

Legislatures|

Alabama (H, S) · Alaska (H, S) · Arizona (H, S) · Arkansas (H, S) · California (A, S) · Colorado (H, S) · Connecticut (H, S) · Delaware (H, S) · Florida (H, S) · Georgia (H, S) · Hawaii (H, S) · Idaho (H, S) · Illinois (H, S) · Indiana (H, S) · Iowa (H, S) · Kansas (H, S) · Kentucky (H, S) · Louisiana (H, S) · Maine (H, S) · Maryland (H, S) · Massachusetts (H, S) · Michigan (H, S) · Minnesota (H, S) · Mississippi (H, S) · Missouri (H, S) · Montana (H, S) · Nebraska · Nevada (A, S) · New Hampshire (H, S) · New Jersey (GA, S) · New Mexico (H, S) · New York (A, S) · North Carolina (H, S) · North Dakota (H, S) · Ohio (H, S) · Oklahoma (H, S) · Oregon (H, S) · Pennsylvania (H, S) · Rhode Island (H, S) · South Carolina (H, S) · South Dakota (H, S) · Tennessee (H, S) · Texas (H, S) · Utah (H, S) · Vermont (H, S) · Virginia (H, S) · Washington (H, S) · West Virginia (H, S) · Wisconsin (A, S) · Wyoming (H, S)

* * *

2022|

State legislative elections (2022) • State legislative special elections (2022) • Primary dates and filing requirements • 2022 Session Dates

* * *

2021|

State legislative elections (2021) • State legislative special elections (2021) • Primary dates and filing requirements • 2021 Session Dates

* * *

Historical elections|

2020 • 2019 • 2018 • 2017 • 2016 • 2015 • 2014 • 2013 • 2012 • 2011 • 2010 • 2009 • 2008 • 2007 • 2006 • 2005 • 2004 • 2003 • 2002 • 2001 • 2000

* * *

Features of
state legislatures|

How vacancies are filled in state legislatures • States with a full-time legislature • State legislatures with term limits • Comparison of state legislative salaries • When state legislators assume office after a general election • Population represented by state legislators • State constitutional articles governing state legislatures • State legislative sessions • Resign-to-run law • State legislature candidate requirements by state • Official names of state legislatures • State legislative chambers that use multi-member districts • Factors Affecting Competitiveness in State Legislative Elections

* * *

State senates|

Length of terms of state senators • State senators • Partisan composition of state senates • State senators sorted by year first elected

* * *

State houses|

Length of terms of state representatives • State representatives • Partisan composition of state houses • State representatives sorted by year first elected

* * *

Leadership positions|

President of the Senate • President Pro Tempore • Senate Majority Leader • Senate Minority Leader • House Majority Leader • House Minority Leader • State Speaker of the House

v • e

Ballotpedia

About|

Overview • What people are saying • Support Ballotpedia • Contact • Contribute • Job opportunities

* * *

Executive: Leslie Graves, President • Gwen Beattie, Chief Operating Officer • Ken Carbullido, Vice President of Election Product and Technology Strategy

Communications: Kayla Harris • Megan Brown • Mary Dunne • Sarah Groat • Lauren Nemerovski
External Relations: Alison Prange • Sara Key • Kari Berger • Hannah Nelson
Operations: Meghann Olshefski • Lauren Dixon • Kelly Rindfleisch • Sara Horton • Elizabeth Brown
Policy: Christopher Nelson • Caitlin Styrsky • Molly Byrne • Katharine Frey • Jace Lington • Jimmy McAllister
Tech: Matt Latourelle, Tech Manager • Ryan Burch • Michael Cella • Kirsten Corrao • Margaret Kearney • Tom Reitz

Contributors: Scott Rasmussen

* * *

Editorial|

Geoff Pallay, Editor-in-Chief • Daniel Anderson, Managing Editor • Josh Altic, Managing Editor • Cory Eucalitto, Managing Editor • Mandy Gillip, Managing Editor • Jerrick Adams • Victoria Antram • Dave Beaudoin • Jaclyn Beran • Marielle Bricker • Ryan Byrne • Kate Carsella • Kelly Coyle • Megan Feeney • Tyler King • Doug Kronaizl • Amee LaTour • David Luchs • Brittony Maag • Andrew McNair • Jackie Mitchell • Elisabeth Moore • Ellen Morrissey • Mackenzie Murphy • Paul Rader • Ethan Rice • Abbey Smith • Janie Valentine • Caitlin Vanden Boom • Joel Williams • Corinne Wolyniec • Samuel Wonacott • Mercedes Yanora