Learn how a bill becomes a law in Washington State and some key differences in the legislative process on the state and federal levels.
Discussion questions:
- Where do the ideas for bills come from? Who can draft a bill in WA? Who can introduce a bill?
- Can bills in WA have more than one subject? Why or why not?
- What are four things that can happen to a bill during a committee’s executive session?
- What is a fiscal note and how does it affect the legislative process?
- What is the Rules Committee? Why is it called “The Gatekeeper”?
- What happens if the governor refuses to sign a bill?
- Why is it difficult to pass legislation in Washington state? What are some of the ways in which a bill can “die” in the process?
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