13. The Floor: 1st 2nd & 3rd Readings Explained
Learn what 1st, 2nd, and 3rd readings mean and how bills are reviewed on the legislative floor.
Discussion Questions
Organizing – Civic Skills
Riley Irish organizes for health equity. They build community leadership and partner for meaningful change.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Unit
Civil Rights & Judiciary (2025)
Explore civil rights policy debates in Washington State during the 2025 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Unit
Consumer Protection & Business (2026)
Explore consumer protection and business policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Unit
Pre-Legislative Session Class Primer
Prepare your students to follow and engage in the legislative process with this two day pre-legislative session primer.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Unit
Health Care & Wellness (2025)
Explore healthcare policy debates in Washington State and how lawmakers address access and affordability.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
SERIES
Leg.wa.gov Navigator
These handy explainer videos will help you navigate Washington state's legislative website - leg.wa.gov
Multiple Videos
SERIES
On The Issues – Q&A
Legislative Pages research current issues legislative committees are working on and bring those questions to committee leadership.
Multiple Videos
Candidate Filing Week
Learn how candidates get on the ballot and how WA's SOS office ensures the process is equitable and fair for both candidate and voter.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
How to Become a Precinct Committee Officer
How to become a Precinct Committee Officer - There are many vacancies and you are needed!
Discussion Questions
Prosecutor vs. Public Defender?
Learn the roles of prosecutors and public defenders and how they work together in Washington State’s justice system.
Discussion Questions
Unit
Housing (House 2025)
Explore housing policy debates in Washington State and how lawmakers address affordability and housing access.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Re-Wire 2026 Legislative Session Preview
Preview the 2026 legislative session with insights from the ReWire conference on budget, policy, and key issues.
Discussion Questions
Ballot Hand Recounts
See how WA State's ballot recall is resolved through the 2024 Lands Commissioner race mandatory recount, and the oversight involved.
Discussion Questions
Unit
2026 Tech For Teens – Legislative Branch Explained
Follow real WA bills on AI and social media to see how ideas become law—from hearings to debate, votes, and the governor’s desk.
Multiple Videos
Visual Storytelling – Civic Skills
Filmmaker Derek Bradfield Nguyen uses visual storytelling to show how people live in community, building civic familiarity.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
The Second Half
Learn how bills move through the second chamber in Washington State and why amendments and timing shape their chances of passing.
Discussion Questions
6. What is a Lobbyist?
Learn what a lobbyist is and how they influence the legislative process in Washington State.
Discussion Questions
Public Programs Manager – Civic Skills
Ecological programs manager, Brianna Klein helps extend environmental awareness and ecological literacy across the community.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Unit
State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections (2025)
Learn about committee leadership and where the two parties stand on two important policies regarding partisanship and elections.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
WA Republican State Convention
Explore and influence of party conventions, how they are structured, and the role of delegates in shaping the electoral process.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
2026 General Election Look Ahead
There are many significant statewide races on every Washingtonian’s ballot - get the over view on what to watch for this General Election!
Discussion Questions
Unit
Early Learning & Human Services (2026)
Explore human services policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Unit
Legislative Committees
Understand the role of legislative committees, how they are structured, and how power and perspective can shape policy.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Unit
Environment & Energy (House 2025)
Learn about committee leadership and where the two parties stand on three important policies regarding the environment and energy.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Amendments Happen – Tech For Teens
Learn how amendments shape bills in Washington State and how changes are made before a full chamber vote.
Discussion Questions
10. Public Comment
Learn how public input influences legislation in Washington State through testimony, letters, and civic engagement.
Discussion Questions
Political Campaigns
Learn what it takes to run for office in Washington, from campaigning and fundraising to serving the public.
Discussion Questions
Redistricting in Washington State
Examine legislative redistricting in Washington State and how the bipartisan redistricting committee works and the power of court challege.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
State Auditor
Explore the role of Washington’s State Auditor and learn how audits provide oversight and accountability in state government.
Lesson Plan
18. Final Step: The Governor’s Desk
Learn what happens at the governor’s desk and how bills are signed, vetoed, or become law in Washington State.
Discussion Questions
Working the Bill – Tech For Teens
Learn how stakeholders, lobbyists, and advocates “work the bill” to influence legislation in Washington State.
Discussion Questions
15. The Floor: Big Changes Happen
Learn how major changes can happen to bills on the floor and how amendments can shape outcomes in Washington State.
Discussion Questions
2026 Short Session Look Ahead
Get ready for Washington State’s 2026 short session and learn how the biennium shapes legislative priorities and timelines.
Lesson Plan
Planting a Garden – Civic Skills
Marshall Davidson shows how gardening empowers curiosity, community pride, environmental awareness, and a sense of civic belonging.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Secretary of State
Learn the role of Washington State’s Secretary of State and how the office oversees elections and public records.
Lesson Plan
Floor Debate
Learn how floor debates work in Washington State and the rules that guide discussion, amendments, and voting on legislation.
Discussion Questions
Documentary
The Pink Tax: WA Students Push For Pricing Equity
Follow WA students advocating for pricing equity and tackling the pink tax through the legislative process.
Discussion Questions
Unit
Transportation (2025)
Explore transportation policy debates in Washington State during the 2025 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Unit
Housing (Senate 2025)
Explore housing policy debates in Washington State during the 2025 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Unit
Environment & Energy (2026)
Explore environment and energy policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Commissioner of Public Lands
Learn the role of Washington State’s Commissioner of Public Lands and how natural resources are managed.
Lesson Plan
A.G. Request Legislation – Tech For Teens
Learn how Attorney General request legislation works and how laws are enforced to protect consumers in Washington State.
Discussion Questions
Local History – Civic Skills
TV Host, Knute Berger uses local history to root us in place and inform context in our civic process.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Science – Civic Skills
Matt Dehr connects science to civic life by highlighting his team’s work sharing weather awareness for wildfire prevention and coordination.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Using the Bill Info Page
Learn how to use the Washington State bill info page to track sponsors, votes, amendments, and key legislative details.
Insurance Commissioner
Learn the role of Washington State’s Insurance Commissioner and how the office protects consumers.
Lesson Plan
The Committee Chair
Learn how committee chairs in Washington State decide which bills move forward and shape the legislative process.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Fiscal Committees
Learn how fiscal committees in Washington State review bills with financial impact and why they are critical in the lawmaking process.
Discussion Questions
Attorney General
Learn the role of Washington State’s Attorney General and how the office represents and protects the public.
Lesson Plan
The Law – Civic Skills
Attorney Rich Lumley uses critical thinking and empathy in law as he researches, negotiates, and encourages understanding.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Court of Appeals – WA Courts
Learn how the Washington State Court of Appeals works and its role in reviewing trial court decisions.
Discussion Questions
Planting Trees – Civic Skills
Fulton Bryant Anderson plants urban trees to build community and grow environmental stewardship amongst neighborhoods.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
What Is The Most Powerful Branch?
Explore which branch of government is most powerful and how checks and balances work in Washington State.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
2. What is the Law?
Learn what laws are, how they work, and how bills become part of the Revised Code of Washington.
Discussion Questions
Fines & Fees
Explore fines and fees in Washington State courts and how policies have changed for civil and criminal cases.
Discussion Questions
Supporting Small Businesses – Civic Skills
Chris Maykut supports small businesses in Seattle. He fosters communication and mutuality while strengthening the neighborhood’s civic core.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
The Governor
Learn the role of Washington State’s Governor and how the office leads, implements laws, and works across government.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Professional Sports – Civic Skills
In his work for the Seattle Kraken, Kyle Boyd leverages hockey to build community, promote health, connection and civic life amongst youth.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Landscape Organizing – Civic Skills
Landscape Architect, Dakota Keene designs public/private spaces for community connection, creating shared civic spaces that welcome everyone
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Balancing Security and Access
In the United States, each state conducts their elections slightly differently, learn how WA ensures the integrity of its voting process.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
District & Municipal Courts – WA Courts
Learn how district and municipal courts handle lower-level cases in Washington State’s court system.
Discussion Questions
Superintendent of Public Instruction
Learn the role of Washington State’s Superintendent of Public Instruction and how OSPI supports public schools.
Lesson Plan
WA Top Two Primary
Learn how Washington State's Top Two Primary works, the different scenarios that can play out, and how political parties strategize to win.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Unit
K12 Education (2026)
Explore K-12 education policy debates in Washington State during the 2026 legislative session.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Unit
How a Bill Becomes a Law in Washington State
In 9–10 class periods, students explore lawmaking in WA, issues they care about, legislative action, civic engagement, and bipartisanship.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
What Happens After You’re Arrested?
Learn what happens after an arrest in Washington State, from arraignment through sentencing.
Discussion Questions
SERIES
Executive Branch Explained
Learn how WA’s elected officials manage education, finances, land, insurance, and oversight—shaping daily life and public accountability.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
The Washington State Constitution
Learn how Washington’s Constitution shapes state government and what makes it unique among U.S. state constitutions.
Discussion Questions
Poetry – Civic Skills
Rena Priest uses poetry as a means to access others’ viewpoints. Empathy and broad vision are essential for community action.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
SERIES
Legacy Videos
Some legacy educational modules explaining the different aspects of the Legislative Branch and Washington State Government.
Multiple Videos
SERIES
Civics 101 in 120 Seconds (ish)
Civics 101 explains how government works, citizen rights, and public policy at local, state, and national levels.
Multiple Videos
Connection to Place – Civic Skills
Author Sheryl Harmer uses empathy to connect to place and gain perspective. She shares how this is essential for democracy.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Unit
Party Conventions Unit
In this jigsawed activity, students compare and contrast the conventions, determining who is involved in each event and investigating...
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
The State Budget(s)
Learn about Washington State’s three budgets—Operating, Capital, and Transportation—and how they reflect government priorities.
Discussion Questions
The Final Step – Tech For Teens
Learn the final step in Washington State lawmaking as bills reach the governor’s desk for approval, veto, or enactment.
Discussion Questions
Documentary
Supreme Justice
Explore Washington’s Supreme Court through the landmark Gardner v. Loomis case in this Emmy-winning documentary.
Discussion Questions
The Rules Committee
Learn how the Rules Committee decides which bills reach the floor in Washington State’s legislative process.
Discussion Questions
The Role of the Whip
What does a legislative whip do? Learn how caucus whips count votes, manage members, and guide bills in Olympia.
Discussion Questions
The Initiative Process
Learn from UW Law scholar, Hugh Spitzer, how WAs initiative process works, and the benefits and potential pitfalls of the initiative process
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Documentary
The Medicine Creek Treaty, 1854-Present
Explore the Medicine Creek Treaty and its lasting impact on Native communities in Washington State.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Looking up a Bill
Learn how to find Washington State bills by number, topic, sponsor, or pre-filed status using the legislative website.
Community Engagement – Civic Skills
Daniel Garcia uses civic engagement to strengthen Tacoma arts. He listens to neighbors and brings people together to enrich the community.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
SERIES
Legislative Branch Explained
Explore how laws are made in Washington State—from bill introduction to final vote—while learning how citizens can engage.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
Unit
Education (2025)
This 20 min lesson explores where the Majority and Minority Parties stand on two policies regarding Early Learning and K12 Education.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
The Difference Between Civil vs. Criminal?
Explore the difference between criminal and civil cases and how Washington State courts handle each.
Discussion Questions
SERIES
Civic Skills
Explore diverse professional roles and the civic skills that help people succeed in their communities and daily lives.
Lesson Plan
Multiple Videos
12. The Floor: What is Decorum??
Learn what decorum means on the legislative floor and how rules guide respectful debate in Washington State.
Discussion Questions
Coffee and Connections – Civic Skills
Annette Heide-Jessen uses her coffee shop for civic connection, gathering neighbors and supporting entrepreneurs.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Youth Sports – Civic Skills
Coach Purcell Parker uses youth sports for life lessons. He focuses on personal and civic development, and the long-term journey of youth.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Lieutenant Governor
Learn the role of Washington State’s Lieutenant Governor and how this office fits within the executive branch.
Lesson Plan
Passing Legislation – Civic Skills
Former legislator Tana Senn explains passing legislation as a civic skill. Engaging stakeholders changes policy and impacts communities.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Anatomy of a Committee
Learn how legislative committees work in Washington State and why they are key to researching, debating, and shaping laws.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Documentary
Finding Common Ground
Examine different ways that tribal nations, the Washington State government, and other stakeholders have come together to navigate conflict.
Lesson Plan
Meeting leg.wa.gov
Take a tour of leg.wa.gov and learn how to find bills, calendars, and ways to engage with Washington State’s legislature.
Mainstream Republicans Conference
See how WAs Mainstream Republican Conference acts as a think tank and forum for focusing on political party interests and endorsements.
Lesson Plan
Institutional Mission – Civic Skills
Director Bob Davidson centered the Seattle Aquarium on a clear mission, helping to lead the institution through years of community growth.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions
Time Management – Tech For Teens
Learn how time management, floor strategy, and party priorities shape which Washington State bills get a final vote.
Discussion Questions
How To Get Legal Advice?
Learn how to get legal advice in Washington State and understand your right to an attorney in civil and criminal cases.
Discussion Questions
What Happens If A Law Is Declared Unconstitutional?
Learn what happens when a law is declared unconstitutional and the roles of courts and lawmakers in Washington State.
Lesson Plan
Discussion Questions