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[[File:The_Washington_State_Capitol.jpg|thumb|The_Washington_State_Capitol]] The '''Washington State Legislature''' is the [[state legislature]] of the [[U.S. state]] of [[Washington (state)|Washington]]. It is a [[bicameral]] body composed of the [[Washington State Senate]] and the [[Washington House of Representatives]]. The Legislature convenes at the [[Washington State Capitol]] in [[Olympia, Washington|Olympia]].

==Structure==
The Washington State Legislature consists of two chambers:
* The [[Washington State Senate]], which is the upper house, composed of 49 members, each representing a [[legislative district]].
* The [[Washington House of Representatives]], which is the lower house, composed of 98 members, with each legislative district electing two representatives.

==Sessions==
The Legislature meets annually in regular sessions, which begin on the second Monday in January. In odd-numbered years, the regular session lasts 105 days, while in even-numbered years, it lasts 60 days. Special sessions can be called by the [[Governor of Washington|Governor]] or by a two-thirds vote of both legislative chambers.

==Legislative Process==
The legislative process in Washington follows several steps:
1. **Introduction**: A bill is introduced in either the Senate or the House of Representatives.
2. **Committee Review**: The bill is referred to a committee for study and recommendation.
3. **Floor Debate**: If approved by the committee, the bill is debated on the floor of the originating chamber.
4. **Voting**: The bill is voted on by the full chamber. If it passes, it moves to the other chamber for consideration.
5. **Governor's Approval**: If both chambers pass the bill, it is sent to the Governor for approval or veto.

==Leadership==
The leadership of the Washington State Legislature includes:
* The [[President of the Washington State Senate]], who is the [[Lieutenant Governor of Washington]].
* The [[Speaker of the Washington House of Representatives]], elected by the members of the House.

==Committees==
The Legislature operates through a system of standing committees, each focusing on specific areas such as [[education]], [[health care]], [[transportation]], and [[budget]].

==Elections and Terms==
Senators serve four-year terms, with half of the seats up for election every two years. Representatives serve two-year terms, with all seats up for election every two years.

==Related Pages==
* [[Washington State Senate]]
* [[Washington House of Representatives]]
* [[Washington State Capitol]]
* [[Governor of Washington]]
* [[Legislative district]]
* [[Olympia, Washington]]

==Categories==
[[Category:Washington (state)]]
[[Category:State legislatures of the United States]]
[[Category:Government of Washington (state)]]

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Washington State Legislature - Revision history

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