Washington State Senate

Washington State Senate. It is the upper chamber of the Washington State Legislature, the state's bicameral legislative body. The Senate consists of 49 members elected from legislative districts across Washington. Alongside the Washington House of Representatives, it convenes at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia, Washington.

History

The Washington State Senate was established upon the admission of Washington to the United States as the 42nd state in 1889, following the passage of the Enabling Act of 1889. Its early sessions were held in temporary locations, including the Thurston County Courthouse, before the completion of the current Washington State Capitol campus. Key historical legislation passed includes the Barefoot Schoolboy Act of 1895, which established foundational public school funding, and the WPPSS financing bills of the 1970s. The chamber has been the site of significant political events, such as the impeachment trial of Washington Supreme Court Justice Robert F. Utter in 1975 and the contentious "Midnight Ride" parliamentary maneuver during the 1993 debate over the Motor Vehicle Excise Tax.

Membership and elections

Senators are elected to four-year terms from 49 legislative districts, which are apportioned by population following each United States Census. Elections are held in even-numbered years, with about half the seats contested every two years. Candidates must be qualified voters who have resided in the state for at least one year and within their legislative district for 30 days prior to the election. Vacancies are filled by appointment by the Board of County Commissioners of the county containing the district, from a list provided by the local party organization of the departing member. Notable former members include Warren G. Magnuson, who later served in the United States Senate, and Dixy Lee Ray, who later became Governor of Washington.

Powers and duties

The chamber holds several exclusive powers outlined in the Washington State Constitution, including the authority to try impeachments of state officers and to confirm or reject major gubernatorial appointments, such as heads of the Department of Transportation and the Washington State Patrol. It shares lawmaking power with the Washington House of Representatives, including passing the state's biennial operating budget and capital budget. The Senate must also concur with the House on all legislation, including bills related to taxation, such as the Business and Occupation Tax, and significant policy areas like the Washington State Health Care Authority.

Leadership and committees

The presiding officer is the Lieutenant Governor of Washington, currently Denny Heck, who may vote only to break a tie. Day-to-day leadership is provided by the President pro tempore, a senator elected by the majority party, currently Karen Keiser. The Majority Leader, Andy Billig, and the Minority Leader, John Braun, manage their respective party's legislative strategy. The work is conducted through standing committees, such as the powerful Ways and Means Committee, which handles the budget, and the Law & Justice Committee. Other key panels include the Transportation Committee and the Health & Long Term Care Committee.

Current composition and session

Following the 2022 Washington State Senate election, the Democratic Party holds a 29-20 majority. The current legislative session, the 68th Legislature, began on January 9, 2023. Major legislation under consideration includes bills pertaining to the Climate Commitment Act, housing policy under the Growth Management Act, and modifications to the Washington State Paid Family and Medical Leave program. The Senate meets annually, with odd-numbered years featuring 105-day regular sessions and even-numbered years consisting of 60-day sessions, as mandated by the Washington State Constitution.

Category:Washington (state) Senate Category:State upper houses in the United States Category:1889 establishments in Washington (state)