WASHINGTON STATE LAWS AND REGULATIONS

WASHINGTON STATE LAWS AND REGULATIONS An Interactive Review

Definitions • A law is called an RCW (Revised code of Washington). • A regulation is called a WAC (Washington administrative code). • The State Legislature consists of a House of Representatives and a Senate • Members are called legislators • A veto is when the governor does not sign the bill stating the proposed law. The veto can be over ruled by another vote of legislator if they can achieve a 2/3 majority of the votes.

The process of making laws • An issue surfaces that may be resolved by a new law. • A legislator/sponsor(senator or representative) drafts the law (called a “bill” at this stage of legislation) • The bill goes to a committee(both senate and house) that decides if it should go forward. • Both senate and house membership must approve the bill. • **This process is similar to the federal government with the two houses of congress and the president.

The process of making regulations • Regulations are often needed to implement laws • Regulations are drafted by agencies affected by the law. • Each regulation is based on a law. • A Public hearing precedes and/or follows the finalization of regulations. • The agencies are responsible to implement the regulations.

Accessing a legislator • When a legislator sponsors a bill, citizens may advocate in favor of a bill or against a bill. • Citizens can contact legislators from their district as well as other legislators, to let them know how they want them to vote on the bill or let them know what they want changed in the bill. (called “lobbying”) • Every citizen has the right to lobby members of congress by a visit, telephone call , letter or e-mail.

What are laws called before they become actual laws? • Statutes • Little laws • Bills • Regulations

Each district in Washington state elects: • 1 Senator & 1 Representative • 1 Senator & 2 Representatives • 2 Senators & 1 Representative • 2 Senators & 2 Representatives

When the Governor decides not to sign a bill into law, this is called a: • statute • mistake • Bill • veto

Washington state laws/statutes are collectively referred to as: • Revised Code of Washington (RCW) • Washington Administrative Code (WAC) • Bills • Laws

“Regulations” are created by ___________ that are directly affected by particular laws. • Congress • RCWs • Agencies • Governor

Each “Regulation” is based on a(n): • Law • Public hearing • Agency • Governor’s decision

Members of the public can contact their senator and /or representatives to express their opinions on bills being considered. This is called: • Lawyering • Lobbying • contacting • Making waves

If a “Bill” does not make it through the 2-year legislative cycle, it is considered to be: • “dead” • “sleeping” • passed • vetoed

WASHINGTON STATE LAWS AND REGULATIONS