How to Track Bills and Participate in the Legislative Process
May 7, 2024
The status of proposed bills can be tracked on the Washington State Legislature website at www.leg.wa.gov. Once on the website, select “Bill Information” and enter the bill number of interest. You will be able to see the bill history, the bill language itself, bill reports that summarize the bill, fiscal notes, and amendments to the bill. If there have been prior hearings on the bill you will find links to videos of the prior hearings on TV-W.
The Washington State Legislature website also has links to all members of the Senate and House of Representatives with their contact information, as well as links to each of the legislative committees and the committee members. If you wish to contact a legislator, it can be done by phone, email, or regular US postal service mail at the contact information provided. Find your legislators here: Washington State Legislature.
If you or a loved one wishes to testify on a bill, you must register to testify online at CSI (wa.gov), select either “House” or “Senate” as appropriate, then select the committee, meeting date, and time for the bill for which you would like to testify. You will be sent a Zoom link to use for testifying remotely, and you will still receive it as a backup even if you select the “testify in person” option. You must sign in at least one hour before the hearing.
To testify in person: Select “I would like to testify in person during the hearing.” Ensure your registration information is accurate. After submitting your registration, it may not be possible to make changes. It will be a part of the legislative record and used by TVW for online and television graphics.
To testify remotely: Select “I would like to testify remotely.” Ensure your registration information is accurate. After submitting your registration, it may not be possible to make changes. It will be a part of the legislative record and used by TVW for online and television graphics.
Additional Information:
Find more information on “Visiting the Legislature” and direct participation here: Washington State Legislature Coming to the Legislature.
Find more information on “How to Testify in Committee” here: Washington State Legislature How to Testify.
Find an overview of the legislative process here: Washington State Legislature Overview of the Legislative Process and Washington State Legislature How a Bill Becomes a Law.
