Washington House of Representatives

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Type
Type	Lower house of the Washington State Legislature
Chambers
Term limits
Established
Disbanded
Preceded by
Succeeded by

The Washington House of Representatives is the lower house of the Washington State Legislature, the state legislature of the U.S. state of Washington. The body consists of 98 members representing an equal number of constituencies across the state, each elected to two-year terms. The House meets at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia, Washington.

Structure

The Washington House of Representatives is composed of 98 members who are elected from single-member districts throughout the state. Each member represents a district of approximately equal population, as required by law. The House is one of the two chambers of the legislature, the other being the Washington State Senate.

Leadership

The House is headed by the Speaker, who is elected by the members of the House. The Speaker's role is to preside over the House sessions, manage legislative business, and represent the House at official functions. The Speaker pro tempore and the Majority and Minority Leaders are also key leadership positions within the House, responsible for various legislative duties and party leadership.

Functions

The primary function of the Washington House of Representatives is to pass state laws along with the Senate. The House has the exclusive power to initiate revenue bills and impeachment proceedings. After passing the House, bills go to the Senate for consideration and must be approved by both chambers before being sent to the Governor of Washington for signature.

Committees

The House operates several standing committees that handle different areas of state policy, such as finance, education, transportation, and health care. These committees review legislation related to their specific area, hold hearings, and can amend bills before they go to the full House for a vote.

Elections and Terms

Members of the Washington House of Representatives are elected every two years, with no term limits. Elections are held in even-numbered years. The most recent elections were held in November of the previous even-numbered year.

See also

• Washington State Capitol
• Washington State Senate
• Governor of Washington