Washington State
The Washington State legislative process is similar to that of the U.S. Congress. However, there are some important differences.
Part time legislature - The U.S. Congress is a full time legislature. It is in session from January to December with occasional recesses. Members are paid $174,000 a year.
The Washington State Legislature meets for just three months every two years. The first legislative session is 105 days (Jan-April in odd numbered years) while the second is just 60 days (Jan-March of even numbered years). However, shorter special sessions (to complete unfinished business) are also fairly common. Members are paid $47,000 a year plus a per diem for living expenses of up to $120 when the legislature is in session.
Multimember districts - In Congress there is only one Representative per legislative district. Each of the 49 state legislative districts in Washington elects two Representatives and one Senator. Representatives are elected for 2 year terms whereas Senators are elected for 4 year terms. (Mouse over the legislators on the left to find out more about them, or click on a bill to find out more about the sponsor.)
Substitute bills - Committees in the Washington State Legislature will frequently adopt a substitute bill instead of amending the original bill (as is common at the federal level). The substitute bill then becomes the vehicle for further consideration of the proposal. (Washington Legislative Explorer treats all versions of a bill as the same bill so that its progress can be consistently tracked.)
Single topics - The Washington State Constitution prohibits legislator from addressing more than one topic. There is no such requirement at the federal level. (Washington Legislative Explorer includes a filter for 20 different policy topics. See below for more information about these topics.)
Initiatives and Referenda - The Washington State Legislature can refer passed legislation to the voters for approval (a referendum). It can also review, revise and reject initiatives previously passed by the voters. There is no referendum or initiative option at the federal level. (Washington Legislative Explorer includes a filter for identifying initiatives and referenda considered by the legislature.)
Cutoff - Because time is short in a part-time legislature, legislation that does not make it past particular milestones by specified dates can no longer be considered in that session ("cutoff"). There is no similar efficiency mechanism at the federal level. (In Washington Legislative Explorer, a bill fades to grey if it is one of the unfortunates that fails to progress in time.)
Resolving differences - For a bill to become law, both chambers must pass an identical version. In the US Congress, differences are often resolved by amending the bill that was passed by the other chamber. In the Washington state legislature, the second chamber typically accepts or rejects what the other chamber has passed without changes. The conference committee is the primary mechanism for resolving differences in the rare cases where the chambers engage in formal negotiations over a bill's substance. (Mouse over a bill that became law and you should see a tracer indicating its path.)
Broad gubernatorial veto powers - The US President can only veto bills in their entirety. In Washington, the governor can veto entire bills, particular sections of bills, and specific (line item) spending in appropriations legislation. The Governor must also seek legislative approval for many executive appointments. (Washington Legislative Explorer distinguishes among these different executive actions. There is also a filter for bills proposing executive appointments.)
Types of Legislation - Washington Legislative Explorer includes several kinds of legislation. Representatives and Senators can introduce Bills, which alter the authority of the state government and require the Governor's signature (or a veto override) to become law. Each chamber can also introduce and adopt Resolutions, and both chambers can adopt a Joint Resolution, each of which are expressions of sentiment that do have the force of law. Another important type of legislation is the Initiative. The legislature has the ability to modify an initiative previously adopted by the citizens of Washington State. Finally, the Governor submits Nominations for a large number executive branch positions that require Senate approval.