What You Have Always Wanted to Know and Didn’t Know You Wanted to Know

​

Here is the key to the questions I posed in the February Retiree Advocate.  I hope you learned something, and, if not, had some fun. 

 

1.  How long does the Governor have before signing a bill after passed by the        Legislature? 

​

Once the house speaker and senate president sign the bill, it’s delivered to the governor’s office. This process can take several days following the passage of a bill by the Legislature.

 

Bills that are delivered to the governor more than five days before the Legislature adjourns have five days to be acted on. Bills that are delivered fewer than five days before the Legislature adjourns have 20 days to be acted on by the governor. Days are calendar days, not counting Sundays.

 

2.  To what does “on the Bar” refer?

 

Placing a bill or amendment "on the bar" is a procedural step required to introduce it for consideration. They must be handed to the Chief Clerk of the House or the Secretary of the Senate to be officially considered. A final vote on a major budget bill generally requires it to be on the third reading calendar for at least 24 hours, but this rule can be suspended by a two-thirds vote.

 

3.  To what does “they are in caucus, AGAIN” refer?

 

There are four major caucuses, Senate Republican, Senate Democrat, House Republican, House Democrat. Caucuses meet throughout the legislative session to discuss bills before they are brought to the floor for a vote. “They are in caucus, AGAIN” refers to a lament expressed by advocates as they watch the clock tick by approaching the deadline for bringing bills to the floor. The anxiety increases as the likelihood grows dimmer for getting a vote on your bill.

 

4.  How is the House Speaker elected?

 

The majority party in an internal vote selects its speaker. Then all members of the House regardless of party vote for the Speaker. 

 

5.  Is the Senate Majority Leader chosen the same way?

 

No. The Washington State Senate Majority Leader is elected by a vote of the majority party caucus members

 

6.  Blast from the past: what is a Gulchette?

 

The Gulch was the colloquial term short for “ulcer gulch” where lobbyists could make phone calls, receive messages, and use copying services. There were usually 2-3 women called “gulchettes” who provided these services and were paid by lobbyists’ dues who comprised the “third house.” There is no longer an “ulcer gulch.” Smart phones and other technology made the services provided redundant.

 

7.  Who gets to eat in the Senate Dining Room?

 

While it was once very exclusive, the Washington Senate Dining Room has gradually opened its doors to a wider range of legislative personnel and guests. Generally, legislators and staff, other elected officials and guests can eat in the senate dining room.

​