Bill Action

We cannot hold public bill signings at this time due to the extraordinary circumstances to protect the public’s health. Members of the public can view the bill signings on TVW. 

Bill Action Scheduled

No bill action scheduled at this time.

 

Bill Action Taken

Bill Number Chamber Description Governor's Action Signed Datesort descending
5315 Senate Relating to the implementation of the recommendations made by the Powell fatality team. Signed Tue, May. 14, 2013
5337 Senate Relating to expiration dates affecting the department of natural resources' timber sale program. Signed Tue, May. 14, 2013
5484 Senate Relating to assault in the third degree occurring in areas used in connection with court proceedings. Signed Tue, May. 14, 2013
5797 Senate Relating to specialty courts. Signed Tue, May. 14, 2013
1045 House Relating to local authorities altering maximum speed limits. Signed Wed, May. 15, 2013
1499 House Relating to the program of all-inclusive care for the elderly. Signed Wed, May. 15, 2013
1613 House Relating to the criminal justice training commission firing range maintenance account. Signed Wed, May. 15, 2013
1629 House Relating to eliminating barriers to credentialing and continuing education as a home care aide. Signed Wed, May. 15, 2013
5053 Senate Relating to vehicle prowling. Signed Wed, May. 15, 2013
5104 Senate Relating to placing epinephrine autoinjectors in schools. Signed Wed, May. 15, 2013
5105 Senate Relating to conditions under which the department of corrections provides rental vouchers to an offender. Signed Wed, May. 15, 2013
5113 Senate Relating to enforcing speed limits within condominium association communities. Signed Wed, May. 15, 2013
5148 Senate Relating to medication access for the uninsured. Signed Wed, May. 15, 2013
5149 Senate Relating to crimes against pharmacies. Signed Wed, May. 15, 2013
5213 Senate Relating to prescription review for medicaid managed care enrollees. Signed Wed, May. 15, 2013
5343 Senate Relating to the rights of higher education students involved in military service. Signed Wed, May. 15, 2013
5344 Senate Relating to revising state statutes concerning trusts. Signed Wed, May. 15, 2013
5359 Senate Relating to mandatory reporting of child abuse or neglect by supervised persons. Signed Wed, May. 15, 2013
5369 Senate Relating to the use of geothermal resources. Signed Wed, May. 15, 2013
5399 Senate Relating to the timing of penalties under the growth management act. Signed Wed, May. 15, 2013
5416 Senate Relating to prescription information. Signed Wed, May. 15, 2013
5434 Senate Relating to the filing and public disclosure of health care provider compensation. Signed Wed, May. 15, 2013
5437 Senate Relating to boating safety. Signed Wed, May. 15, 2013
5449 Senate Relating to modification of the Washington state health insurance pool. Signed Wed, May. 15, 2013
5459 Senate Relating to requiring ninety-day supply limits on certain drugs dispensed by a pharmacist. Signed Wed, May. 15, 2013

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Bill Action FAQs

When does a bill reach the governor’s desk?

Before the governor signs a bill, it must first be signed in open session in both the Senate and House. 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.

How long does the governor have to sign a bill?

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.

How are the five days and the 20 days counted?

Both are counted as calendar days, not business days. Sundays are not counted, but Saturdays and state holidays are counted.

How are bills scheduled for action, whether they are five-day or 20-day bills?

The governor’s office schedules bill signings. Often they are signed in the governor’s office in the order they are received; however:

  • Bills may be grouped together by issue or location. For example, several education bills may be signed at the same time or bills affecting a region of the state may be signed together in that region.
  • Legislators can request a specific date for signing.
How do I find out when a bill is going to be signed?

The bill action schedule and memos are posted on this website above. Always double check the bill action schedule on the day of your bill signing as sometimes bills may be held at the last minute for further consideration.

 

I’d like to attend a bill signing. What do I need to know?
  • The bill action notice gives the location and time of the bill signing. Possible locations include:
    • Governor’s Conference Room on the second floor of the Legislative Building
    • State Reception Room on the third floor of the Legislative Building
    • Off-site locations around the state
  • Capitol Campus building map is available here.
  • Parking information for the Capitol Campus is available here.
  • There are often large groups at bill signings so when you arrive, we ask that you find your bill number and line up in the hallway. Our staff will call groups into the conference room when their bill is being signed.
  • Children are welcome. Service animals only are also allowed in the office.
  • During the signing, guests should form a group behind the governor. The spots immediately to the governor’s left and right are reserved for the legislators who sponsored the bill. After the governor gives brief remarks, a photographer will take a group photo available for purchase here. The bill signings are also recorded and available for viewing on tvw.org.
  • After the photos, our staff will pass out ceremonial pens to commemorate the signing.
  • Guests should then exit the conference room through the rear door.

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