Washington

House of Representatives LowerSenate Upper

Legislative Orientation ✓ Available

Chamber	Question	Answer	Detail
House of Representatives	Does your chamber offer an orientation program for new legislators at the beginning of a term?	Yes
House of Representatives	Which best describes the length of the New Member orientation program?	Multiple days
House of Representatives	Which of the following topics are covered in the orientation program (select all that apply)?	Legislative process/procedure
House of Representatives	Which of the following topics are covered in the orientation program (select all that apply)?	Legislative research and bill drafting
House of Representatives	Which of the following topics are covered in the orientation program (select all that apply)?	Role of committees/training of chairs/vice chairs
House of Representatives	Which of the following topics are covered in the orientation program (select all that apply)?	Engagement with the public or media
House of Representatives	Which of the following topics are covered in the orientation program (select all that apply)?	Ethics/conflicts of interest
House of Representatives	Which of the following topics are covered in the orientation program (select all that apply)?	Harassment policies of your chamber
House of Representatives	Which of the following topics are covered in the orientation program (select all that apply)?	Emerging substantive issues ("hot topics")
House of Representatives	Which of the following topics are covered in the orientation program (select all that apply)?	Budget process
House of Representatives	Which of the following topics are covered in the orientation program (select all that apply)?	District office setup or member expense reimbursement
House of Representatives	Which of the following topics are covered in the orientation program (select all that apply)?	Other (please specify)	Employment Law, Civility, Working with the Governor
House of Representatives	Which of the following offices/staff sections are involved in organizing the orientation program or presenting information to legislators during the program (select all that apply)?	Clerk or Secretary's office
House of Representatives	Which of the following offices/staff sections are involved in organizing the orientation program or presenting information to legislators during the program (select all that apply)?	Presiding officer or presiding officer's staff
House of Representatives	Which of the following offices/staff sections are involved in organizing the orientation program or presenting information to legislators during the program (select all that apply)?	Drafting staff
House of Representatives	Which of the following offices/staff sections are involved in organizing the orientation program or presenting information to legislators during the program (select all that apply)?	Committee staff
House of Representatives	Which of the following offices/staff sections are involved in organizing the orientation program or presenting information to legislators during the program (select all that apply)?	Caucus/Delegations
House of Representatives	Which of the following offices/staff sections are involved in organizing the orientation program or presenting information to legislators during the program (select all that apply)?	Security Personnel
House of Representatives	Which of the following offices/staff sections are involved in organizing the orientation program or presenting information to legislators during the program (select all that apply)?	Accounting
House of Representatives	Which of the following offices/staff sections are involved in organizing the orientation program or presenting information to legislators during the program (select all that apply)?	Human Resources
House of Representatives	Which of the following resources or opportunities are available to your members at the orientation program (select all that apply)?	Reimbursement for travel expenses to attend orientation
House of Representatives	Which of the following resources or opportunities are available to your members at the orientation program (select all that apply)?	Individual meetings with leadership or staff
House of Representatives	Which of the following resources or opportunities are available to your members at the orientation program (select all that apply)?	Networking opportunities with other newly elected members
House of Representatives	Which of the following resources or opportunities are available to your members at the orientation program (select all that apply)?	Provision of state-issued electronic devices (phones, laptops, etc.)
House of Representatives	Does your chamber permit remote participation in the orientation program?	No
House of Representatives	Does your chamber provide an orientation program for members elected in a special election?	Yes
House of Representatives	Does your chamber provide on-going training opportunities for all members throughout the legislative term? If yes, please note what topics are typically addressed.	Yes	Generally, no. However, training may be provided on emerging topics. Certain refresher trainings are also provided on issues such as public records, social media usage, ethics, and respectful workplace.
Senate	Does your chamber offer an orientation program for new legislators at the beginning of a term?	Yes
Senate	Which best describes the length of the New Member orientation program?	Multiple days
Senate	Which of the following topics are covered in the orientation program (select all that apply)?	Legislative process/procedure
Senate	Which of the following topics are covered in the orientation program (select all that apply)?	Engagement with the public or media
Senate	Which of the following topics are covered in the orientation program (select all that apply)?	Ethics/conflicts of interest
Senate	Which of the following topics are covered in the orientation program (select all that apply)?	Harassment policies of your chamber
Senate	Which of the following topics are covered in the orientation program (select all that apply)?	District office setup or member expense reimbursement
Senate	Which of the following offices/staff sections are involved in organizing the orientation program or presenting information to legislators during the program (select all that apply)?	Clerk or Secretary's office
Senate	Which of the following offices/staff sections are involved in organizing the orientation program or presenting information to legislators during the program (select all that apply)?	Presiding officer or presiding officer's staff
Senate	Which of the following offices/staff sections are involved in organizing the orientation program or presenting information to legislators during the program (select all that apply)?	Drafting staff
Senate	Which of the following offices/staff sections are involved in organizing the orientation program or presenting information to legislators during the program (select all that apply)?	Committee staff
Senate	Which of the following offices/staff sections are involved in organizing the orientation program or presenting information to legislators during the program (select all that apply)?	Security Personnel
Senate	Which of the following offices/staff sections are involved in organizing the orientation program or presenting information to legislators during the program (select all that apply)?	Accounting
Senate	Which of the following offices/staff sections are involved in organizing the orientation program or presenting information to legislators during the program (select all that apply)?	Human Resources
Senate	Which of the following resources or opportunities are available to your members at the orientation program (select all that apply)?	Reimbursement for travel expenses to attend orientation
Senate	Which of the following resources or opportunities are available to your members at the orientation program (select all that apply)?	Individual meetings with leadership or staff
Senate	Which of the following resources or opportunities are available to your members at the orientation program (select all that apply)?	Networking opportunities with other newly elected members
Senate	Which of the following resources or opportunities are available to your members at the orientation program (select all that apply)?	Provision of state-issued electronic devices (phones, laptops, etc.)
Senate	Does your chamber permit remote participation in the orientation program?	No
Senate	Does your chamber provide an orientation program for members elected in a special election?	Yes
Senate	Does your chamber provide on-going training opportunities for all members throughout the legislative term? If yes, please note what topics are typically addressed.	Yes	We offer management training for members as well as a required appropriate workplace training.

Leadership ✓ Available

Chamber	Question	Answer	Detail
Senate	Is Lt. Governor a current position in your chamber?	Yes
Senate	Is there a limit on the number of individuals allowed to hold the position of Lt. Governor?	Yes	Only 1 Lt. Governor
Senate	How is the Lt. Governor selected and by whom?	Elected	State-wide election
Senate	How long are the terms for the Lt. Governor?	Open-ended response	4 years
Senate	What are the top 1-2 responsibilities of the Lt. Governor?	Open-ended response	Presiding over the Senate Chair of Rules Committee
Senate	Is President a current position in your chamber?	Yes
Senate	Is there a limit on the number of individuals allowed to hold the position of President?	Yes	1 President (the Lt. Governor)
Senate	How is the President selected and by whom?	Elected	Lt. Governor is elected state-wide
Senate	How long are the terms for the President?	Open-ended response	4
Senate	What are the top 1-2 responsibilities of the President?	Open-ended response	Presiding over the Senate Chair of Rules Committee
Senate	Is Speaker a current position in your chamber?	No
Senate	Is Pro Tempore a current position in your chamber?	Yes
Senate	Is there a limit on the number of individuals allowed to hold the position of Pro Tempore?	Yes	1 Pro Tempore but there may additional Vice President Pro Tems
Senate	How is the Pro Tempore selected and by whom?	Elected	Elected by majority of the body
Senate	How long are the terms for the Pro Tempore?	Open-ended response	2 years/ 1 legislative biennium
Senate	What are the top 1-2 responsibilities of the Pro Tempore?	Open-ended response	Presiding over the Senate Vice-Chair of Rules Committee
Senate	Is Majority Leader a current position in your chamber?	Yes
Senate	Is there a limit on the number of individuals allowed to hold the position of Majority Leader?	Yes	1
Senate	How is the Majority Leader selected and by whom?	Elected	Elected by the majority caucus
Senate	How long are the terms for the Majority Leader?	Open-ended response	2 years/ 1 biennium
Senate	What are the top 1-2 responsibilities of the Majority Leader?	Open-ended response	Leading & managing caucus members Policy & floor strategy
Senate	Is Assistant Majority Leader a current position in your chamber?	Yes
Senate	Is there a limit on the number of individuals allowed to hold the position of Assistant Majority Leader?	No	No. We currently have 2
Senate	How is the Assistant Majority Leader selected and by whom?	Elected	by the majority caucus
Senate	How long are the terms for the Assistant Majority Leader?	Open-ended response	2 years/ 1 biennium
Senate	What are the top 1-2 responsibilities of the Assistant Majority Leader?	Open-ended response	Assist at behest of Majority Leader
Senate	Is Minority Leader a current position in your chamber?	Yes
Senate	Is there a limit on the number of individuals allowed to hold the position of Minority Leader?	Yes	1
Senate	How is the Minority Leader selected and by whom?	Elected	Elected by majority of minority caucus
Senate	How long are the terms for the Minority Leader?	Open-ended response	2 years/ 1 biennium
Senate	What are the top 1-2 responsibilities of the Minority Leader?	Open-ended response	Lead & manage the minority caucus Policy & floor strategy
Senate	Is Assistant Minority Leader a current position in your chamber?	Yes
Senate	Is there a limit on the number of individuals allowed to hold the position of Assistant Minority Leader?	No	Currently 1
Senate	How is the Assistant Minority Leader selected and by whom?	Elected	Elected by majority of minority caucus
Senate	How long are the terms for the Assistant Minority Leader?	Open-ended response	2 years/ 1 biennium
Senate	What are the top 1-2 responsibilities of the Assistant Minority Leader?	Open-ended response	Assist the Minority Leader
Senate	Is Majority Whip a current position in your chamber?	Yes
Senate	Is there a limit on the number of individuals allowed to hold the position of Majority Whip?	Yes	1
Senate	How is the Majority Whip selected and by whom?	Elected	By majority caucus
Senate	How long are the terms for the Majority Whip?	Open-ended response	2 years/ 1 biennium
Senate	What are the top 1-2 responsibilities of the Majority Whip?	Open-ended response	Count & confirm floor votes Formally excuse caucus members from floor if absent.
Senate	Is Minority Whip a current position in your chamber?	Yes
Senate	Is there a limit on the number of individuals allowed to hold the position of Minority Whip?	Yes	1
Senate	How is the Minority Whip selected and by whom?	Elected	By minority caucus
Senate	How long are the terms for the Minority Whip?	Open-ended response	2 years/ 1 biennium
Senate	What are the top 1-2 responsibilities of the Minority Whip?	Open-ended response	Assist the whip in vote counting If whip is absent, excuse all absent members on the floor on their behalf.
Senate	List any other positions that weren't listed.	Open-ended response	Majority Floor Leader Minority Floor Leader Majority Caucus Chair Minority Caucus Chair Leadership Liaison to Tribal Nations (Majority caucus only)

Political Caucuses ✓ Available

Chamber	Question	Answer	Detail
House of Representatives	Does your chamber/state have at least one active political party caucus?	Yes
House of Representatives	How are political party caucuses organized in your chamber/state?	By any other method (please specify)	Each caucus adopts its own rules. The chamber rules only refer to the majority and minority caucus.
House of Representatives	Do the caucuses have written bylaws or other binding rules or customs that govern their meetings?	Yes
House of Representatives	Do the political party caucuses have legislative staff assigned to them?	Yes
House of Representatives	What role do those caucuses play?	Select leaders or assist in organization of the chamber
House of Representatives	What role do those caucuses play?	Gather and disseminate information
House of Representatives	What role do those caucuses play?	Formulate policy
House of Representatives	What role do those caucuses play?	Other (please specify)	Communications strategy and public relations. Legislative agenda/priority setting.
House of Representatives	Who can attend caucus/delegation meetings?	Members only
House of Representatives	Who can attend caucus/delegation meetings?	Legislative staff
House of Representatives	Who can attend caucus/delegation meetings?	Invited guests
House of Representatives	Does your chamber/state have other caucuses based upon interests other than political party? If yes, please specify.	Yes	Yes, there are a variety of bipartisan issue-based caucuses (e.g., rail, sportsmen, kids, etc) as well as partisan affinity/identity based caucuses (Black Caucus, Latino Caucus, Members of Color Caucus, etc).
Senate	Does your chamber/state have at least one active political party caucus?	Yes

Enrolling Procedures ✓ Available

Chamber	Question	Answer	Detail
Senate	Is the act or chapter number assigned before enrolling?	No (space left, added later)

Data status for Washington

The current standing of every Washington record in ILP. If your chamber can update or confirm any of this, contact the ILP editors via the About page.

Topic	Chamber	Survey record	Status	Last Checked
Enrolling Procedures	House of Representatives	Did not respond	Needs Update	2026-07-19
Enrolling Procedures	Senate	Responded	Imported	2026-07-19
Leadership	House of Representatives	Did not respond	Needs Update	2026-07-19
Leadership	Senate	Responded	Imported	2026-07-19
Legislative Orientation	House of Representatives	Responded	Imported	2026-07-19
Legislative Orientation	Senate	Responded	Imported	2026-07-19
Political Caucuses	House of Representatives	Responded	Imported	2026-07-19
Political Caucuses	Senate	Responded	Imported	2026-07-19

No specific answers are currently flagged for update.