Chapter 44.04 RCW

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sections

HTMLPDF 44.04.010Date of regular sessions.
HTMLPDF 44.04.012Special legislative sessionLegislature may convene.
HTMLPDF 44.04.021Commencement of terms of office.
HTMLPDF 44.04.040Vouchers for pay and mileage of membersWarrants.
HTMLPDF 44.04.041Warrants for pay and mileage of membersPayment of.
HTMLPDF 44.04.050Vouchers for pay of employeesWarrants.
HTMLPDF 44.04.051Warrants for pay of employeesPayment of.
HTMLPDF 44.04.060Vouchers for incidental expensesWarrants.
HTMLPDF 44.04.070Warrants for incidental expensesPayment of.
HTMLPDF 44.04.090Warrants for subsistence and lodging.
HTMLPDF 44.04.100Contest of electionDepositions.
HTMLPDF 44.04.120Members' allowances when engaged in legislative business.
HTMLPDF 44.04.125Allowances of members-elect when attending meetings.
HTMLPDF 44.04.170Information from municipal associations.
HTMLPDF 44.04.200References to regular session of the legislature.
HTMLPDF 44.04.210Gender-neutral terms.
HTMLPDF 44.04.230Teachers' insurance benefitsReimbursement.
HTMLPDF 44.04.240Teachers' insurance benefitsPayment of warrants.
HTMLPDF 44.04.250Surplus computer equipmentDonation to schools.
HTMLPDF 44.04.260Legislative committees and agenciesOversight.
HTMLPDF 44.04.280State lawsRespectful language.
HTMLPDF 44.04.290Periodic review of plans for bicycle, pedestrian, and equestrian facilities.
HTMLPDF 44.04.300Joint transportation committeeCreatedDuties.
HTMLPDF 44.04.310Joint transportation committeeAllowances, expenses.
HTMLPDF 44.04.320Oral history program.
HTMLPDF 44.04.325Legislative oral history committeeMembers, staff.
HTMLPDF 44.04.330Legislative oral history committeeDuties.
HTMLPDF 44.04.335Oral history activitiesFundingJoint rules.
HTMLPDF 44.04.340Oral history activitiesGifts, grants, conveyancesExpendituresJoint rules.
HTMLPDF 44.04.345Legislative oral history account.
HTMLPDF 44.04.360Joint higher education committeePurpose.
HTMLPDF 44.04.362Joint higher education committeeMembership.
HTMLPDF 44.04.364Joint higher education committeeMeetingsReimbursementRulesStaffing.
HTMLPDF 44.04.370Gina Grant Bull memorial legislative page scholarship program.
HTMLPDF 44.04.375Legislative page scholarship programGifts, grants, conveyances, bequests, devisesExpendituresJoint rules.
HTMLPDF 44.04.380Gina Grant Bull memorial legislative page scholarship account.
HTMLPDF 44.04.390Code of conductTraining for registered lobbyists.
HTMLPDF 44.04.400Rosa Franklin legislative internship program scholarship.
HTMLPDF 44.04.405Rosa Franklin legislative internship program scholarshipGifts, grants, conveyances, bequests, devisesExpendituresJoint rules.
HTMLPDF 44.04.410Rosa Franklin legislative internship program scholarship account.
HTMLPDF 44.04.420WashingtonBritish Columbia interparliamentary exchange group.

NOTES:

Cashing checks, drafts, and state warrants for state officers and employees: RCW 43.08.180.
Development of methods and protocols for measuring educational costs: RCW 43.41.415.
Eligibility of member of legislature to appointment or election to office of official whose salary was increased during legislator's term: RCW 3.58.010.
Emoluments of office for appointees to office of state legislator: RCW 43.03.015.
Studies and adoption of classifications for school district budgetsPublication: RCW 28A.300.060.


Date of regular sessions.

Regular sessions of the legislature shall be held annually, commencing on the second Monday of January.

NOTES:

Effective date1979 ex.s. c 48: "This 1979 act shall take effect on January 1, 1980, if the proposed amendment to Article II, section 12 of the state Constitution by Substitute Senate Joint Resolution No. 110, providing for annual sessions of the legislature, is validly submitted and is approved and ratified by the voters at a general election held in November, 1979. If the proposed amendment is not so approved and ratified, this 1979 act shall be null and void in its entirety." [ 1979 ex.s. c 48 s 2.] "This 1979 act" refers to the amendment to RCW 44.04.010 by 1979 ex.s. c 48. Substitute Senate Joint Resolution No. 110 was approved and ratified by the people at the November 6, 1979, general election.
Regular and special sessions: State Constitution, Art. 2 s 12.



Special legislative sessionLegislature may convene.

The legislature may convene a special legislative session as follows:
(1) A resolution calling for convening a special legislative session shall set forth the date and time for convening the session, the duration of the session which shall not exceed 30 days, together with the purpose or purposes for which the session is called. Members of the house of representatives or senate may present a proposed resolution for the convening of a special legislative session to the committee on rules of their respective houses.
(2) The authority to place a resolution convening a special legislative session before the legislature is vested in the committee on rules of the house of representatives and the committee on rules of the senate.
(3) Upon a majority vote of both the committee on rules of the house of representatives and the committee on rules of the senate in favor of a resolution convening a special legislative session, a vote of the house of representatives and senate shall be taken on such resolution.
(4) The chief clerk of the house of representatives and the secretary of the senate shall conduct the vote on the resolution by written ballot of the members of their respective houses under such procedures as may be ordered by the committee on rules of their house. The results of such vote shall be transmitted to the members of the legislature and shall be a public record and shall be entered upon the journal of the house of representatives and senate at the convening of the next legislative session.
(5) If two-thirds of the members elected or appointed to each house vote in favor of the resolution, then a special legislative session shall be convened in accordance with the resolution.

NOTES:

Finding2022 c 150: "Article II, section 12 of the state Constitution provides that special legislative sessions may be convened by resolution of the legislature through an affirmative vote in both chambers of two-thirds of the members elected. Such vote may take place either during the legislative session or "during any interim between sessions in accordance with such procedures as the legislature may provide by law or resolution." The legislature finds that in order to act swiftly and effectively when the need for a special session arises during an interim, as well as preserve continuity of process, the procedures for calling itself into special session should be memorialized in law." [ 2022 c 150 s 1.]



Commencement of terms of office.

The regular term of office of each senator and representative shall commence on the second Monday in January following the date of election.



Vouchers for pay and mileage of membersWarrants.

The chief clerk of the house of representatives and the secretary of the senate are hereby directed to prepare vouchers for the state treasurer for the mileage and daily pay of members of the legislature on presentation of certificates showing amounts due for miles traveled and services rendered to dates specified. The certificates shall be signed by the speaker or president, and countersigned by the chief clerk or secretary, respectively, of the body to which the members belong. The state treasurer shall issue warrants which shall be in favor of and payable to the order of the persons named in said certificates.
[ 1973 c 106 s 17; 1890 p 6 s 1; RRS s 8150.]

NOTES:

Annual salary: RCW 43.03.010.
Mileage allowance: State Constitution Art. 2 s 23; RCW 43.03.010.



Warrants for pay and mileage of membersPayment of.

Upon presentation of a warrant drawn as provided for in RCW 44.04.040, to the state treasurer, that officer shall pay the same out of any money in the treasury of the state appropriated for the expenses of the legislature of the state of Washington: PROVIDED, That should there be no money in the state treasury covered by such appropriation, the state treasurer shall indorse such fact on the warrant presented, and said warrant shall draw interest from the date of such presentation and indorsement, and shall be payable thereafter in the manner provided by existing law and custom.
[ 1890 p 6 s 2; RRS s 8151. Formerly RCW 44.04.070, part.]



Vouchers for pay of employeesWarrants.

The chief clerk of the house of representatives and the secretary of the senate shall prepare vouchers for the state treasurer for sums covering amounts due officers and employees of the legislature on presentation of certificates signed by the speaker or president, and countersigned by the chief clerk or secretary of the body in which the service of the officer or employee is rendered, and showing amounts due to dates specified. The state treasurer shall issue warrants which shall be drawn in favor and be made payable to the order of the officer or employee named in each certificate.
[ 1973 c 106 s 18; 1890 p 3 s 1; RRS s 8148.]



Warrants for pay of employeesPayment of.

Upon presentation to the state treasurer of a warrant drawn as provided for in RCW 44.04.050, that officer shall pay the same from any money in the state treasury appropriated for the expenses of the legislature of the state of Washington: PROVIDED, That should there be no money in the treasury of the state covered by such appropriation, the state treasurer shall indorse such fact on the warrant presented, and said warrant shall draw interest from date of such indorsement and shall be payable thereafter as is provided by law and custom.
[ 1890 p 3 s 2; RRS s 8149. Formerly RCW 44.04.070, part.]



Vouchers for incidental expensesWarrants.

The chief clerk of the house of representatives and the secretary of the senate are hereby directed to prepare vouchers for the state treasurer for the incidental expenses of the legislature, on presentation of certificates showing amounts due for material furnished and services rendered to dates specified. The certificates shall be signed by the speaker or president, and countersigned by the sergeant-at-arms, respectively, of the body ordering the expenditures. The state treasurer shall issue warrants which shall be in favor of and payable to the order of the persons named in said certificates.



Warrants for incidental expensesPayment of.

Upon presentation of a warrant, drawn as provided for in RCW 44.04.060, to the state treasurer, that officer shall pay the same out of any money in the treasury of the state appropriated for the expenses of the legislature of the state of Washington: PROVIDED, That should there be no money in the state treasury covered by such appropriation, the state treasurer shall indorse such fact on the warrant presented, and said warrant shall draw interest from the date of such presentation and indorsement, and shall be payable thereafter in the manner provided by existing law and custom.
[ 1890 p 10 s 2; RRS s 8153. FORMER PARTS OF SECTION: (i) 1890 p 3 s 2, now codified as RCW 44.04.051. (ii) 1890 p 6 s 2, now codified as RCW 44.04.041.]



Warrants for subsistence and lodging.

The state treasurer shall issue warrants for said reimbursement supported by affidavits that the reimbursement is claimed for expenses of subsistence and lodging actually incurred without itemization and without receipts. Such warrants shall be immediately paid from any funds appropriated for the purpose.
[ 1973 c 106 s 20; 1941 c 173 s 2; Rem. Supp. 1941 s 8153-2.]



Contest of electionDepositions.

Any person desiring to contest the election of any member of the legislature, may, at any time after the presumptive election of such member and before the convening of the ensuing regular session of the legislature, have the testimony of witnesses, to be used in support of such contest, taken and perpetuated, by serving not less than three days' written notice upon the member whose election he or she desires to contest, of his or her intention to institute such contest and that he or she desires to take the testimony of certain witnesses named in such notice, at a time and place named therein, before a notary public duly commissioned and qualified and residing in the county where the presumptive member resides, giving the name of such notary public, which deposition shall be taken in the manner provided by law for the taking of depositions in civil actions in the superior court. The presumptive member of the legislature, whose election is to be contested, shall have the right to appear, in person or by counsel, at the time and place named in the notice, and cross examine any witness produced and have such cross examination made a part of such deposition, and to produce witnesses and have their depositions taken for the purpose of sustaining his or her election. The notary public before whom such deposition is taken shall transmit such depositions to the presiding officer of the senate, or house of representatives, as the case may be, in which said contest is to be instituted, in the care of the secretary of state, at the state capitol, by registered mail, and it shall be the duty of the secretary of state upon the convening of the legislature to transmit said depositions, unopened, to the presiding officer of the senate, or the house of representatives, as the case may be, to whom it is addressed, and in case such contest is instituted said depositions may be opened and read in evidence in the manner provided by law for the opening and introduction of depositions in civil actions in the superior court.
[ 2009 c 549 s 6001; 1927 c 205 s 1; RRS s 8162-1. Prior: Code 1881 ss 3125-3139.]

NOTES:

Contest of elections: Chapter 29A.68 RCW.
Depositions: Rules of court: CR 26 through 37.
Legislature to judge election and qualifications of members: State Constitution Art. 2 s 8.
Recall: State Constitution Art. 1 ss 33, 34, chapter 29A.56 RCW.



Members' allowances when engaged in legislative business.

Each member of the senate or house of representatives when serving on official legislative business shall be entitled to receive, in lieu of per diem or any other payment, for each day or major portion thereof in which he or she is actually engaged in legislative business or business of the committee, commission, or council, notwithstanding any laws to the contrary, an allowance in an amount fixed by the secretary of the senate and chief clerk of the house, respectively, in accordance with applicable rules and resolutions of each body. Such allowance shall be reasonably calculated to reimburse expenses, exclusive of mileage, which are ordinary and necessary in the conduct of legislative business, recognizing cost variances which are encountered in different locales. The allowance authorized shall not exceed the greater of forty-four dollars per day or the maximum daily amount determined under RCW 43.03.050, as now or hereafter amended. In addition, a mileage allowance shall be paid at the rate per mile provided for in RCW 43.03.060, as now or hereafter amended, when authorized by the house, committee, commission, or council of which he or she is a member and on the business of which he or she is engaged.

NOTES:

Effective date1979 ex.s. c 255: See note following RCW 43.03.010.



Allowances of members-elect when attending meetings.

Each member-elect of the senate or house of representatives who attends any meeting of the legislature or any of its committees, upon the invitation of the committee on rules of his or her respective house, shall be entitled to receive per diem, mileage, and incidental expense allowances at the rates prescribed in chapter 44.04 RCW, as now or hereafter amended.



Information from municipal associations.

It shall be the duty of each association of municipal corporations or municipal officers, which is recognized by law and utilized as an official agency for the coordination of the policies and/or administrative programs of municipal corporations, to submit biennially, or oftener as necessary, to the governor and to the legislature the joint recommendations of such participating municipalities regarding changes which would affect the efficiency of such municipal corporations. Such associations shall include but shall not be limited to the Washington state association of fire commissioners and the Washington state school directors' association.

NOTES:

Part headings not law1999 c 153: See note following RCW 57.04.050.
Purpose1970 ex.s. c 69: "It is the purpose of this act to assist the legislature in obtaining adequate information as to the needs of its municipal corporations and other public agencies and their recommendations for improvements." [ 1970 ex.s. c 69 s 1.]
IntentConstruction1970 ex.s. c 69: "The intent of this act is to clarify and implement the powers of the public agencies to which it relates and nothing herein shall be construed to impair or limit the existing powers of any municipal corporation or association." [ 1970 ex.s. c 69 s 3.]



References to regular session of the legislature.

After June 12, 1980, all references in the Revised Code of Washington to a regular session of the legislature mean a regular session during an odd- or even-numbered year unless the context clearly requires otherwise.



Gender-neutral terms.

(1) All statutes, memorials, and resolutions enacted, adopted, or amended by the legislature after July 1, 1983, shall be written in gender-neutral terms unless a specification of gender is intended.
(2) No statute, memorial, or resolution is invalid because it does not comply with this section.

NOTES:

Intent1983 c 20: See note following RCW 43.01.160.
Number and gender in statutes: RCW 1.12.050.



Teachers' insurance benefitsReimbursement.

The chief clerk of the house of representatives and the secretary of the senate shall prepare vouchers for the state treasurer for sums covering amounts due a school district for any teacher who is on a leave of absence as a legislator, and who has chosen to continue insurance benefits provided by the school district, in lieu of insurance benefits provided to that legislator as a state employee. The amount of reimbursement due the school district is for the actual cost of continuing benefits, but may not exceed the cost of the insurance benefits package that would otherwise be provided through the health care authority.

NOTES:

Effective date1998 c 62: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [March 20, 1998]." [ 1998 c 62 s 4.]



Teachers' insurance benefitsPayment of warrants.

Upon presentation to the state treasurer of a warrant issued by the treasurer and drawn for the purposes under RCW 44.04.230, the treasurer shall pay the amount necessary from appropriated funds. If sufficient funds have not been appropriated, the treasurer shall endorse the warrant and the warrant draws interest from the date of the endorsement until paid.

NOTES:

Effective date1998 c 62: See note following RCW 44.04.230.



Surplus computer equipmentDonation to schools.

The chief clerk of the house of representatives may authorize surplus computers and computer-related equipment owned by the house, the secretary of the senate may authorize surplus computers and computer-related equipment owned by the senate, and the directors of legislative agencies may authorize surplus computers and computer-related equipment owned by his or her respective agency, to be donated to school districts and educational service districts. This section shall not be construed to limit the discretion of the legislature regarding disposal of its surplus property.



Legislative committees and agenciesOversight.

The joint legislative audit and review committee, the joint transportation committee, the select committee on pension policy, the legislative evaluation and accountability program committee, the office of legislative support services, the joint higher education committee, and the *joint legislative systems committee are subject to such operational policies, procedures, and oversight as are deemed necessary by the facilities and operations committee of the senate and the executive rules committee of the house of representatives to ensure operational adequacy of the agencies of the legislative branch. As used in this section, "operational policies, procedures, and oversight" includes the development process of biennial budgets, contracting procedures, personnel policies, and compensation plans, selection of a chief administrator, facilities, and expenditures. This section does not grant oversight authority to the facilities and operations committee of the senate over any standing committee of the house of representatives or oversight authority to the executive rules committee of the house of representatives over any standing committee of the senate.

NOTES:

Reviser's note: *(1) RCW 44.68.020, creating the joint legislative systems committee, was repealed by 2020 c 114 s 1.
(2) This section was amended by 2012 c 113 s 6 and by 2012 c 229 s 204, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).
Effective date2012 c 113: See note following RCW 44.80.010.
FindingsIntentPart headingsEffective dates2005 c 319: See notes following RCW 43.17.020.



State lawsRespectful language.

(1) The legislature recognizes that language used in reference to individuals with disabilities shapes and reflects society's attitudes towards people with disabilities. Many of the terms currently used diminish the humanity and natural condition of having a disability. Certain terms are demeaning and create an invisible barrier to inclusion as equal community members. The legislature finds it necessary to clarify preferred language for new and revised laws by requiring the use of terminology that puts the person before the disability.
(2)(a) The code reviser is directed to avoid all references to: Disabled, developmentally disabled, mentally disabled, mentally ill, mentally retarded, handicapped, cripple, and crippled, in any new statute, memorial, or resolution, and to change such references in any existing statute, memorial, or resolution as sections including these references are otherwise amended by law.
(b) The code reviser is directed to replace terms referenced in (a) of this subsection as appropriate with the following revised terminology: "Individuals with disabilities," "individuals with developmental disabilities," "individuals with mental illness," and "individuals with intellectual disabilities."
(3) No statute, memorial, or resolution is invalid because it does not comply with this section.
(4) The replacement of outmoded terminology with more appropriate references may not be construed as changing the application of any provision of this code to any person.

NOTES:

Purpose2010 c 94: "The purpose of this act is to move toward fulfillment of the goals stated in RCW 44.04.280, to remove demeaning language from the Revised Code of Washington and to use respectful language when referring to individuals with disabilities. It is not the intent of the legislature to expand or contract the scope or application of any provision of this code. Nothing in this act may be construed to change the application of any provision of this code to any person." [ 2010 c 94 s 1.]



Periodic review of plans for bicycle, pedestrian, and equestrian facilities.

The house and senate transportation committees shall periodically review the six-year comprehensive plans submitted by cities and counties for expenditures for bicycle, pedestrian, and equestrian facilities prepared pursuant to RCW 35.77.010 and 36.81.121.



Joint transportation committeeCreatedDuties.

The joint transportation committee is created. The executive committee of the joint committee consists of the chairs and ranking members of the house and senate transportation committees. The chairs of the house and senate transportation committees shall serve as cochairs of the joint committee. All members of the house and senate standing committees on transportation are eligible for membership of the joint committee and shall serve when appointed by the executive committee.
The joint transportation committee shall review and research transportation programs and issues in order to educate and promote the dissemination of transportation research to state and local government policymakers, including legislators and associated staff. All four members of the executive committee shall approve the annual work plan. Membership of the committee may vary depending on the subject matter of oversight and research projects. The committee may also make recommendations for functional or performance audits to the transportation performance audit board.
The executive committee shall adopt rules and procedures for its operations.

NOTES:

Transfers2005 c 319: See note following RCW 47.01.075.
FindingsIntentPart headingsEffective dates2005 c 319: See notes following RCW 43.17.020.



Joint transportation committeeAllowances, expenses.

The members of the joint transportation committee will receive allowances while attending meetings of the committee or subcommittees and while engaged in other authorized business of the committees as provided in RCW 44.04.120. Subject to RCW 44.04.260, all expenses incurred by the committee must be paid upon voucher forms as provided by the office of financial management and signed by the cochairs of the joint committee, or their authorized designees, and the authority of the chair or vice chair to sign vouchers continues until their successors are selected. Vouchers may be drawn upon funds appropriated for the expenses of the committee.

NOTES:

FindingsIntentPart headingsEffective dates2005 c 319: See notes following RCW 43.17.020.



Oral history program.

(1) The secretary of the senate and the chief clerk of the house of representatives, at the direction of the legislative oral history committee, shall administer and conduct a program to record and document oral histories of current and former members and staff of the Washington state legislature, and other citizens who have participated in the political history of the Washington state legislature. The secretary of the senate and the chief clerk of the house of representatives may contract with independent oral historians or the history departments of the state universities to interview and record oral histories. The manuscripts and publications shall be made available for research and reference through the state archives. The manuscripts, together with current and historical photographs, may be published for distribution to libraries and the general public, and posted on the legislative oral history website.
(2) The oral history of a person who occupied positions, or was staff to a person who occupied positions, in more than one branch of government, shall be conducted by the entity authorized to conduct oral histories of persons in the position last held by the person who is the subject of the oral history. However, the person being interviewed may select the entity he or she wishes to prepare his or her oral history.

NOTES:

Purpose2008 c 222: "Washington has developed an impressive oral history program of recording and documenting the recollections of public officials and citizens who have contributed to the rich political history surrounding the legislature. Schools, museums, historians, state agencies, and interested citizens have benefited from the availability of these educational materials. The purpose of this act is to enhance this resource by reinforcing the decision-making role of the legislature." [ 2008 c 222 s 1.]
Effective date1991 c 237: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect on July 1, 1991." [ 1991 c 237 s 6.]



Legislative oral history committeeMembers, staff.

(1) A legislative oral history committee is created, which shall consist of the following individuals:
(a) Four members of the house of representatives, two from each of the two largest caucuses of the house, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;
(b) Four members of the senate, two from each of the two largest caucuses of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate;
(c) The chief clerk of the house of representatives; and
(d) The secretary of the senate.
(2) Ex officio members may be appointed by a majority vote of the committee's members appointed under subsection (1) of this section.
(3) The chair of the committee shall be elected by a majority vote of the committee members appointed under subsection (1) of this section.
(4) Staff support for the committee must be provided by the office of the secretary of the senate and the office of the chief clerk of the house of representatives.

NOTES:

Effective date2020 c 114: See note following RCW 28A.175.075.
Purpose2008 c 222: See note following RCW 44.04.320.
Effective date1991 c 237: See note following RCW 44.04.320.



Legislative oral history committeeDuties.

The legislative oral history committee shall have the following responsibilities:
(1) To select appropriate oral history interview candidates and subjects;
(2) To select transcripts or portions of transcripts, and related historical material, for publication;
(3) To advise the secretary of the senate and the chief clerk of the house of representatives on the format and length of individual interview series and on appropriate issues and subjects for related series of interviews;
(4) To advise the secretary of the senate and the chief clerk of the house of representatives on the appropriate subjects, format, and length of interviews and on the process for conducting oral history interviews;
(5) To advise the secretary of the senate and the chief clerk of the house of representatives on joint programs and activities with state universities, colleges, museums, and other groups conducting oral histories; and
(6) To advise the secretary of the senate and the chief clerk of the house of representatives on other aspects of the administration of the oral history program and on the conduct of individual interview projects.

NOTES:

Purpose2008 c 222: See note following RCW 44.04.320.
Effective date1991 c 237: See note following RCW 44.04.320.



Oral history activitiesFundingJoint rules.

The secretary of the senate and the chief clerk of the house of representatives may fund oral history activities through donations as provided in RCW 44.04.340 and through funds in the legislative gift center account created in RCW 44.73.020. The activities may include, but not be limited to, conducting interviews, preparing and indexing transcripts, publishing manuscripts and photographs, and presenting displays and programs. Donations that do not meet the criteria of the legislative oral history program may not be accepted. The secretary of the senate and the chief clerk of the house of representatives shall adopt joint rules necessary to implement this section.

NOTES:

Purpose2008 c 222: See note following RCW 44.04.320.



Oral history activitiesGifts, grants, conveyancesExpendituresJoint rules.

(1) The secretary of the senate and the chief clerk of the house of representatives may solicit and accept gifts, grants, conveyances, bequests, and devises of real or personal property, or both, in trust or otherwise, and sell, lease, exchange, invest, or expend these donations or the proceeds, rents, profits, and income from the donations except as limited by the donor's terms.
(2) Moneys received under this section may be used only for conducting oral histories.
(3) Moneys received under this section must be deposited in the legislative oral history account established in RCW 44.04.345.
(4) The secretary of the senate and the chief clerk of the house of representatives shall adopt joint rules to govern and protect the receipt and expenditure of the proceeds.

NOTES:

Purpose2008 c 222: See note following RCW 44.04.320.



Legislative oral history account.

The legislative oral history account is created in the custody of the state treasurer. All moneys received under RCW 44.04.340 and from the legislative gift center account created in RCW 44.73.020 must be deposited in the account. Expenditures from the account may be made only for the purposes of the legislative oral history program under RCW 44.04.320. Only the secretary of the senate or the chief clerk of the house of representatives or their designee may authorize expenditures from the account. An appropriation is not required for expenditures, but the account is subject to allotment procedures under chapter 43.88 RCW.

NOTES:

Purpose2008 c 222: See note following RCW 44.04.320.



Joint higher education committeePurpose.

(1) A joint higher education committee is created.
(2) The purpose of the joint higher education committee is to:
(a) By December 1, 2012, and annually thereafter, review the work of the student achievement council and provide legislative feedback;
(b) Engage with the student achievement council and the higher education community to create greater communication, coordination, and alignment between the higher education system and the expectations of the legislature; and
(c) Provide recommendations for higher education policy, including proposed legislation, to the higher education and fiscal committees of the legislature.



Joint higher education committeeMembership.

(1) The joint higher education committee shall consist of the following members:
(a) Four members of the house of representatives, two each appointed by the leadership of the two largest caucuses, with at least one member from each caucus who is a member of the house of representatives ways and means committee and at least one member from each caucus who is a member of the house of representatives higher education committee; and
(b) Four members of the senate, two each appointed by the leadership of the two largest caucuses, with at least one member from each caucus who is a member of the senate ways and means committee and at least one member from each caucus who is a member of the senate higher education and workforce development committee.
(2) All members must be appointed by July 1, 2012, and must serve a term of no less than two years.
(3) Vacancies on the joint higher education committee shall be filled by appointment by either the president of the senate or the speaker of the house of representatives. All such vacancies shall be filled from the same political party and from the same house as the member whose seat was vacated.
(4) The joint higher education committee shall appoint its own cochairs, representing two different parties and the two chambers of the legislature.



Joint higher education committeeMeetingsReimbursementRulesStaffing.

(1) The joint higher education committee shall meet at least twice annually after the conclusion of the legislative session.
(2) The members of the joint higher education committee shall serve without additional compensation, but shall be reimbursed in accordance with RCW 44.04.120 while attending meetings of the joint higher education committee.
(3) The joint higher education committee shall adopt rules and procedures for its operations.
(4) Staff support for the joint higher education committee must be provided by the senate committee services and the house of representatives office of program research.



Gina Grant Bull memorial legislative page scholarship program.

The secretary of the senate and the chief clerk of the house of representatives may administer and conduct a legislative page scholarship program to provide resources for Washington students who participate in the page programs of the senate or house of representatives. The scholarship program should provide assistance to students, based on financial need, who qualify for a page program. The program is called the Gina Grant Bull memorial legislative page scholarship program.



Legislative page scholarship programGifts, grants, conveyances, bequests, devisesExpendituresJoint rules.

(1) The secretary of the senate and the chief clerk of the house of representatives may solicit and accept gifts, grants, conveyances, bequests, and devises of real or personal property, or both, in trust or otherwise, and sell, lease, exchange, or expend these donations or the proceeds, rents, profits, and income from the donations except as limited by the donor's terms. Any legislative member or legislative employee may solicit the same types of contributions for the secretary of the senate and the chief clerk of the house of representatives.
(2) Moneys received under this section may be used only for establishing and operating the legislative page scholarship program authorized in RCW 44.04.370.
(3) Moneys received under this section must be deposited in the Gina Grant Bull memorial legislative page scholarship account established in RCW 44.04.380.
(4) The secretary of the senate and the chief clerk of the house of representatives must adopt joint rules to govern and protect the receipt and expenditure of the proceeds.



Gina Grant Bull memorial legislative page scholarship account.

The Gina Grant Bull memorial legislative page scholarship account is created in the custody of the state treasurer. All moneys received under RCW 44.04.370 must be deposited in the account. Expenditures from the account may be made only for the purposes of the legislative page scholarship program in RCW 44.04.370. Only the secretary of the senate or the chief clerk of the house of representatives or their designee may authorize expenditures from the account. An appropriation is not required for expenditures, but the account is subject to allotment procedures under chapter 43.88 RCW.



Code of conductTraining for registered lobbyists.

The chief clerk of the house of representatives and the secretary of the senate shall develop and provide a training course for registered lobbyists regarding the legislative code of conduct and any policies related to appropriate conduct adopted by the senate or the house of representatives.



Rosa Franklin legislative internship program scholarship.

The secretary of the senate and the chief clerk of the house of representatives may administer and conduct the Rosa Franklin legislative internship program scholarship to provide resources for Washington students who participate in the legislative internship program of the senate and house of representatives. The scholarship program should provide assistance to students, based on financial need, who are accepted as legislative interns. The program is called the Rosa Franklin legislative internship program scholarship.



Rosa Franklin legislative internship program scholarshipGifts, grants, conveyances, bequests, devisesExpendituresJoint rules.

(1) The secretary of the senate and the chief clerk of the house of representatives may solicit and accept gifts, grants, conveyances, bequests, and devises of real or personal property, or both, in trust or otherwise, and sell, lease, exchange, or expend these donations or the proceeds, rents, profits, and income from the donations except as limited by the donor's terms. Any legislative member or legislative employee may solicit the same types of contributions for the secretary of the senate and the chief clerk of the house of representatives.
(2) Moneys received under this section may be used only for establishing and operating the Rosa Franklin legislative internship program scholarship authorized in RCW 44.04.400.
(3) Moneys received under this section must be deposited in the legislative internship program scholarship account established in RCW 44.04.410.
(4) The secretary of the senate and the chief clerk of the house of representatives must adopt joint rules to govern and protect the receipt and expenditure of the proceeds.



Rosa Franklin legislative internship program scholarship account.

The Rosa Franklin legislative internship program scholarship account is created in the custody of the state treasurer. All moneys received under RCW 44.04.405 must be deposited in the account. Expenditures from the account may be made only for the purposes of the Rosa Franklin legislative internship program scholarship created in RCW 44.04.400. Only the secretary of the senate or the chief clerk of the house of representatives or their designee may authorize expenditures from the account. An appropriation is not required for expenditures, but the account is subject to allotment procedures under chapter 43.88 RCW.



WashingtonBritish Columbia interparliamentary exchange group.

A Washington stateBritish Columbia interparliamentary exchange group is created. The purpose of the group is to facilitate legislator-to-legislator communication between the two governments, in coordination with the province of British Columbia. The state's representative for the group is the chair of the legislative committee on economic development and international relations.