Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Special Session begins for Washington State Legislature

For the dedicated followers of Arts and Heritage funding bills I am armed with my trusty iPhone that got me through my final year at UW to read tea leaves and highlight just what makes a Special Session so Special.

First, lots of rules are tossed out the window. Bills have usually matured to the point that most lawmakers know what the will vote for or know what it would take to change their vote. So, bills move faster, get hearings faster, voted out of committee faster.

Second, what was left for dead is revived with the magic wand of the Resolution.

To that second point. . . Ta da!
HB 1997 lives again (ok, lots and lots of other bills are in the same "alive" status, and could live that way until the next full session.)
Apr 22  By resolution, returned to House Rules Committee for third reading.
  2011 1ST SPECIAL SESSION
  IN THE HOUSE
  Apr 26  By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
HB 1997

Nothing is really happening yet, but being alive is better than the alternative.