Bill > SB5744

This bill requires the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC) to conduct a comprehensive comparative study of Washington state's legislature, examining its structure, effectiveness, and representation compared to other state legislatures. The study aims to explore transforming Washington's part-time legislature into a full-time model by analyzing various aspects such as legislative calendars, session lengths, legislator compensation, staff capabilities, demographic composition, and the legislature's ability to provide oversight and respond to constituent needs. The bill highlights current challenges in the legislative process, including time constraints that limit thoughtful long-term policy-making and barriers to participation for working-class and low-income individuals. JLARC will be tasked with comparing Washington's legislature to other states, evaluating different legislative models, identifying potential barriers to representation, and assessing the legislature's effectiveness in conducting hearings, engaging with stakeholders, and responding to emergencies. The committee is required to submit a detailed report to the legislature by December 1, 2027, with the study and reporting requirements expiring on January 1, 2028.

Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5744&Year=2025&Initiative=false