[ How a bill becomes a law in Washington State. ]

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[ A bill may be introduced in either the Senate or House of Represenatives. ]

[ A committee studies the bill and often holds public hearings on it. ]

 [ A committee report is read in open session of the House or Senate, and then referred to the rules committee. The rules committee can either place the bill on the second reading of the calendar for debate before the entire body, or take no action. ]

[ At the second reading a bill is subject to debate and amendment before being placed on the third reading calendar for final passage. "PASSED" ]

 [ After passing one house, the bill goes through the same procedure in the other house. "PASSED" ] [ If amendments are made in the house, the other house must concur. ]

[ When the bill is accepted in both houses, it is signed by the respective leaders and sent to the Governor. ]

[ The Governor signs the bill into law or may veto all or part of it. If the Governor fails to act on the bill, it may become law without a signature. ]

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