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Bill

Bill

HCR 4406

Calling a Joint Session of the Legislature.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Fitzgibbon and 1 co-sponsor

Washington Legislature calls joint session via concurrent resolution with emergency procedures and bipartisan sponsorship; purpose not specified in bill text.

Filed with Secretary of State.
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Bill Summary · HCR 4406

Legislative bill overview

HCR 4406 is a concurrent resolution that formally calls for a joint session of the Washington State Legislature to convene. This is a procedural measure that requires both chambers to suspend regular rules and meet together, typically for ceremonial purposes, special addresses, or to conduct specific joint business.

Why is this important

Joint sessions are significant legislative events used for high-profile announcements, gubernatorial addresses, or addressing matters requiring both chambers' participation. The rapid passage (rules suspended, signed by both Speaker and President on the same day) indicates this was a time-sensitive procedural matter with bipartisan support.

Potential points of contention

  • Lack of transparency on purpose: The bill itself doesn't specify why the joint session is being called, making public understanding of its necessity difficult
  • Suspension of normal procedures: Expedited passage bypasses typical deliberative processes, raising questions about whether standard rules were warranted to suspend
  • Limited public information: Without accompanying documents, voters cannot easily determine if this joint session addresses urgent business or routine matters

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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