Monday marked the beginning of the 105-day legislative session in Washington state. During this session, lawmakers will address a variety of challenges and issues, including a projected operating budget gap,

There was plenty of pomp and politics for the opening day of the Washington Legislature’s 2025 session. It began at noon Monday for the state’s 98 representatives and 49 senators. But for many, the day didn’t end until the dinner hour as they went from taking their oath of office to listening to residents and

Pomp and circumstance marked the start of the 69th legislature, though big challenges face lawmakers over the next 105 days.

Monday was the first day of the Washington Legislature’s 2025 regular session. Lawmakers have lots on their plates over the 105-day stretch. For one thing, they’ll need to solve how to balance the state’s budget amid a projected $10 billion to $12 billion shortfall over a four-year period.

Washington’s 105-day legislative session begins Monday. Opening day will bring pomp, process and back-to-school energy as lawmakers — many new to the job — dive into four months of politics, lawmaking and budget writing.

Washington lawmakers kicked off the 69th legislative session on Monday, the beginning of a two-year long debate over policy and how to fund the government.