Remote participation now firmly embedded in WA Legislature

Remote participation firmly embedded in WA Legislature

Washington state lawmakers long resisted routinely taking testimony from those not seated in a committee hearing room.

Remote participation now firmly embedded in WA Legislature

The Senate chambers at the Washington state Capitol. (Legislative Support Services)Washington state lawmakers long resisted routinely taking testimony from those not seated in a committee hearing room. But when forced by the pandemic to operate remotely for two sessions, their minds changed and it is reshaping public involvement in the legislative process. Thousands signed up to testify remotely this past legislative session. They took part from…