HCR 4400
In CommitteeHouse
Legislature joint sessions
Calling two joint sessions of the legislature.
This status may be delayed. See Action History below for the latest updates.
How does a bill become law?
- Introduced: The bill is filed and assigned a number.
- Committee: A subject-matter committee holds hearings, takes public testimony, and decides whether to advance the bill.
- Floor Vote: The full chamber (House or Senate) debates and votes on the bill.
- Opposite Chamber: The bill repeats the committee and floor vote process in the other chamber.
- Governor: The Governor reviews the bill and decides whether to sign or veto it.
- Signed: The bill has been signed into law.
AI Analysis
This resolution sets dates for two joint sessions of the Washington Legislature in January 2025 to fulfill constitutional duties and ceremonial obligations: the first to canvass votes for state officers and hear the outgoing governor’s final State of the State address, and the second to swear in new officials and hear the incoming governor’s inaugural address.
- Schedule a joint session of the Washington State Legislature for January 14, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. in the House Chamber to canvass votes for constitutional officers, honor retiring officials, and hear the State of the State address from Governor Jay Inslee.
- Schedule a second joint session for January 15, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. in the House Chamber to swear in newly elected statewide officials and hear the Inaugural Address from Governor-Elect Bob Ferguson.
- Conform with Article III, section 4 of the Washington State Constitution, which requires the legislature to convene in joint session to canvass votes for constitutional officers.
Who is affected
- Statewide elected officials — Current and newly elected statewide elected officials (e.g., Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, etc.) are formally recognized, sworn in, or honored during the joint sessions.
- Washington residents — The public gets to observe key ceremonial and constitutional events, including the State of the State address and the new governor’s inaugural speech.
- Legislature staff and support personnel — Legislative staff and support personnel must coordinate logistics for joint sessions, including chamber setup, security, and scheduling.
Pro/Con Analysis
Stronger case for benefits
Potential Benefits (3)
Fulfills a constitutionally mandated duty (Art. III, §4) to canvass votes for constitutional officers, ensuring orderly transition of power and legitimacy of elected officials.
Local GovernmentRef: HCR 4400, §1Provides a formal, transparent, and constitutionally grounded setting for the outgoing governor to deliver the State of the State address and for the incoming governor to deliver her inaugural address—reinforcing democratic norms and public accountability.
Public SafetyRef: HCR 4400, §1Supports peaceful, orderly transition of executive authority through a public, ceremonial swearing-in, reducing opportunities for confusion or contestation over legitimacy of elected officials.
Public SafetyRef: HCR 4400, §2
Potential Concerns (2)
Requires legislative staff and support personnel to divert time and resources to coordinate and execute joint sessions, potentially displacing other legislative priorities or delaying routine administrative work during the 2025 session.
Local GovernmentRef: HCR 4400, §1Adds logistical burden to legislative operations during a short window (two consecutive days), including security planning, chamber reconfiguration, and media coordination—costs虽 minimal but still represent opportunity costs for staff time that could be spent on substantive legislation.
Local GovernmentRef: HCR 4400, §2
Who Is Most Affected
Statewide elected officials benefit positively: outgoing officials receive formal recognition; incoming officials gain legitimacy through public swearing-in and address platform.
Washington residents benefit positively through enhanced transparency and civic engagement—observing constitutional processes unfold in real time reinforces trust in democratic institutions.
Legislature staff and support personnel experience a minor negative impact: additional workload and scheduling constraints during a critical legislative period, though costs are covered under existing budgets.