SCR 8403
In CommitteeSenate
Legislators, deceased
Honoring former members of the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Washington who have passed from this life.
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 formally honors deceased former Washington state legislators by holding a joint legislative memorial service on March 19, 2025, and inviting their families to attend. It is a symbolic gesture of appreciation and condolences, not a law or policy change.
- Hold a joint session of the Washington State Senate and House of Representatives on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the Senate Chambers.
- Conduct a memorial service to honor former state legislators (from both the Senate and House) who have passed away.
- Invite bereaved families of the deceased legislators to attend the service.
- Provide an opportunity for a formal tribute to the lives and service of the deceased former legislators.
Who is affected
- Families of deceased former legislators — Families of deceased former state legislators who are invited to attend the memorial service and receive formal condolences from the legislature.
- Former legislators (deceased) — Current and former legislators are honored posthumously through a formal joint legislative ceremony.
- General public — The general public may observe or learn about the memorial service as part of the legislature’s recognition of public service.
Pro/Con Analysis
Stronger case for benefits
Potential Benefits (3)
The resolution provides formal, public recognition and condolences to the families of deceased legislators, affirming the value of public service and offering symbolic closure and dignity during grief — a meaningful gesture for those who have lost loved ones in public service.
Rights & LibertiesPeopleRef: Full text: '...to express our sympathies to their bereaved families.'Honoring public servants reinforces civic respect for democratic institutions and encourages continued public service, contributing to civic trust and stability.
Public SafetyRef: Full text: '...in recognition of the valued record of service to the people of the State by former members of the Senate and the House of Representatives...'The joint session exemplifies bipartisan cooperation and institutional continuity, reinforcing norms of mutual respect across party lines — a symbolic but important reinforcement of legislative civility.
Local GovernmentRef: Full text: 'The Senate and House of Representatives shall meet in Joint Session...'
Potential Concerns (1)
The resolution requires legislative staff time and logistical coordination to organize and host a joint session and memorial service, incurring modest administrative costs for the legislature (e.g., security, facilities, catering, communications).
Local GovernmentRef: Full text: '...an appropriate service be held in the Senate Chambers on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.'
Who Is Most Affected
Families receive formal acknowledgment and condolences from the state legislature, offering emotional closure and recognition of their loved one’s public service. This is a deeply personal, positive experience for them.
As a symbolic act, the resolution honors the legacy of deceased legislators, reinforcing the dignity of public service and preserving institutional memory — though it has no material impact on their status.
The general public gains visibility into the legislature’s recognition of service, which may foster appreciation for democratic institutions, though the direct impact is minimal and largely symbolic.
Legislative staff incur modest administrative burden to plan and execute the event, but this is a routine part of legislative operations and unlikely to disrupt other duties.
Political parties may use the event to highlight bipartisan respect, but since the resolution is nonpartisan and ceremonial, no party gains or loses substantive advantage.