Glossary of Legislative Terms

Act. A bill adopted by the Legislature.

Actuary. The state Actuary is a legislative staff officer appointed by the Joint Committee on Pension Policy to prepare actuarial analyses of pension proposals and other items as directed by the Legislature. Servers as staff to the Joint Committee on Pension Policy, which reviews proposed changes to retirement laws and recommends changes.

ad hoc committee. A committee formed for a short duration, usually to study a specific issue

adjourn To comlude a day's session with a time set to meet again or to conclude a meeting.

adjourn sine die. To conclude a regular or special session without setting a day to reconvene.

adopted. To approve formally.

agency request bill. A request for legislation proposed by an agency of the executive branch of government.

agenda. The proposed order of business for a meeting.

amend. To modify, delete or add to a proposal.

amendment.Any change in a bill, resolution or memorial. A committee amendument is an amendment proposed in a committee meeting. A floor amendment is an amendment proposed on the floor of a legislative chamber.

appeal from decision of the chair. A parliamentary procidure for challenging the decision of a presiding officer by asking the members to uphold or reject the decision.

appointment. The division of the state into districts with distinct geographic boundaries and the allocation of the number of legislators or congressmen to be elected to represent each district. Also know as redistricting.

approaching the bar. Refers to a legislator's physical mobement from any place on the floor of either house to the rostrum.

appropriation. A legislative allocarion of money for a specific purpose.

at ease. A pause in the proceedings of either house, usually for an indefinite time.

Attorney General's Opinion. A formal expression of legal reasons and principles regarding statutory or common law questions from state agencies or legislators.

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Baby Book. Popular term for the Pictorial Guide to the Washington State Legislature.

bar of the House or Senate. This generally refers to the rostrum within both houses behind which sit or stand the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House, and others as sesignated, for presiding over the body, recording and processing legislation being considered by the houses.

bicameral. Composed of two chambers or two legislative bodies. The Washington State bicameral legislature is made up of a House of Representatives and a Senate.

biennium. Two-year period. The Washington State fiscal biennium is from July 1 of odd-numbered years to June 30, two years later.

bill. A proposed law presented to the Legislature for consideration.

bill books. Binders located adhacent to the chamber or in committees containing all bills and amendments currently before or passed by the Legislature or committee.

bill clerk. A legislative employee who keeps the bill books up to date with newly introduced bill as well as with amendments, or provides to the public in the Bill Room.

bill digest. Section-by-section summary of a bill, prepared by the Code Reviser's Office

bill drafting office. Office located on the first floor of the Legislative Building in the Code Reviser's Office. A legl staff is employeed to draft legislaion consistent with a legislator's intent, thereafter to be introduced to the Legislature. (Officially named the Senate Law Committee.)

bill history. A record of the action taken on bills, resolutions and memorials.

bill index. A list of legislative measures by subject matter.

bill report. Summary of background and effect of bills, prepared by committee staff.

Bill Room. A room on the first floor of the Legislative Building in which copies of all bills are kept during the session. Bills are sorted in the Bill Room and are availible to the public.

bills on calendar. Printed volumes with yello covers distributed to each member's floor desk/ Includes the full text of bills and proposed committee amendments of the pending calendar.

budget. Bill appropriating funds needed to carry out state programs for a fiscal period.

bumping. Slang term for suspending the rules to allow a bill to be advanced from second to third reading without having the bill revert to the Rules Committee.

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claendar. A list or schedule of pending business.

call of the House or Senate. A prodedure used to compel attendance of members.

call to order. A list or schedule of pending business.

capital budget. Appropriations made to state and local agencies for building and construction projects.

capitol campus. The grounds and group of buildings surrounding the domed Legislative Building, holding the offices of most of the state's elected officials.

caucus. A meeting of members of a body who belong to the same political party.

chair. Presiding officer.

chamber. Official hall for the meeting of a legislative body.

chapter number. A chapter number, in numerical order, is given to each bill enacted. The chapter number is the number of the law. When "codified" the chapter is inserted in the appropriate section of the statutes know as the Revised Code of Washington (RCW).

Cherber, John A. Building. The four-story building directly southeast of the Legislative Building, houses office for senators and staff and hearing rooms. Formerly known as the Public Lands Building.

Chief Clerk. A person elected by the members of the House of Represenatives to record the official actions of the House and to be the chief administrative officer of the House.

Code Reviser. Operating under the supervision of the Statute Law Committee, this person codifies into the appropriate sections of the RCW those measures enacted into law by the Legislature and also codifies administrative rules adopted by executive branch agencies.

committee. A portion of a legislative body charged with examining matters specifically referred to it.

committee legislative assistant. Employee designated to keep records of committee action and perform such other responsibilities as committee chair or staff supervisor may dictate.

Committee on Committees. Cimmittees in each house that select the chairs and members of standing committees.

companion bill. A bill introduced in the same form in both the House and the Senate.

concurrent resolution. A resoluton relating to the internal operation of the Legislature, in which one house concurs in the action of the other; it may originate in either house.

conference committee. A committee which may be appointed to discuss specific differences of opinio between the House and Senate on bills which have passed each house but with differing positions on one or more amendments.

confirmation. Approval by the Senate of gubernatorial appointments.

conflict of interest. Any interest, financial or otherwise, any business or professional activity, or any obligarion which is incompatible with the proper discharge of duties.

consent calendar. Bills with little or no known opposition which are placed on a special calendar by the Rules Committee.

constituent. A person residing within the boundaries of a district that is represented by an elected official.

Constitution. The written instrument embodying the fundamental pronciples of the state that establishes power and duties of the government and guarantees certain rights to the people.

constitutional amendment. Proposed change in the Washington State Constitution which has bee approved by two-thirds of both house of the Legislature. To be enacted, the proposed amendment must be placed on the next general election ballot and secure a simple majority of votes in favor of adopting the measure.

constitutional convention. Assembly of citizens for the purpose of writing or revising a constitution.

constitutional majority. A majority of members elected to either the Senate or the House. In the Senate a constitutional majority is 25; in the House it is 50.

convene.Assemble for an official meeting.

co-sponsor. Two or more persons proposing any document.

cutoff dates. Time certain set by a legislative body for specified action such as bill introduction, committee action, or passage of bills by either house.

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Daily Clips. Compilation of print media articles about legislative matters.

day certain. Adjournment with specific day to reconvene.

debatable. Open for discussion or argument.

debate. Discussion of a matter following parlimentary rules.

department request bill. What happens to an elected official who has bee recalled. Occassionally used as a reference to the motion on the House or Senate floor to relieve a committee of a bill; called a "discharge perition" in Congress.

dilatory. Deliberate use of parliamentary procedure to delay or slow up proceeding.

discharge. What happens to an elected official who has bee recalled.

dispute calendar. Bills amended by one body where the second body refuses to concur and asks the first body to recede.

dissent. Difference of opinion.

district. Area encompassing citizens represented by a legislator. There are currently 49 legislative districts, each having tow House members and one senator.

divison. A method of voting by standing.

division of question. Consideration of each item seperately

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effective date. The date a bill, once passed, becomes law. Unless a different date is specified, bills become law ninety days after sine die.

election. The act of selection by ballot a person to fill an office in government

emergency clause. A provision in a bill that allows a measure to become effective immediately upon the signature of the governor.

enactment. The passage of a bill by both houses and the signing by the governor.

engrossed bill A bill which reflects all amendments made in the house of its origin.

enrolled bill. A bill passed by both houses, which incorporates all amendmendments, and to which has been attached a certificate on enrollment indication the date passed, botes cast on the bill, and the certifying officers' signatures. It is presented to the governor for signature.

ethics. Standards of moral conduct. Legislative ethics standards are set forth in Chapter42.52 RCS and House and Senate rules.

excused. Absent with permission from the legislative body.

executive action.This can refer to two distict concepts: 1. Executive action of a standing committee refers to final consideration of a bill by the committee. 2. Executive action on a bill already passed by both houses refers to action taken by the governor.

executive order A directive or command from the governot to agencies in the executive branch.

Executive Rules.See Facilities and Operations.

executive session. A meeting of committee members to discuss and vote on bill they wish to report out of committee. These meetings are open to the public but no testimony is taken. Note that in other contexts executive sessions are closed to the public.

ex officio. Holding one office by virtue of or because of the holding of another office. Ex-officio members of a committee habe voice but may not vote.

expulsion. The act wherein a body removes one of its members as provided under its rules.

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Facilities and Operations Committee. The Senate leadership committee that oversees matters relationg to staff, the phusical plant and equipment, and operational matters. The corresponding House committee is called Executive Rules.

first reading. First of three readings required to pass measures. Bill on first reading are introduced and referred to standing committees.

fiscalRelating to financial matters. The state fiscal year(FY) is July 1 through June 30.

fiscal note. An estimate of the expected cost of a measure to state and/or local government.

flash calendar. A listing of bills on the second or third reading calendar for the next day's agenda.

floor of the House or Senate. The actual floor space, committed primary to legislator's desks, on which the business of the Legislature is conducted.

floor resoultion. A written motion calling for action, which may be offered from the floor of either house.

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gallery Areas of both chambers where public visitors may observe the Legislature in session.

germane. Relating directlty to a question

gerrymandering. Legislative district boundary lines drawn to obtain partisan or factional advantages.

governor. The chief executive officer of a state.

grandfather clause. Inserted in a bill making provisions nonapplicable to activities or personnel involved prior to the enactment of the new legislation.

green sheet The list of bills eligible for action by the Senate Rules Committee. Green sheet bills can be placed directly on the floor calendar, if approved by a majority of the members of the Rules Committee.

gubernatorial appointment. Designation by the governor to fill an office or position.

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hearing. A legislative committee meeting at which witnesses present testimony on matters under consideration by the committee.

Honorary page A young person who is acting as an unpaid short-tern page for either house.

hopper. Box located in the bill drafting area in which legislative measures are deposited for introduction.

hotline. This is a too-free number by which citizens can communicate their concerns to a legislator. The number is 1-800-562-6000. It was initiated during the 1972 session.

House of Representatives. Lower chamber of a two-bott legislature.

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indefinitely postpone. To postpone without setting a definite time for consideration.

initiative. A legislative power vested in the people. An initiative is proposed through a petition containing signatures of 8 percent of the number of voters voting in the last preceding regular gubernatorial election. There are two types of initiatives: 1. Initative to the people. Original legislation by the voters, proposing a new law (or changing existing laws) without consideration by the Legislature. 2. Initiative to the Legislature. Original legislation by the voters, proposing a new law (or changing existing laws) for consideration by the Legislature at its next reguale session. If not enacted, it is placed on the next general election ballot.

Institutions Building. A two-story building southeast of the Legislative Building, it houses office space for senators and staff.

Insurance Building. Lying directly to the east of the Legislative Building, the Insurance Building houses the Insurance Commissioner and the Office of Financial Management.

interim. Time between regular legislative sessions.

interim committee assenbly. A legislative practice durring the nterim of having some days devoted to committee hearings and caucuses in Olympia or another location withing the state.

intern. A college oruniversity student from a higher education institution within the state, working with the Legislature, who receives stipend and credit hours. Legislative interns are assigned to members' offices during session and to committee staff during the interim.

introduction of bills. An order of business during which new bills are read into the record

Invocation. Prayer given prior to a session. The schedule for persons offering prayer is determined by the presiding officer.

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JARRC Joint Administrative Audit and Review Committee. Reviews agency rules to ensure consistency with legislative intent.

JLARC Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee. (Formerly Legislative Budget Committee.) A joint, bipartisan committee which conducts performance audits, program evaluations and other oversight duties assigned by the Legislature.

joint committee. Committee which consists of members from both houses.

joint memorial. A message or petition addressed to the Presidents and/or Congress of the United States, or the head of any other agency of the federal or state government, asking for consideration of some matter of concern to the state or region. Proposed amendments to the U.S. Constitution are also in the form of joint memorials.

joint resoultion. An act of the Legislature which proposes an amendment to the state Constitution for reference to the people for acceptance or rejection. To pass, joint resolutions must receie a two-thirds affirmattive vote of the members elected in each house.

journal. Offical record of action of legislative session

judicial impact note. An estimate of the impact of a measure on the workload and administration of the courts of the state.

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law. Common law is law set by precendent in court and by interpertation of the Constitution and statute law. Statute law is governing action or procedure approved through the legislative process.

leadership. The officers elected by their respective caucuses.

LEAP. Legislative Evaluation and Accountability Program. A computer-based program developed by a Legislature to monitor the budgetary process. Administered by a joint committee and staff.

legislative auditor. Staff director of JLARC.

legislative auditor. Staff director of JLARC.

legislative budget notes. Documents providing detail about the biennial operating budget.

Legislative Building. The domed capitol building of the state of Washington containing both the House and Senate chambers and the offices of the Governor, Lt. Governor, Treasurer, Auditor and Secretary of State.

Legislative Council. Joint legislative committee that dealt with legislative business during the interim periods between sessions from 1947 to 1973.

Legislative Digest and History of Bills A publication issued periodically containing the sponsors, titles, short digest of content, legislative actions, and veto messages of the governor for each bill, memorial, resolution and gubernatorial appointment.

Legislative Ethincs Board. Nine-member board with four legislators and five nonlegislators. Authority to interpret and apply the state ethic law for legislators and staff by training, advisory opinions, and complaints.

legislative intent. If the words of a law connot be clearly interpreted as written, the court may refer to the journal and bill reports to establish the 'intent' of the Legislature in passing certain bills.

Legislative Manual. biennial publication that contains the rules of each body, joint rules, biographical and other information abour the Legislature and state government. Also called the "Red Book."

Legislative Report. Summary of legislation passed durring one or more legislative sessions.

legislator. Elected member of either the House of Representatives or Senate.

Legislature. The body made up of the members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

LEGLink The electronic link to legislative information

lieutenant governor. Presiding officer of the Senate

lobbyist. A person who tries to get legislators to introduce or vote for measures favorable and against measures unfavorable to an interest that he of she represents.

LSC. Legislative Service Center. An organization which provide planning, data and information processing services, equipment and training in support of the Legislature and legislative agencies. Policy and administrative supervision are provided by the Joint Legislative Systems Committee and the Legislative Systems Administrative Committee.

LTC Legislative Transportation Committee. A joint committee composed of eleven senators and twelve representatives which conducts transportation studies between legislarive sessions.

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majority leader. Leader of the majority party in the state Senate. In the House, second in command to the Speaker. Elected by the majority caucus in each body.

majority party. The party numbering the most members in a legislative body.

majority report. Document bearing the signatures of a majority of the members of a committee recommending a particular action on a measure.

mansion. The official residence of the governor, located directly west of the Legislative Building.

Media Digest. Compilation of print media about legislative activities for a certain period. Also called Daily Clips.

members. Legislators having taken the oath of office.

message from the governor. Official communications from the governor.

message from the House. Official communication to the Senate from the House.

message from the Senate. Official communication to the House from the Senate.

minority party. A party numbering less than a majority of members in a legislative body.

minority report. Document carrying signature(s) of a minority of the members of a committee recommending an action differnt from the majority.

moot. A term indicating that a motion is not timely because it can no longer affect an action or event.

motion. A proposal that the Senate or House take a certain action.

motion to reconsider. A motion which, if it succeeds, would place a question in the same status as it was prior to a previous vote on that question.

move. A formal request for action.

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null and void clause. Language specifying that a measure is invalid unless funding is provided in the budget by a specified date.

oath of office. Oath taken by members-elect of the Legislature prior to being seated.

O'Brien, John L. Building. The four-story building southwest of the Legislaive Building, contains House members' and staff offices, hearing rooms, and other House facilities. Formerly know as the House Office Building.

OFM. Office of Financial Management. The chief executive agency for evaluation the budget, preparing fiscal notes, and providing fiscal policy analysis to the governor.

operating budget. Two-year plan for funding ongoing activities of state agencies, except transportation.

OPR. Office of Program Research. The House nonpartisan research and committee staff located in the John L. O'Brien Building. Equivalent to Senate Committee Services.

order of business. The usual order of daily activities of a body, set out in its rules.

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page. High school students who assist the House or Senate during regular legislative sessions. Each page is appointed by a member for one week for which they receive a stipend.

parliamentary inquiry. Question posed to chair for clarification of a point in the proceedings.

passage of bill. The act of passing a bill by either or both houses of the Legislature.

PDC. Public Disclosure Commission. Oversees the reporting of the information filed by lobbyists, state agencies, legislators, candidates and political committees on the amount of money spent on the political process and enforces the campaign laws.

penalty clauses. Sections of bills which lay out criminal or civil penalities for violation of the law.

Pension Policy, Joint Committee. Committee which reviews proposed chnanges to retirement laws and recommends changes.

petition. A formal request.

per diem. Payment in lieu of living expenses.

Pictorial Directory. Publication containing pictures and biographical material about the statewide elected officals and members of the Legislature. Know as the "Baby Book."

plurality. The person or alternative with the most votes between two or more choices; as opposed to a "simple majority," meaning 51 percent or more of those present and voting. A "constitutional majority" is 51 percent or more or those elected to the House or Senate.

pocket veto. Causing a measure to die by inaction of the chief executive within a specified time. Available to 37 state governors, by no Washington.

point of order. A demand or request by a member for a legislative body to adhere to its rules of procedure.

postpone to day cerain. To defer consideration until a later time or day.

prefiling. The act of introducing a bill prior to the beginning of session.

president. Presiding officer of the Senate and lieutenant governor of the state.

president pro tempore. A senator elected by the Senate to discharge the duties of presiding officer in the llieutenant governor's absence.

previous question. A motion to close debate and bring the pending question or questions to an immediate vote.

prime sponsor. The origniator or first name on a bill or amendment that has been introduced.

proclamation. An order issued by the governor, such as a proclamation calling a specila session of the Legislature.

proposal. A plan of action or a proposed bill which has not been formally introduced.

proviso. A clause in a bill that sets out specific exceptions to the general law.

pull. Slang term form moving a bill. For example, Rules Committee members may move (pull) bills from the green sheet to the floor for action by the full Senate or from the white sheet to the green sheet, or members may vote to pull a bill from a committee to the floor.

put the question. When the presiding officer instructs the body what it is about to vote on.

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quorum. A majority of members of the group concerned. This means a majority of those elected to either house; in a committee, this means a majority of members assigned to the specific committee.

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RCW. See Revised Code of Washington.

recall. The recall is the bote of the people which, in effect, tries the elective public officer on charges brought against the officer. All elective public officers except judges of courts of record are subject to recall and discharge from elective offices.

reced. To withdraw from an amendment in which the other house refused to concur.

recess. Intermission of a daily session, usually to a specified time.

cecommitted bill. A procedure whereby a bill is referred back to a standing or conference committee for further consideration by the committee. A bill may be recommitted at any time, usually in second or third reading. A bill need not be recommitted to another committee to study a different aspect of the bill. Recommitment of bills can be used to "kill" a bill during the final days of a session.

reconsider. To vote again on a question previously before the body.

Red Book. The Legislative Manual.

redistricting. Redrawing the boundaries of areas of representation to make them equal in population. Generally done once each decade.

refer. To send a measure to a committee for study and consideration.

re-refer. To reassign a measure to a dirrerent committee.

referendum. Recently passed legislation referred by the Legislature to the voters for their rejection or enactment.

referendum measures. The legislative power wherby the electorate may call back recently-enacted laws for voter consideration. It originates in a petirion containing signatures of 4 percent of those registered and voting at the last preceding regular gubernatorial election. (2006 - 4 % = 224,880 registered voters)

relieved A committee may be "relieved" of further consideration of any bill in either house by a majority vote of the members of the particular house.

reorganization meetings. Meetings of legislative caucuses to select seaders. Generally held in even-numbered years shortly after the general election.

repeal. to revoke or abrogate by legislative action.

repealer clause. The section of a bill that lists which RCW sections and chapters of law are revoded and abrogated by the proposed legislation.

reporting out. Action by a committee on a measures which moves the measure out of the committee. Committee reports include do pass, do not pass, amend, substitute, refer to another committee, or no recomendation.

representative. Member of the House of Represenatives.

resignation. The act of voluntarily leaving office.

Revised Code of Washington. This is a codification of current statutes as enacted and amended.

roll call. Record of how many members voted on a particular issue or question.

rule suspended. To temporarily set aside a rule.

rules. Regulating principles used in the conduct of legislative busines.

Rules Committee. Committee responsible for setting the daily calendar of the Senate and House. The President of the Senate and Speaker of the House serve as chair of these committees.

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scope and object. A parliamentary ruling by the presiding officer as to whether a proposed amendment fits within the subject matter of the bill under consideration. Senate and House rules prohibit amendments which change or expand the scope and object of a bill.

Secretary of the Senate A person elected by the Senate members to record the official actions of the Senate and to be the chief administrative officer of the Senate.

second reading. The reading of a bill for the second time, in full, in open session, opening it to amendatory action.

select committee. A comittee appointed to consider a particular topic for a limited time. Used interchaneably with special committee.

Senate. Upper chamber of a two-body legislature.

Senate Committee Services (SCS). The Senate nonpartisan research and committee staff located in the John A. Cherber Building. Equivalent to House Office of Program Research (OPR).

senator. Member of the Senate.

Sergeant at Arms. Enforces protocol of the House or Senate and provides security for the legislative offices.

session. Official meeting of the Legislature. The Constitution provides for one 105-day regular session durring odd-numbered years and one 60-day regular session during even-numbered years each biennium.

severability clause. A section of a bill which instructs the court that if one section of the act is found unconstitutional, the remainder of the act will remain intact.

short title. An abridged description of the bill.

sine die. To conclude a regular or special session without setting a day to reconvene.

Speaker. Presiding officer of the House of Representatives.

special order of business. A motion to take up a specified measure at a specific time.

special session. A session of no more than 30 days, convened by the governor or the Legislature, upon two-thirds vote of all members, may call itself into special session.

sponsor. Member offering a bill, amendment, resolution or memorial.

standing committees. Committees set up by the Legislature to last for the entire length (two years) of a Legislature.

state budget. The biennial operating budget.

state officials. The state of Washington elects nine administrative officers statewide. Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State,

status sheets. A daily publication during session giving status of bills pending or acted upon by the Legislature.

statute. A law enacted by the Legislature.

Statute Law Committee. See Cod Reviser.

strike out. To delete language from a bill or resolution.

striking amendment. Amendment removing everthing after the title and inserting a whole ne bill.

subcommittee. Selected members of a committee designed to study a special area of concern and then report to the whole committee their findings and recomendations.

substitute. A bill which replaces an entire bill or resolution.

sunset. A program for review of state agencies, programs and statutes by JLARC and OFM.

sunset provision. A date certain for a law to automaticall be repealed unless renewed by the Legislature.

supplemental budget. Changes in the second year of the biennium to funds allocated in the original capital, operating, or transportation budgets.

Supreme Court. The highest court of the state is made up of nine elected justices serving staggered six-year terms.

suspension calendar. Special calendar of noncontroversial bills created by the House Rules Committee. The only question on the floor is acceptance of committee recommendations and adbancement to third reading. Closely related to the consent calendar occasionally used in the Senate.

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table. To set aside a matter for possible consideration at a future time.

Temple of Justice. The building directly north of the Legislative Building, housing the Supreme court and offices of the Supreme Court Clerk, Commissioner, Reporter of Decisions, and the Law Library.

term. Duration of office of an elected official.

term limits. Restrictions on the length of service for elected officials.

third house. An association whose membership includes most of the professional lobbyists in the state.

third reading. The final consideration of a bill before either house. The bill can be debated, tabled, referred, but not amended. Final passage takes a "constitutional majority.

title of bill. Description of bill or act which encompasses the intent of the bill.

title-only bill. A bill which contains nothing more than a title and a number. It is introduced in order to have a vehicl on which to amend substance at a later time.

transportation budget. Appropriations for highways, bridges, ferries, transit, vehicl licensing, and traffic enforcement.

TVW Washington State version of C-Span, broadcasting state government meetings and activities.

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ulcer gulch. Slan term for area in the Legislative Building used by lobbyists and general public for telephone calls and messages.

unfinished business. Business which has been laid over from a previous day.

unicameral legislature. A legislative body having only one house, such as a city council. Nebraska has the only unicameral state legislature.

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veto. Rejection of legislative bill by governor. Governor has power to veto sections of bills but cannot make any additions. The governor can also veto appropriation items. To pass a bill over a governor's veto takes a two-thirds vote of both houses and is known as overriding a veto.

vote. Formal expression of will or decision by Legislature or citizen.

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WAC. Washington Administrative Code. States how state agencies shall organize and adopt rules and regulations. "WAC's" and "rules and regs"

WALIS Washington Legislative Information System. A number of different types of services, including a data processing system, which provides accurate up-to-date information on legislative actions.

Washington State Register. A monthly publication which lists all proposed new agency WAC "rules and regs" as well as proposed amendments, meeting notices, etc.

Ways and Means. The chief revenue and appropriations committee in the Senate. The comittee is responsibile for deciding the "ways" in which state monies will be spent and the "means" that will be used to raise the tax revenues.

whip. An assistant to the majority or minority leader, the duties of the whip include counting votes, checking attendance and maintaing caucus discipline of partisan issues and procedural questions.

white sheet. The list of bills eligible for consideration to be moved to the green sheet by the Senate Rules Committee. "Pulls" from white to green do not require a vote.

withdraw a motion. To recall or remove a motion according to parliamentary procedure.

within the bar. Refers either to a legislator's presence withing the bar of the house or to his or her physical presence on the floor of the Legislature.

work room. Area behind the rostrum of each house where the bills are processed, roll call information retained and bills engrossed, enrolled, etc.

work session. Informal discussion of a measure or topic by a committtee. No executive action or amendments are permitted.

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yield. To relinquish the floor of the House or Senate to allow another member to speak.