Remote participation now firmly embedded in WA Legislature

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 their homes, their offices and their cars.

Thousands more, sometimes tens of thousands, who did not want to speak still went online to register support or opposition to pending legislation. Organizations pressing to pass or defeat bills sometimes cited the numbers to bolster their arguments.

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/08/21/remote-participation-now-firmly-embedded-in-wa-legislature/