Washington State House Expands Capacity On Chamber Floor

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) – The Washington House is increasing the total number of lawmakers allowed on the chamber floor to 20 from five, starting Wednesday.

The Executive Rules Committee approved the update to the chamber’s COVID-19 policy on Friday.

The vote was taken the same day the Senate approved doubling the number of its members in its chamber from 15 to 30.

All members who plan to be on the House floor must show proof of vaccination, including a booster, and be masked.

And all House lawmakers and staff who work onsite are being tested three days a week.

In the Senate, all members and staff who plan to be at the Capitol will continue to be required to have a confirmed on-site negative test before entering Senate facilities, regardless of vaccination status, and to be masked.

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