OLYMPIA — State lawmakers kicked off the 2023 session on Monday, starting a 105-day marathon of bill-passing and budget-writing in their first fully in-person gathering since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic three years ago.
The return of lawmakers seated side-by-side in chambers, overlooked by galleries loaded with family members and other observers, stood in marked contrast to the mostly empty Capitol of the past two sessions.
“It’s wonderful to be back in person,” said state Sen. Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, in an interview. “I’ve described the last couple years to some people as all of the tedium and none of the joy.”
The state House and Senate officially convened shortly after noon for opening ceremonies, swearing in new members and electing leaders. Few wore masks, in another sign of an effort to return to pre-pandemic routines.