Thursday, March 9, but because lawmakers were unable to complete their business by then, Gov. Gary Locke called them back into special session. They still couldn't get their work done by April 7, and an end was called to the first special session. Legislative leaders agreed not to convene for a second special session until they could agree on such issues as passing a budget to address the impact of Initiative 695 and property tax cuts. The second special session was called to order on April 24 and ended on April 27. They're not unusual.
Lawmakers also can call themselves into special session with a two-thirds vote of both chambers.
In addition to an overtime meeting right after a regular session, special sessions may be called at other times during the year for specific reasons. The Legislature meets in the state Capitol, which has six parking areas available for visitors. From I-5 northbound, take exit 103 and proceed north on Deschutes Parkway through the stop sign to the designated parking area along Capitol Lake. In addition, Intercity Transit provides bus service in Olympia, with connecting routes from outlying areas, such as Tacoma and Seattle. Intercity Transit also operates a free shuttle service to a satellite parking lot and other stops.