Senate membership also elects a president pro tempore who sits in the chair in the Lieutenant Governor's absence. Each bill must be read on the rostrum three times before final passage. In Washington, first reading takes place when the bill is introduced. Second reading takes place when the bill has been reported by standing committee and is placed on the calendar by the Rules Committee. It is at second reading that the bills are debated and amendments are offered.
Third reading takes place when the bill is before the chamber for final passage.
During regular sessions, any matter of interest to the Legislature can be considered. When that is the case, the requester will appear at the end of the list of sponsors in the heading of the bill. Usually, resolutions congratulate individuals or groups or mourn the passing of an individual. When a bill is up for final passage, a roll call vote is taken. Roll calls are also taken on certain motions, on amendments when requested by a member and one-sixth of the members present agree, and at the start of each session to determine the presence of a quorum.