When students step off the bus on the Washington State Capitol campus, their eyes light up.

For many, it’s the first time seeing the buildings where state laws are proposed and interpreted.

That initial look at the rotunda and the 42 steps leading up to the entrance of the Legislative Building is Jamie Bassett’s favorite part of the three-hour student visits.

“That’s when you think, ‘OK, we got them. We’re going to learn today. We’re going to have fun together,’” said Bassett, who’s been leading civics education tours since 2018.

In the 2024-25 academic year, more than 15,000 students in grades four through 12 made their way through the halls of the Capitol on a civics tour offered by the state. But starting this year, the number of students who take part in this educational opportunit

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