What occurs when legislation is signed by the governor?

When legislation is signed by the governor, it becomes a law. This action signifies the final approval of the legislative process, where the proposed bill, having successfully passed both chambers of the legislature, is officially enacted once it is signed. Once a bill is signed, it generally goes into effect either immediately or on a specified date, as outlined in the bill itself.

This process ensures that the legislative branch's work is finalized, and the bill now has legal authority. Understanding this step is crucial for professionals in the field, as it relates directly to the implementation of health care policies, regulations, and practices that dental hygienists must adhere to in Washington State.

In contrast, the other options describe actions that do not accurately reflect what happens upon the governor's signing of legislation. For instance, filing for review typically occurs during the legislative process before the bill reaches the governor, and sending the bill back to the legislature might happen if the governor vetoes it, but that's not the case with a signature. Additionally, publishing in a local newspaper may occur for public notification but is not a direct result of the governor's signing.