Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee |
HB 2311
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Concerning legal notices for constitutional amendments and state measures.
Sponsors: Representatives Sells, Hinkle, Darneille and McCune; by request of Secretary of State.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/20/09
Staff: Tracey O'Brien (786-7196)
Background:
Amendments to the state Constitution (Constitution) require a two-thirds majority approval in the Legislature and a simple majority approval by the people at the following general election.
The Constitution requires that the text of any amendment referred to the vote of the people must be published at least four times during the four weeks preceding the election in every legal newspaper in the state. A legal newspaper is defined by statute as any newspaper that publishes general interest news in the English language at least weekly and has been approved as a legal newspaper by a superior court.
Summary of Bill:
The statutory requirements for legal advertising of proposed constitutional amendments, initiatives, and referenda are repealed. This legislation implements the changes proposed in House Joint Resolution 4212, which amends the Constitution to remove the requirement that notice of the proposed constitutional amendment be published in every legal newspaper in the state. House Joint Resolution (HJR) 4212 also amends the state Constitution to require the text of the proposed amendment, with arguments in favor and against the amendment, must be provided in a publication that is sent to each residence in the state and in any other means anticipated to provide each voter with the opportunity to study the amendment prior to the election.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed if HJR 4212 is approved by the voters at the next general election.