PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Rules governing the operations of the redistricting commission; updating the address and contact information for the commission, updating to current standards, the options for electronic filing of third party plans, correcting statutory citations changed through prior recodification; and eliminating use of tenth edition of Robert's Rules of Order.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 44.05.080(2).
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Pursuant to Washington Constitution Art. II, Section 43, and RCW 44.05.030, the Washington redistricting commission is required to submit to the state legislature, no later than January 1, 2012, a redistricting plan. Further, the redistricting commission's administrative rules encourage members of the public to submit proposed redistricting plans, and provide that early submission of third party plans is encouraged. In order for the public to be able to participate in a timely and meaningful way in the development of a redistricting plan, the procedures applicable to the redistricting process must be known to the public. These procedures include such things as a correct address for plan submission.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The U.S. Census Bureau collects the census information upon which the state redistricting is based. The redistricting commission uses the population and demographic data, citizen input, and the parameters provided in statute to devise new legislative and congressional district plans. The secretary of state's office uses the new district plans in managing elections. No other agencies regulate this subject.
Process for Developing New Rule: Rule changes are simple updates to the commission address and contact information, correction of statutory citations, elimination of the use of Robert's Rules of Order, tenth edition, and modernizing the forms of electronic submission of third party plans.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. A public hearing on the rule changes will be held at the Washington Redistricting Commission Offices, 1063 Capitol Way South, Suite 16, Olympia, WA 98504, on July 6 or later. Comments and questions may be e-mailed, faxed, or mailed to the address below.
Contact for Comments to Rule Changes: Bonnie Bunning, Executive Director, Washington Redistricting Commission, P.O. Box 40948, Olympia, WA 98504, phone (360) 786-0040, e-mail bonnie.bunning@redistricting.wa.gov, fax (360) 586-0433.
March 29, 2011
Bonnie Bunning
Executive Director