SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5701

             AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS,

                                 MARCH 4, 1991

Brief Description:  Changing representation on the redistricting commission.

SPONSORS:Senator McCaslin.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chairman; Roach, Vice Chairman; and Matson. 

Minority Report:  Do not pass.

      Signed by Senators Madsen and Sutherland. 

Staff:  Barbara Howard (786‑7410)

Hearing Dates:February 28, 1991; March 4, 1991

BACKGROUND:

The State Constitution was amended in 1983 to require an independent redistricting commission (Art. II, Sec. 43).  However, there was no provision in either the Constitution or the enabling legislation for geographic distribution of the commission's membership.

Concern has been expressed that the current nomination process could unduly favor the urban residents of the highly populated areas in western Washington.

SUMMARY:

At least two members of the commission must reside east of the crest of the Cascade Mountain range.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested February 18, 1991

TESTIMONY FOR:

There should be some way to assure that eastern Washington will be represented on the commission, since its decisions will affect all of the state's citizens, not just the urban regions of the western half.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:

There is nothing to prevent any caucus from selecting eastern Washington representatives.

TESTIFIED:  No one