SENATE BILL REPORT

SJR 8218

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

State & Local Government, June 19, 2001

Brief Description:  Providing for election of state representatives from single districts.

Sponsors:  Senators Kohl‑Welles, Patterson, Snyder, McCaslin, Finkbeiner, Jacobsen and Fraser.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  State & Local Government:  6/11/01, 6/19/01 [DP, DNP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Majority Report:  Do pass.

Signed by Senators Patterson, Chair; Fairley, Vice Chair; Gardner, Haugen, Kline and Swecker.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.

Signed by Senators Horn and T. Sheldon.

Staff:  Eugene Green (786-7405)

Background:  The Washington State Constitution requires that the House of Representatives be composed of not less than 63 nor more than 99 members and that the number of senators be not more than one-half nor less than one-third of the number of representatives.  The Legislature presently consists of 49 senators and 98 representatives.  The Constitution also requires that "no representative district shall be divided in the formation of a senatorial district."

Summary of Bill:  Members of the House of Representatives are elected by single districts of convenient and contiguous territory.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  Upon approval by the voters.

Testimony For:  None.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  No one.