Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee

HJR 4212

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: Changing the notice requirement for amendments submitted to the people.

Sponsors: Representatives Sells, Hinkle, Darneille and McCune; by request of Secretary of State.

Brief Summary of Bill

Amends the state Constitution (Constitution) to eliminate the requirement that any proposed constitutional amendment submitted to the people be published at least four times during the four weeks preceding the election in every legal newspaper in the state.
Amends the Constitution to require public notice of the proposed constitutional amendment in a manner that would provide every voter an opportunity to study the proposal.

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 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.

Summary of Bill:

The Constitution is amended to eliminate the requirement that the text of any amendment submitted to the people must be published at least four times during the four weeks preceding the next election in every legal newspaper in the state. 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.