Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee |
HJR 4223
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: Amending the state Constitution by appointing the legislative district committee to fill legislative vacancies.
Sponsors: Representatives Appleton, Reykdal, Ladenburg, Ryu, Hansen and Hunt.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/11/12
Staff: Marsha Reilly (786-7135).
Background:
Article II, Section 15 of the state Constitution outlines the procedure for how vacancies in partisan legislative and county elective offices are filled in the event of a vacancy. The county legislative authority of the county in which the vacancy occurs makes the appointment from a list of three persons nominated by the county central committee of the applicable political party. The person appointed must be from the same district and same political party as the person whose office has been vacated. In the event that a vacancy occurs in a multi-county district, the state central committee shall provide the list of nominees for joint action by the appropriate county legislative authorities.
Summary of Bill:
The state Constitution is amended to require that the legislative district committee, rather than the county central committee or the state central committee, of the applicable political party provide the list of nominees to the county legislative authority to fill an appointment in the event of a vacancy in legislative office.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.