HOUSE BILL REPORT
SHB 2632
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. |
As Passed House:
February 17, 2016
Title: An act relating to gender requirements in the election of chair and vice chair positions for state committees of political parties.
Brief Description: Concerning gender requirements in the election of chair and vice chair positions for state committees of political parties.
Sponsors: House Committee on State Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Van Werven, S. Hunt, Moscoso, Dent, Wilson, Vick, Manweller, Muri, Scott and Magendanz).
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
State Government: 1/27/16, 2/3/16 [DPS].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 2/17/16, 90-8.
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT |
Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 7 members: Representatives S. Hunt, Chair; Bergquist, Vice Chair; Holy, Ranking Minority Member; Van Werven, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Frame, Hawkins and Moscoso.
Staff: Sean Flynn (786-7124).
Background:
A major political party (major party) is a party whose nominee received at least 5 percent of the total votes for the last presidential election. Each major party has a county central committee comprised of the officers from each voting precinct in the county. The county central committee elects one councilman and one councilwoman to represent the county on the major party's state committee.
The state committee may call a state convention, elect delegates to the party's national convention, and nominate presidential electors. The state committee must elect a chair and vice chair of opposite sex.
Summary of Substitute Bill:
A major political party may, but is not required, to have a chair and vice chair of opposite sexes.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The gender restriction prevents qualified candidates from being eligible to be elected to leadership positions on state committees. The state should not be restricting party governance policy.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Van Werven, prime sponsor.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.