Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
State Government, Elections & Information Technology Committee |
HB 2962
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: Revising statutory deadlines for redistricting plans.
Sponsors: Representative Hudgins.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/2/18
Staff: Travis Yonker (786-7383).
Background:
Under the Washington State Redistricting Act (Act) and the Washington state Constitution (Constitution), a five-member redistricting commission (Commission) is established in January of each year ending in one to accomplish state legislative and congressional redistricting. The Washington State Redistricting Act requires that the Commission submit a redistricting plan to the Legislature by January 1 of each year ending in two.
In 2016 the Legislature proposed an amendment to the Constitution, which, among other things, moved up the date by which the Commission must submit a redistricting plan to the Legislature from January 1 of the year ending in two to November 15 of the year ending in one. On November 8, 2016, the voters of Washington approved the amendment, which became Amendment 108 to the Washington state Constitution.
Summary of Bill:
The language of the Act is modified, consistent with Amendment 108 to the Constitution, to require the Commission submit a redistricting plan to the Legislature by November 15 of each year ending in one.
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.