HOUSE BILL REPORT

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.

As Passed House:

February 12, 2018

Title: An act relating to statutory deadlines for redistricting plans.

Brief Description: Revising statutory deadlines for redistricting plans.

Sponsors: Representative Hudgins.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

State Government, Elections & Information Technology: 2/2/18 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 2/12/18, 97-0.

Brief Summary of Bill

Requires that the redistricting commission submit its redistricting plan to the Legislature by November 15 of each year ending in "1," consistent with the Washington Constitution.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT, ELECTIONS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 8 members: Representatives Hudgins, Chair; Dolan, Vice Chair; McDonald, Ranking Minority Member; Kraft, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Gregerson, Irwin and Pellicciotti.

Staff: Travis Yonker (786-7383).

Background:

Under the Washington State Redistricting Act (Act) and the Washington Constitution (Constitution), a five-member redistricting commission (Commission) is established in January of each year ending in "1" to accomplish state legislative and congressional redistricting. The Act requires that the Commission submit a redistricting plan to the Legislature by January 1 of each year ending in "2."

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 "2" to November 15 of the year ending in "1." On November 8, 2016, the voters of Washington approved the amendment, which became Amendment 108 to the Washington 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 "1."

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) This bill is necessary to align with the recent constitutional amendment.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Hudgins, prime sponsor.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.