SENATE 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 of February 16, 2018

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

Brief Description: Revising statutory deadlines for redistricting plans.

Sponsors: Representative Hudgins.

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

Committee Activity: State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections: 2/16/18.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires that the state Redistricting Commission (Commission) submit a redistricting plan to the Legislature by November 15 of each year ending in one.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT, TRIBAL RELATIONS & ELECTIONS

Staff: Samuel Brown (786-7470)

Background: The Commission is composed of five members, and was established by constitutional amendment in 1983 to provide for the redistricting of state legislative and congressional districts every ten years based on the federal decennial census. Under statute, the Commission must complete its redistricting by no later than January 1 of each year ending in two. In 2016, voters approved an amendment to the state Constitution which 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.

Summary of Bill: Statute is amended to require that the Commission submit a redistricting plan to the Legislature by November 15 of each year ending in one, in conformance with the state Constitution.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: We support this fix.

Persons Testifying: PRO: David Elliott, Office of the Secretary of State.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.