Bill > HJR4209

This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the Washington State Constitution to establish a commission responsible for redistricting state legislative and congressional districts every ten years, following the federal census. This commission would consist of five members: four appointed by the legislative leaders of the two largest political parties in each house, with the fifth member chosen by the first four. Crucially, no elected officials or individuals holding recent political party office can serve on the commission, aiming to ensure impartiality. The resolution outlines standards for creating districts, requiring them to be as equal in population as practicable, contiguous, compact, convenient, and separated by natural or artificial barriers or political boundaries, while explicitly prohibiting partisan favoritism. The commission must approve a redistricting plan by November 15th of years ending in one, with the state Supreme Court stepping in if they fail to do so. The legislature can amend the plan with a two-thirds vote, and the resolution also includes provisions for reconvening the commission to modify existing redistricting laws under specific circumstances, including the ability for the legislature to amend congressional districts by a majority vote if another state redistricts its congressional districts outside of court orders before the next decennial census.

Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=4209&Year=2025&Initiative=false