Committee considers mid‑decade redistricting trigger for congressional maps

The committee reviewed House Joint Resolution 42‑09, a constitutional amendment proposal to allow the Legislature to modify congressional districts by a simple majority mid‑decade if another state adopts a new congressional map mid‑decade and no court order prevents it. Connor Schiff, committee counsel, reviewed the redistricting commission process and explained the amendment’s mechanics and its proposed immediate effective period until the next decennial census plan.

Representative Joe Fitzgibbon, presenting the resolution, said Washington’s bipartisan commission has generally worked but that an unusual number of states undertook partisan mid‑decade congressional redistricting in 2025. He argued HJR 42‑09 is a defensive, narrow tool to respond to unusual external changes and preserve equitable representation. “We have many states that have drawn congressional maps … with an eye towards aggressive partisan advantage,” Fitzgibbon said, and Washington should have a mechanism to respond.

Public testimony included civil‑society and redistricting reform advocates who urged preserving voter‑centered, nonpartisan processes and broadening commission membership and transparency, and other witnesses who cautioned against enacting retaliatory measures in response to other states’ actions.

The committee collected one‑minute statements from in‑room and remote witnesses, including League of Women Voters representatives, former local redistricting commissioners and advocacy groups who largely urged reform that strengthens nonpartisan mapmaking rather than enabling reactive mid‑decade changes.

No vote was taken; testimony concluded and the committee moved on to other items on the agenda.