Washington Constitution Article XXVII - Schedule
Washington Constitution – Article XXVII: Schedule
Article XXVII of the Washington State Constitution, titled "Schedule," contains transitional provisions that were necessary to implement and bring the constitution into operation following its adoption. It ensures the smooth continuation of governmental functions as Washington transitioned from a U.S. territory to a state.
Key Points of Article XXVII – Schedule:
Continuity of Laws:
Territorial laws not inconsistent with the new constitution were to remain in effect until altered or repealed by the state legislature.
Territorial Officers and Institutions:
Existing territorial officers continued in their roles until state officials were elected and qualified.
Institutions created under territorial law continued to exist under state governance.
Judicial Proceedings:
All court actions, appeals, and processes that began under the territorial system continued under the state judicial system.
Territorial Debts and Property:
State assumed responsibility for debts lawfully incurred by the Territory of Washington.
Property of the territory vested in the state.
Election and Government Transition:
Provides the schedule for the first election under the constitution and outlines the timing and organization for the transition to full statehood.
Apportionment:
Temporary apportionment of legislative districts was established until the legislature could make permanent arrangements.
Miscellaneous Provisions:
Includes details like the printing of the constitution for public distribution and publication.
Clarifies how pending prosecutions and contracts were to be handled during the transition.
This article is foundational for the legal continuity and orderly establishment of state institutions in 1889, when Washington officially became a state of the United States.
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