OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — For the fourth time in as many years, the state House has passed a measure seeking to reform representation of minorities in local elections.

The Democratic-controlled chamber passed House Bill 1745 on a 50-47 vote, and the measure now heads to the Republican-controlled Senate, where it is not expected to gain traction.

The measure opens the possibility of court challenges to cities, counties and school districts to push them to switch from at-large to district elections in areas where large minority groups are present.

Under the measure, before someone can file a legal action, the political entity must be notified of the challenge to their election system, at which point they'll have 180 days to remedy the complaint.

If a remedy is adopted, no legal action may be brought against the entity for four years.

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