Bill > SB14

This bill proposes a comprehensive amendment to Delaware's Constitution to establish an Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) responsible for drawing Representative and Senatorial district boundaries following each federal decennial census. The bill creates a detailed framework for the commission's composition, selection process, and operational guidelines. The five-member commission will be geographically diverse, with one member from Wilmington, one from New Castle County outside Wilmington, one from Kent County, one from Sussex County, and one at-large member. Commissioners will be selected through a complex process involving judicial panel screening, political party representation requirements, and random selection to ensure partisan balance and independence. The commission must follow strict criteria when drawing district maps, including maintaining contiguous territories, ensuring nearly equal population across districts, preserving communities of interest, and avoiding partisan gerrymandering. The bill mandates extensive transparency requirements, including public meetings, virtual participation options, and comprehensive public reporting. If the commission fails to create an acceptable redistricting plan, the Supreme Court can step in to develop a final plan. The legislation aims to create a more impartial and community-focused approach to redistricting, moving away from the previous system of legislative-controlled district mapping.

Government Affairs

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=141748