Bill > SCR1022

This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the Arizona Constitution to modify the redistricting process and establish a state-specific census focusing on citizen population. The resolution creates an independent redistricting commission of five members from different political backgrounds, with strict eligibility requirements and a detailed selection process. The commission will be responsible for drawing congressional and legislative districts, with new requirements that legislative districts be based on citizen population rather than total population. The resolution mandates a decennial state census to be conducted in years ending in zero, which will count the number of United States citizens residing in Arizona, with $5 million transferred annually from the citizens clean election fund to support this effort. The redistricting process must follow specific guidelines, including compliance with the Voting Rights Act, creating geographically compact districts, respecting community boundaries, and attempting to create competitive districts. The resolution stems from concerns about the 2020 federal census potentially undercounting Arizona's population and aims to ensure that only U.S. citizens are considered when determining legislative district populations. The proposed changes would be subject to voter approval and, if passed, would significantly alter how legislative districts are drawn in Arizona.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/82867