Bill > S638

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to establish an independent redistricting process in North Carolina by creating the North Carolina Citizens Redistricting Commission, which would replace the current method of legislative redistricting. The bill would fundamentally change how electoral districts for the state legislature and U.S. Congress are drawn by removing the General Assembly's direct role in the redistricting process. The 15-member Commission would be composed of diverse, non-partisan citizens selected through a detailed application and appointment process, with strict eligibility requirements to ensure members have no recent political affiliations or conflicts of interest. The Commission would be required to follow specific criteria when drawing districts, including maintaining equal population, preserving communities of interest, ensuring contiguous districts, and avoiding partisan gerrymandering. The bill mandates extensive public input, with at least 25 public hearings and multiple opportunities for citizens to provide feedback on proposed district maps. If no consensus can be reached, a special master would be appointed to draw the districts. The proposed constitutional amendment would be placed on the ballot in the November 2026 election, with implementation beginning in January 2027 if approved by voters. The bill aims to create a more transparent, fair, and community-focused redistricting process that reduces political influence in drawing electoral boundaries.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S638