Bill > S08467

This bill proposes two key constitutional amendments related to redistricting in New York. First, the bill modifies existing language to clarify that the redistricting process established by the state constitution applies to both state legislative and congressional districts, ensuring consistency in how district lines are drawn. Second, and more significantly, the bill adds a new provision that allows the New York state legislature to redraw congressional district lines if another state has redrawn its own congressional districts more than once within a ten-year period, without being court-ordered to do so. This unique provision appears to be a preemptive measure that would give New York the flexibility to adjust its own congressional districts in response to potential partisan redistricting actions by other states. When redrawing such districts, the New York legislature would be required to follow existing constitutional principles for district line creation, such as maintaining compactness, contiguity, and respecting community boundaries. The proposed amendments would need to be referred to the next legislative session after the upcoming general election and be publicly published for three months prior to that election, in accordance with the state constitution's amendment procedures.

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https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8467