Bill > SJR42

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to transfer the power of redistricting, which is the process of drawing new electoral district boundaries, from the Legislature to a newly established Citizens' Independent Redistricting Commission. This commission would be responsible for drawing districts for both state legislative seats (48 for the Senate and 101 for the House of Representatives) and federal congressional seats. The commission would consist of nine members, with representation from the two largest political parties and unaffiliated voters, selected through a process overseen by the Administrative Office of the Courts, involving retired judges to review applications and select candidates. Commissioners would have specific qualifications, including residency and a prohibition on holding partisan office or being a registered lobbyist in the years prior to their appointment. The resolution outlines procedures for commissioner selection, removal, and filling vacancies, requires commissioners to waive their right to run for office in the districts they draw, and provides for their compensation. It mandates that commission votes be public, taken by roll call, and published, with public notice of all meetings and livestreaming of proceedings, while prohibiting private discussions about redistricting matters outside of public meetings. The commission would be tasked with developing preliminary and final redistricting plans, considering factors like racial and ethnic fairness, communities of interest, political subdivisions, and compactness, and ensuring plans do not provide a disproportionate advantage to any political party. If the commission fails to approve a plan within a specified timeframe, a fallback mechanism involving the Oklahoma Supreme Court would be activated. The resolution also grants the Supreme Court original jurisdiction over challenges to the commission's actions and plans, and establishes a revolving fund for the commission's operations, which would be dissolved after its work is completed. Finally, it repeals existing constitutional provisions related to legislative redistricting and includes a ballot title for the proposed amendment to be voted on by the people.

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sjr42&Session=2600