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WV HB5252

WV HB5252
Creating the Independent Redistricting Commission of the Joint Committee on Government and Finance


summary

Introduced
02/05/2026
In Committee
02/05/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

The purpose of this bill is to provide for the Redistricting Office of the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to propose redistricting plans during census years. The main task of the Redistricting Office is to propose a plan to the Legislature which is based on constitutional and legal requirements and considerations. The bill provides specific criteria that the redistricting office must observe in proposing district mappings. The bill requires the redistricting office to advertise a proposed draft map of districts to the public. The bill requires the redistricting office to recommend redistricting plan to the Legislature. The bill requires the full Legislature to vote on plan ratification. The bill provides for subsequent submissions of plans and vote by Legislature. The bill requires that the commission certify to the Secretary of State that its final proposal for district boundaries is in accordance with constitutional and legal requirements. The bill prohibits certain persons from influencing or attempting to influence district mapping proposals of the redistricting office.

AI Summary

This bill establishes an Independent Redistricting Commission of the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to create proposed redistricting plans for congressional and state legislative districts, aiming for fair, balanced, and rational boundaries based on constitutional and legal requirements, particularly population equality. The commission, composed of six members with equal party representation and broad geographic representation, will be appointed by legislative leaders and party chairs, with specific qualifications to ensure independence and expertise, prohibiting lobbyists, elected officials, or state party officers from serving. The commission must acquire census data, prepare draft maps, and then advertise these proposals to the public for comment and hold public hearings before certifying its final plan to the Secretary of State and submitting it to the Legislature for a vote, with provisions for subsequent submissions and legislative votes if the initial plan fails, and it prohibits certain individuals from influencing the process.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

To House Judiciary (on 02/05/2026)

bill text


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