Bill > HB1003

This bill establishes a special interim study committee on redistricting to examine the potential benefits and challenges of changing how election districts are drawn for Indiana's state legislators and members of Congress, including the possibility of creating a redistricting commission. The committee will consist of appointed members from both the State Senate and House of Representatives, along with qualified lay members who are Indiana residents and have relevant experience but are not state employees, elected officials, or registered lobbyists. This committee is tasked with reviewing laws and practices related to redistricting in other states, analyzing the impact of different redistricting methods on election competitiveness and diversity, and evaluating the costs and issues associated with potential changes to Indiana's current redistricting process. The committee will also have the option to appoint consultants and establish subcommittees to aid its work. Finally, the committee is required to submit a comprehensive report with recommendations to the legislative council by December 1, 2016, and this chapter will expire on January 1, 2017.