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US HR712

US HR712
John Tanner Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act


summary

Introduced
01/27/2017
In Committee
02/14/2017
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
12/31/2018

Introduced Session

115th Congress

Bill Summary

John Tanner Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act This bill prohibits a state that has been redistricted after an apportionment from being redistricted again until after the next apportionment of Representatives, unless the state is ordered by a court to conduct such a subsequent redistricting in order to: (1) comply with the U.S. Constitution, or (2) enforce the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Such redistricting shall be conducted through a plan developed by the independent redistricting commission established in the state, or if such plan is not enacted into law, the redistricting plan selected by the state's highest court or developed by a U.S. district court. The bill prescribes requirements for: (1) establishment of a state independent redistricting commission (including provisions for holding each of its meetings in public and maintaining a public Internet site); (2) development of a redistricting plan (including soliciting and considering public comments) and its submission to the state legislature (with public notice of plans at least seven days prior to such submission); (3) selection of a plan, under specified conditions, by the state's highest court or the U.S. district court for the district in which the capital of the state is located; (4) special rules for redistricting conducted under a federal court order; and (5) Election Assistance Commission payments to states for carrying out redistricting.

AI Summary

This bill prohibits a state from being redistricted more than once after each decennial census and apportionment, unless ordered by a court to comply with the Constitution or the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It requires states to conduct congressional redistricting through an independent redistricting commission that must follow certain criteria, such as adhering to the one person, one vote standard and maintaining geographic continuity of political subdivisions. If the commission's plan is not enacted into law, the state's highest court or a federal district court can select a plan. The bill also provides federal funding to states for establishing and operating the independent redistricting commissions.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (27)

Last Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice. (on 02/14/2017)

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