Bill > HCR5011

This Concurrent Resolution proposes a revision to Article 10 of the Kansas Constitution, which currently governs how legislative districts are redrawn, a process known as reapportionment. The proposed changes would establish a new, independent redistricting commission responsible for recommending plans for redrawing not only state legislative districts but also United States congressional districts and state board of education member districts. This commission would be composed of members appointed by legislative leaders, with a chairperson selected by the appointed members, and would operate under strict rules to ensure fairness and transparency, prohibiting ex parte communications and requiring public hearings. The commission's proposed redistricting plans would then be submitted to the legislature, which would have limited time and amendment power to act on them, with the Kansas Supreme Court ultimately reviewing the enacted plans for validity. The goal is to create a more structured and potentially less partisan process for reapportionment, which is based on population data from the U.S. Census, with specific adjustments for military personnel and students.