Bill > ACA16

This Constitutional Amendment establishes a Citizens Redistricting Commission to draw district lines for the California State Senate, among other offices, aiming for an independent and fair process. The commission will consist of 14 members, with a specific breakdown of political party affiliations, and they must have been registered with the same party or unaffiliated for at least five years and have voted in two of the last three statewide general elections. The amendment outlines a prioritized set of criteria for drawing districts, including compliance with the U.S. Constitution and the federal Voting Rights Act, ensuring geographic contiguity, respecting the integrity of cities and communities of interest, and promoting compactness. It also specifies that the place of residence of incumbents or candidates will not be considered, and districts will not be drawn to favor or discriminate against any political party, incumbent, or candidate. Furthermore, the amendment divides the state into eight regions, each containing five Senate districts, totaling 40 Senate districts statewide, and mandates that the commission approve final maps by a supermajority vote, which must include representation from different political affiliations. These maps are subject to a referendum process, and if a map fails to be approved or is rejected by voters, the California Supreme Court will appoint special masters to adjust the boundaries according to the established criteria.