Bill > SCR43

This Concurrent Resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to change the membership and process of the Apportionment Commission, which is responsible for drawing legislative districts every ten years based on census data. The amendment would increase the commission's size from ten to thirteen members, with a more diverse appointment process involving legislative leaders and the Chief Justice, and would mandate the inclusion of at least two public members and at least four legislators. It also introduces new requirements for transparency and public participation, including mandatory public hearings, a dedicated website for information and public submissions, and public comment periods at commission meetings. Crucially, the amendment establishes specific standards for the composition of legislative districts, requiring them to fairly represent voter party preferences based on past statewide election results and to enhance competitiveness by ensuring at least 25% of districts are within a narrow margin of the statewide party average, while also prioritizing the preservation of communities of interest.