HB 1078
Background and Procedural InformationOn January 8, 2008 Indiana Republican Representative Jerry Torr introduced Indiana House Bill 1078. As of June 5, 2008 it is before the Committee Rules and Legislative Procedures.
Under the proposed legislation, are single-member districts a requirement or otherwise implied?
No. Single-member districts are neither required nor implied.
Does the proposed legislation provide for Voting Rights Act compliance (e.g. can the commission use voter history information)?
The commission cannot use data relating to party registration, voting history, or election returns. Use or solicitation of this data is a Class D felony.
Under the proposed legislation, how is the commission formed?
The Speaker of the House, House Minority Leader, President Pro Tem of the Senate and Senate Minority Leader each choose one person to serve as a commissioner. These four commissioners will then appoint one person to serve as the final commissioner requiring yea-votes from three of the members. If the four initial commissioners cannot agree on a fifth member by March 1, then the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court will appoint the fifth commissioner. The fifth commissioner may not be an elected or appointed official, candidate for the legislature, or the holder of any state office. To take any official action three yea-votes are required.
Under the proposed legislation, are competitive districts favored?
No. Although eight factors are listed for the commissioners to use when making redistricting decisions, competitive districts is not one of the eight factors.
Under the proposed legislation, can members of the public submit plans?
Yes. Members of the public may submit maps, plans, and other comments to the commission.
Does the proposed legislation allow for mid-decade redistricting?
No. The Commission may only redistrict in years that end in one.