CA A.B. 3069
Background and Procedural InformationOn March 6, 2008 Democratic Assemblymember Fabian Nunez introduced California Assembly Bill 3069 (C.A. A.B. 3069). This is an amendment to the California State Constitution that would result in a nine-member independent redistricting committee. As of June 3, 2008 the proposed amendment has been re-referred to committee after it passed its third reading in the California State Assembly.
Under the proposed legislation, are single-member districts a requirement or otherwise implied?
Single seat districts are not a requirement or otherwise implied.
Does the proposed legislation provide for Voting Rights Act compliance (e.g. can the commission use voter history information)?
No. The bill does not provide the restriction of voting history information.
Under the proposed legislation, how is the commission formed?
The Governor, Senate Majority Leader, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, Assembly Minority Floor Speaker, and Senate Minority Floor Leader each pick two retired or sitting judges to serve as members of a Judicial Council. The judicial council will pick fifteen people from the largest political party in the state, the second largest political party in the state, and people who are not members of either of the largest political parties in the state. Half of the judges on the judicial council must be retired and half must be sitting. Also, half must be members of the largest political party in the state and half must be members of the second largest political party in the state. The governor may strike two members from each pool. Lots are cast to select three members from each pool for a commission of nine members.
Under the proposed legislation, are competitive districts favored?
No. The proposed amendment does not include any information on the formation of districts including favoring competitive districts.
Under the proposed legislation, can members of the public submit plans?
Yes. The Commission will also hold hearings in all areas of the state to receive comments and plans from the public. The Commission will also make any computerized data or preliminary maps available to the public.
Does the proposed legislation allow for mid-decade redistricting?
No. The legislation allows for only the initial redistricting session per ten-year period.