HJR SS
Background and Procedural InformationH.J.R. SS was introduced on March 12, 2008 by Democrat Representative Mike Simpson. One of the goals of the legislation is to modify congressional and legislative apportionment and districting.
Under the proposed legislation, are single-member districts a requirement or otherwise implied?
Yes. Under the legislation districts are to be divided into equally proportioned single-member districts.
Does the proposed legislation provide for Voting Rights Act compliance (e.g. can the commission use voter history information)?
Yes. The legislation explicitly states that the commission shall not use voter history data, past election results, or addresses of incumbent legislators during the mapping process.
Under the proposed legislation, how is the commission formed?
The legislation proposes that the commission consist of 9 members, 4 of whom are to be selected by the state organizations of each of the 2 political parties whose candidates for governor received the highest vote at the last general election at which a governor was elected. Additionally, the majority and minority leaders of the legislature each select 2 members, and then the 8 selected commissioners determine the ninth commissioner. Moreover, the secretary of state serves as the secretary of the commission.
Under the proposed legislation, are competitive districts favored?
Although competitive districts are not specifically provided for, the legislation states that districts may not favor a particular political party or incumbent legislator.
Under the proposed legislation, can members of the public submit plans?
No. However, the commission may hold public hearings on the redistricting plans, and the public has at least 30-days in which it can comment on a plan prior to its adoption.
Does the proposed legislation allow for mid-decade redistricting?
No. The legislation states that the federal decennial census must be used for reapportionment.