MN S.B. 2211, introduced by Pogemiller, March 31, 2007 establishing districting principles for legislative and congressional plans; providing for appointment of a commission to recommend the boundaries of legislative and congressional districts; limiting redistricting to once per decade; amending Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 2.021; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 2; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 2.031.
Under the proposed legislation, are single-member districts a requirement or otherwise implied?
Required. Each senate district is entitled to elect one senator, and each House district is entitled to elect one Representative. A plane for congressional districts must have eight districts; each entitled to elect a single member.
Does the proposed legislation provide for Voting Rights Act compliance (e.g. can the commission use voter history information)?
Maybe. The committee will weigh equally redistricting principles required by state and federal law.
Under the proposed legislation, how is the commission formed?
The commission will consist of 5 retired judges of the appellate or district courts that have not served in a political party. The majority and minority leaders of the senate and the majority and minority leaders of the house each appoint one judge. These 4 judges then appoint the 5th.
Under the proposed legislation, are competitive districts favored?
Yes, explicitly. The districts must be created to encourage competition.
Under the proposed legislation, can members of the public submit plans?
No.
Does the proposed legislation allow for mid-decade redistricting?
No.