HR 1773
Background and Procedural InformationOn March 28, 2008 Georgia Assemblyperson Mary Oliver introduced Georgia House Resolution 1773 (GA H.R. 1773). As of June 4, 2008 it is currently before the Georgia House Legislative and Congressional Reapportionment Committee.
Under the proposed legislation, are single-member districts a requirement or otherwise implied?
No. Single-member districts are not required or otherwise implied.
Does the proposed legislation provide for Voting Rights Act compliance (e.g. can the commission use voter history information)?
Yes. The commission is instructed to use six criteria to determine the composition of the districts. One of the criterions is that “plan shall be in compliance with the Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended.” There is no provision of the resolution preventing the use of voter history information.
Under the proposed legislation, how is the commission formed?
The Lieutenant Governor, Senate Minority Leader, Speaker of the House, and House Minority Leader will each appoint one member to the commission. The governor would appoint two commissioners one of which may not be a member of his party. These six commissioners will then appoint the seventh commissioner.
The commission would create a final separate redistricting plan for Congressional, Georgia Senate, and Georgia House of Representative districts. The Georgia House and Senate must approve a plan for it to become law. If the either the Georgia House or Senate disapprove of a plan then it will be sent back to the Commission for revisions. After revisions are made the Commission will resubmit the redistricting plan for approval. If the Georgia House or Senate disapproves of the plan then the Commission is relieved of responsibility and the George Legislature will create its own plan.
Under the proposed legislation, are competitive districts favored?
No. The Commission has six priority guidelines. Creating competitive districts are not one of these priorities.
Under the proposed legislation, can members of the public submit plans?
No. Members of the public may attend hearings and “express opinions.” At least one hearing will take place in every Congressional district.
Does the proposed legislation allow for mid-decade redistricting?
The Bill does not allow mid-decade redistricting by the Commission, but does not limit the power of the Georgia legislature to engage in mid-decade redistricting.