Arkansas House Bill HJR1001

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/20/24
• Refer: 1/13/25
• Failed: 5/5/25

Caption

A Constitutional Amendment To Create The Citizens' Redistricting Commission And To Repeal The Board Of Apportionment.

Impact

This amendment could fundamentally change how district lines are drawn in Arkansas. The Citizens' Redistricting Commission will consist of nine commissioners, selected through a process designed to ensure geographical and demographic representation. The bill emphasizes transparency, requiring open meetings and public comments on proposed district maps. Additionally, the commission must prepare and release multiple district maps for public review before finalizing them, which contrasts with the previous process that may have lacked broad public involvement.

Summary

HJR1001 proposes a significant amendment to the Arkansas Constitution, focused on the establishment of a Citizens' Redistricting Commission. This commission will be responsible for the apportionment of districts for the United States House of Representatives and the Arkansas General Assembly following each federal decennial census. One of the key features of the bill is the repeal of the existing Board of Apportionment, which had been responsible for these tasks. The intent is to create a more transparent and participatory redistricting process, with an aim to protect the public trust.

Contention

While the bill promotes improved transparency and public participation, some concerns may arise regarding the political implications of establishing an independent commission. Opponents might argue that it undermines legislative authority and the efficient functioning of the current system. Additionally, there may be debate around the selection process for commissioners and how to maintain their objectivity, especially considering the political affiliations and backgrounds of potential commissioners. There is also concern about how the shift in apportionment authority might affect the balance of political power within the state.