Requires the general assembly to establish a commission to draw congressional and legislative districts not later than July 1, 2027. This proposed amendment has not been previously agreed to by a general assembly.
Impact
If enacted, HJR0006 would have a significant impact on state law by introducing a formal mechanism for redistricting that is less susceptible to political manipulation. The commission will be responsible for creating district maps that reflect population changes while adhering to established criteria, thus promoting equity in representation. This bill is particularly relevant in light of ongoing national conversations about gerrymandering and the need for fair electoral processes. The expectation is that by utilizing a commission, the drawing of district lines will be approached with greater accountability, increasing public trust in electoral outcomes.
Summary
HJR0006 is a proposed amendment to Article 4, Section 5 of the Indiana Constitution that aims to reform the process of drawing congressional and legislative districts. The bill mandates the establishment of a commission by the General Assembly to oversee the redistricting process, which must be completed by July 1, 2027. The goal of this amendment is to ensure that districts are drawn fairly and transparently, taking into consideration the most recent federal decennial census and other specified criteria. This shift in responsibility towards a commission signifies a potential change in how district boundaries are determined, aiming to reduce partisan influence in the redistricting process.
Contention
The proposal may encounter opposition from those who prefer maintaining the current system, wherein the General Assembly retains direct control over district mapping. Critics might argue that transferring this authority to a commission could lead to unelected officials having too much power over essential electoral processes. Additionally, there could be concerns regarding how the criteria for district formation will be established and enforced, as these details could influence the outcome of redistricting significantly. As such, discussions around HJR0006 will likely focus on the balance between fair representation and maintaining governmental authority in the redistricting process.
Repeals the constitutional provision for drawing legislative districts by the general assembly. Requires the general assembly to establish an independent redistricting commission to draw congressional and legislative districts. This proposed amendment has not been previously agreed to by a general assembly.