DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 623 Original 2020 Regular Session Freeman
Abstract: Creates a study and advisory commission to make recommendations to the legislature
regarding redistricting.
Proposed law provides for a study and advisory commission to study redistricting and make
recommendations to the legislature. Requires the commission to study and report findings and
recommendations to the legislature no later than Feb. 15th of each year ending in one regarding past
redistricting proceedings, best redistricting practices established in other states, redistricting tools
and resources that have become available since the most recently completed redistricting cycle, and
proposed redistricting plans. Provides that the commission may make additional recommendations
to the legislature until December thirty-first of the year ending in one.
Proposed law provides that the commission consist of:
(1)A non-voting chairman appointed jointly by the chairs of the House and Senate governmental
affairs committees.
(2)Three non-legislator members appointed by the speaker of the House in a manner which
reflects the demographic diversity of the state specifically in gender, race, ethnicity, and
political party affiliation.
(3)Three non-legislator members appointed by the president of the Senate in a manner which
reflects the demographic diversity of the state specifically in gender, race, ethnicity, and
political party affiliation.
(4)Three members appointed by the governor, one female, one from a recognized minority
group, and at least one who is not affiliated with the same recognized political party as the
governor. Further, at least one of the members the governor appoints shall be an academic
or legal professional or a demographer with relevant knowledge of or experience with the
redistricting process in La.
(5)One member appointed by the chief justice of the supreme court.
(6)The secretary of state, or his designee.
(7)One member appointed by the chair of the Louisiana Democratic Party. (8)One member appointed by the chair of the Independent Party of Louisiana.
(9)One member appointed by the chair of the Republican Party of Louisiana.
(10)Three members who shall be appointed by the commission as representatives from nonprofit
civic organizations. Requires the commission to compare the composition of the existing
membership on the commission to the demographic diversity of the state specifically in
gender, race, ethnicity, and political party affiliation, and to make every effort to appoint
members in a manner to make total composition of the membership as reflective of the
demographic diversity of the state as possible.
Proposed law provides that any vacancy on the commission shall be filled in the manner of initial
selection as soon as possible.
Proposed law requires the chairs of the governmental affairs committees to appoint the chairman of
the commission no later than March 15th of each year ending in zero. Requires
the chairman to notify the other appointing or designating authorities by March 20th of the year
ending in zero. Requires each appointing or designating authority to submit to the chairman, the
name and contact information of each person such authority has appointed to serve on the
commission by April 1 of the year ending in zero. Provides that the chairman shall call an
organizational meeting no later than the end of April of the year ending in zero to establish a meeting
schedule to enable the commission to perform its functions and duties in the manner required by
proposed law.
Proposed law provides that the members serve without compensation, except per diem or expense
reimbursement to which a member may be individually entitled as a member of his organization.
Requires all state and local agencies and officials to cooperate with and assist the commission in
carrying out its functions and duties. Requires the presiding officers of the legislature to designate
appropriate staff to provide assistance to the commission in carrying out its duties.
(Adds R.S. 18:1961)