Louisiana 2022 Regular Session

Louisiana House Bill HB562

Introduced
3/3/22  
Refer
3/3/22  
Refer
3/3/22  

Caption

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to a redistricting commission (OR NO IMPACT See Note)

Impact

The passage of HB 562 would significantly alter the manner in which district lines are drawn in Louisiana, moving the responsibility from the legislature to this newly formed commission. This change could address concerns regarding gerrymandering, as the proposed commission's formation is designed to include a more diverse group of individuals while reducing political influence in the redistricting process. If the commission fails to fulfill its obligations, the Louisiana Supreme Court is granted the authority to intervene and carry out the redistricting.

Summary

House Bill 562 proposes a constitutional amendment aimed at establishing an independent redistricting commission in Louisiana to draft alternative redistricting plans for both the state legislature and congressional representation. This commission will consist of 15 members, selected from different factions including the legislature and the judiciary, with strict guidelines to ensure its makeup reflects the state's demographics. One important aspect of the bill is that it mandates the legislature to enact one of the submitted plans without making any amendments, thus limiting legislative discretion in this process.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 562 has been quite mixed. Proponents argue that this measure enhances democratic representation and fairness in elections by delegating the drawing of district lines to an independent body. Supporters believe this could lead to more equitable representation for underrepresented groups. Conversely, opponents express concern that removing this power from the legislature could lead to a lack of accountability and responsiveness to the needs of local constituents.

Contention

Debates surrounding the bill often focus on the tension between legislative control and independent oversight. While advocates see the potential for fairness in representation through independent oversight, detractors worry about the loss of political accountability and the risk that the commission could become mired in partisanship or inefficiency. Specific concerns were voiced about whether the commission’s structure effectively captures the diverse voices of Louisiana residents, thereby risking the very equality the bill aims to promote.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA HB337

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the authority for redistricting (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

LA HB175

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the authority for redistricting the legislature (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)

LA HB82

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the authority for redistricting the legislature (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)

LA HB627

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides for a redistricting commission to propose three alternative plans for each public body to be redistricted by the legislature and requires the legislature to enact one of such plans without amendment (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)

LA SB1076

A Joint Resolution proposing integrated and distinct amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, repealing provisions relating to Legislative Redistricting Commission and providing for Independent Redistricting Commission and for redistricting criteria.

LA HB1776

A Joint Resolution proposing integrated and distinct amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, repealing provisions relating to Legislative Reapportionment Commission and providing for Independent Redistricting Commission and for redistricting criteria.

LA HB31

A Joint Resolution proposing integrated and distinct amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, repealing provisions relating to Legislative Reapportionment Commission and providing for Independent Redistricting Commission and for redistricting criteria.

LA SB131

A Joint Resolution proposing integrated and distinct amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, repealing provisions relating to Legislative Reapportionment Commission and providing for Independent Redistricting Commission and for redistricting criteria.

LA HB405

(Constitutional Amendment) Provides for a reapportionment commission to propose three alternative plans for each public body to be reapportioned by the legislature and requires the legislature to enact one of such plans without amendment (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

LA HB934

Constitutional amendment relating to structure of redistricting commission

Similar Bills

LA HCR15

Provides relative to a special advisory committee for redistricting

LA HCR90

Provides relative to redistricting principles and criteria

WV HB2549

Creating the Independent Redistricting Commission of the Joint Committee on Government and Finance

MN SF4785

Constitutional Amendment Proposal to establish an Independent Redistricting Commission

TX HJR83

Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the Texas Redistricting Commission to redistrict the Texas Legislature and Texas congressional districts and revising procedures for redistricting.

TX HJR59

Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the Texas Redistricting Commission to redistrict the Texas Legislature and Texas congressional districts and revising procedures for redistricting.

TX HJR15

Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the Texas Redistricting Commission to redistrict the Texas Legislature and Texas congressional districts and revising procedures for redistricting.

TX HJR74

Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the Texas Redistricting Commission to redistrict the Texas Legislature and Texas congressional districts and revising procedures for redistricting.