Louisiana House Bill HB82

Louisiana 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/10/16
• Refer: 2/10/16
• Refer: 3/14/16

Caption

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

Impact

The proposed redistricting commission is tasked with ensuring that the legislative districts are redrawn every ten years based on census data. The commission will be composed of thirteen members selected for their representational diversity in terms of race and gender. This structure seeks to prevent gerrymandering and ensure fair representation across the political landscape. Moreover, by requiring the legislature to enact the commission's recommendations, the bill holds the potential to limit partisan manipulation in the redistricting process.

Summary

House Bill 82 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish a redistricting commission responsible for creating alternative plans for legislative district redistricting in Louisiana. The bill mandates that the legislature must enact one of the proposed plans without any amendments. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and input from the public in the redistricting process, ensuring that the plans reflect the diversity of the state's population as determined by the federal decennial census.

Sentiment

Discussions surrounding HB 82 reflect a supportive sentiment among proponents who argue that it enhances democratic involvement and fairness in the electoral process. Advocates view the bill as a necessary reform to combat gerrymandering while ensuring that the legislature is accountable for its districting decisions. Conversely, there are concerns from some members about the implications of binding the legislature to the commission's plans, with detractors expressing that it could reduce legislative autonomy.

Contention

The main contention revolves around the efficiency and fairness of the redistricting process. Proponents assert that a dedicated commission made up of citizens rather than politicians narrows the scope for partisan agendas, potentially leading to a more equitable distribution of political power. Opponents, however, argue that the legislature should retain greater control over redistricting to respond directly to its constituents' needs, fearing that a commission may sometimes lack the on-the-ground insights necessary for effective representation.