Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SB1563

Introduced
1/25/23  
Refer
1/30/23  
Introduced
1/25/23  

Caption

Proposing An Amendment To Article Iv, Section 2, Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Add Two Members To The Reapportionment Commission To Represent Citizen Organizations.

Impact

If enacted, this change would not only increase the size of the commission but also transform its composition by adding representatives from civil society. The intent is to provide a voice for citizen organizations within the legislative districting process, which has significant implications for political representation. The existing framework allows established political figures to dominate the commission, and by incorporating citizen representatives, SB1563 aims to address potential biases toward specific political interests and promote broader democratic participation.

Summary

SB1563 proposes an amendment to Article IV, Section 2, of the Hawaii State Constitution to expand the Reapportionment Commission from nine to eleven members. This amendment aims to include two additional members specifically representing citizen organizations, with appointments made by the Chief Justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court. The goal of this proposal is to enhance citizen representation in the reapportionment process, ensuring that diverse community perspectives are considered during critical decisions regarding legislative and congressional district boundaries.

Contention

While the bill has the potential to strengthen democratic representation, it may also face opposition. Critics could argue that such changes could complicate the commission's functioning and delay the reapportionment process. Concerns might be raised about the qualifications of the appointed citizen representatives and their ability to effectively contribute to the commission's work. Additionally, the balance of power within the commission could be a point of contention, particularly among established political parties that may feel threatened by increased citizen involvement.

Companion Bills

HI SB1563

Carry Over Proposing An Amendment To Article Iv, Section 2, Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Add Two Members To The Reapportionment Commission To Represent Citizen Organizations.

Previously Filed As

HI SB1563

Proposing An Amendment To Article Iv, Section 2, Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Add Two Members To The Reapportionment Commission To Represent Citizen Organizations.

HI SB124

Proposing Amendments To Article Iv, Sections 4 And 6, Of The Hawaii State Constitution Regarding Reapportionment.

HI SB32

Proposing An Amendment To The Hawaii State Constitution To Require The Reapportionment Commission To Establish A Reapportionment Plan To Draw District Lines For The Members Of The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs Board Of Trustees.

HI SB32

Proposing An Amendment To The Hawaii State Constitution To Require The Reapportionment Commission To Establish A Reapportionment Plan To Draw District Lines For The Members Of The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs Board Of Trustees.

HI HB644

Proposing An Amendment To The Hawaii State Constitution To Require The Reapportionment Commission To Establish A Reapportionment Plan To Draw District Lines For The Members Of The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs Board Of Trustees.

HI SB196

Proposing An Amendment To The Hawaii State Constitution To Require The Reapportionment Commission To Establish A Reapportionment Plan To Draw District Lines For The Members Of The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs Board Of Trustees.

HI SB3254

Proposing Amendments To Article Iv, Sections 4 And 6, Of The Hawaii State Constitution Regarding Reapportionment.

HI SB927

Proposing Amendments To Article Iv, Sections 4 And 6, Of The Hawaii State Constitution Regarding Reapportionment.

HI SB927

Proposing Amendments To Article Iv, Sections 4 And 6, Of The Hawaii State Constitution Regarding Reapportionment.

HI HB1168

Proposing Amendments To Article Iv, Sections 4 And 6, Of The Hawaii State Constitution Regarding Reapportionment.

Similar Bills

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)

HI SB927

Proposing Amendments To Article Iv, Sections 4 And 6, Of The Hawaii State Constitution Regarding Reapportionment.

HI SB927

Proposing Amendments To Article Iv, Sections 4 And 6, Of The Hawaii State Constitution Regarding Reapportionment.

HI HB140

Proposing Amendments To Article Iv, Sections 4 And 6, Of The Hawaii State Constitution Regarding Reapportionment.

HI SB124

Proposing Amendments To Article Iv, Sections 4 And 6, Of The Hawaii State Constitution Regarding Reapportionment.

HI SB1563

Proposing An Amendment To Article Iv, Section 2, Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Add Two Members To The Reapportionment Commission To Represent Citizen Organizations.

HI SB32

Proposing An Amendment To The Hawaii State Constitution To Require The Reapportionment Commission To Establish A Reapportionment Plan To Draw District Lines For The Members Of The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs Board Of Trustees.

HI SB32

Proposing An Amendment To The Hawaii State Constitution To Require The Reapportionment Commission To Establish A Reapportionment Plan To Draw District Lines For The Members Of The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs Board Of Trustees.