The proposed changes under HB 866 would fundamentally alter how legislative and congressional districts are determined in Montana. By modifying the composition of the districting commission, the bill seeks to ensure that the members who make decisions about district boundaries are not current public office holders, potentially introducing a level of impartiality. This could impact future election outcomes by changing how districts are drawn, which might in turn influence representation in both state and federal legislative bodies. The bill also mandates that district plans must be filed with the Secretary of State within specific timeframes, which sets clearer expectations and timelines for the redistricting process moving forward.
Summary
House Bill 866 proposes a constitutional amendment pertaining to the redistricting and apportionment processes in Montana. The amendment specifically aims to revise Article V, Section 14 of the Montana Constitution, which defines the size and structure of the Districting and Apportionment Commission. The bill intends to change the commission's makeup from five members to four citizen commissioners. These commissioners will not include any public officials. This proposed change is significant because it aims to make the redistricting process more streamlined and represents a shift in the governance of this crucial civic function.
Contention
While the intention behind HB 866 is to increase efficiency and fairness in the redistricting process, there are notable points of contention surrounding the bill. Critics may argue that reducing the size of the commission could lead to a lack of diverse perspectives in the redistricting process. This could raise concerns about the fairness and effectiveness of the redistricting outcome, especially in representing the demographic and political views of Montana's populace adequately. Furthermore, the requirement for a two-thirds legislative vote for passage underscores the contentious nature of amending the constitution, as bipartisan support may be challenging to secure.