Modifies the use of census data for the purposes of redistricting
Impact
One of the key components of HJR109 is its directive for the Department of Corrections to provide the General Assembly with annual reports detailing incarcerated persons, including unique identifiers, their legal residences before incarceration, and demographic information. The intention is that census data will not count incarcerated individuals as residents of their correctional facilities, which could fluctuate population counts in certain districts unfairly, thus impacting legislative representation.
Summary
HJR109, introduced by Representative Aldridge, is a joint resolution that seeks to amend Article III of the Missouri Constitution regarding the use of census data for redistricting purposes. The resolution proposes the repeal of Section 10 and the adoption of a new section focused on ensuring that the most recent decennial census data is utilized in apportioning representatives and determining the population counts for senate and representative districts. This adjustment aims to reflect more accurately where residents are located, particularly those who are incarcerated.
Conclusion
Overall, HJR109 presents a significant modification to the constitutional approach to redistricting in Missouri, focusing on accuracy and fairness in representation, particularly concerning marginalized populations such as incarcerated individuals. The implications of this legislation could set a precedent for how census data is utilized in other jurisdictions, making it a pivotal point of discussion in the broader context of electoral integrity and fairness.
Contention
The proposal raises notable points of contention as it directly addresses debates surrounding how incarcerated populations are counted in census data and subsequently affect political representation. On one hand, supporters argue that it promotes fairer representation by counting individuals based on their actual homes rather than their prison locations. Conversely, opponents might contend that this could affect resource allocation in areas that house correctional facilities, thereby influencing funding decisions tied to population counts.
"Restoring the Representation of Legal Residents Act;" requires Secretary of State to adjust census apportionment and redistricting data to remove illegal alien population for apportionment and redistricting purposes in this State.