Missouri Senate Bill SJR16

Missouri 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/25
• Refer: 2/6/25

Caption

Modifies provisions relating to the General Assembly

Impact

If passed, SJR16 will have significant implications for how legislative districts are drawn in Missouri. Instead of traditional legislative methods that can be influenced by political motivations, a bipartisan commission will draw districts to achieve population equality and comply with legal requirements, including the Voting Rights Act. The changes proposed by SJR16 will help to reduce gerrymandering, as districts will need to adhere to principles that emphasize compactness and respect for community lines. This adjustment is expected to enhance voter confidence and participation in the electoral process.

Summary

SJR16 is a proposed amendment to the Missouri Constitution that seeks to reform the process of redistricting electoral districts within the state. It aims to repeal several existing sections of Article III of the Missouri Constitution and adopts new provisions that focus on the establishment and operation of a 'general assembly independent bipartisan citizens commission.' This commission would be responsible for redistricting, ensuring that the process is conducted in a fair and transparent manner, reflective of the current population, and compliant with federal laws related to voting.

Contention

One notable point of contention around SJR16 relates to concerns about maintaining local representation while implementing a broader, state-level approach to redistricting. Critics argue that a centralized commission might not accurately reflect the diverse needs of specific communities, while supporters assert that the current system is prone to manipulation for partisan advantages. The debate around SJR16 emphasizes the tension between the desire for equitable representation and the practical considerations of governing within a diverse state.