Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB3750

Introduced
2/7/24  

Caption

Redistricting Reform Act of 2024

Impact

The legislation will significantly impact how states conduct their redistricting, introducing restrictions on mid-decade redistricting and establishing criteria that prioritize compliance with both the U.S. Constitution and the Voting Rights Act. Under the bill, states are prohibited from creating congressional districts that favor or disfavor any political party. Instead, districts must be drawn to ensure equal population representation, adhere to racial voting protections, and take into account communities of interest. These changes represent a shift toward more equitable electoral processes aimed at preventing partisan manipulation.

Summary

SB3750, also known as the Redistricting Reform Act of 2024, aims to reform the congressional redistricting process within the United States. The bill seeks to establish uniform criteria for states to follow in drawing congressional district maps after the decennial apportionment of Representatives. Specifically, it addresses issues related to partisan gerrymandering, asserting that its practices dilute the voting power of citizens by infringing upon their constitutional rights. By mandating fair and representative districting practices, the bill intends to enhance electoral integrity and voter representation.

Contention

Debate surrounding SB3750 is likely to arise from concerns over states’ autonomy in determining their electoral boundaries. Critics may argue that federal mandates infringe upon state rights and lead to unintended consequences, while proponents advocate for the protection of voters from egregious gerrymandering practices. Additionally, the bill introduces a civil enforcement mechanism wherein aggrieved citizens may seek judicial intervention if a state fails to comply with the new requirements, highlighting the tension between ensuring fair elections and maintaining local governance.

Companion Bills

US HB11

Related Freedom to Vote Act This bill addresses voter registration and voting access, election integrity and security, redistricting, and campaign finance. Specifically, the bill expands voter registration (e.g., automatic and same-day registration) and voting access (e.g., vote-by-mail and early voting). It also limits removing voters from voter rolls. Next, the bill establishes Election Day as a federal holiday. The bill declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence. The bill establishes certain federal criminal offenses related to voting. In particular, the bill establishes a new criminal offense for conduct (or attempted conduct) to corruptly hinder, interfere with, or prevent another person from registering to vote or helping someone register to vote. Additionally, the bill sets forth provisions related to election security, including by requiring states to conduct post-election audits for federal elections. The bill outlines criteria for congressional redistricting and generally prohibits mid-decade redistricting. The bill addresses campaign finance, including by expanding the prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals, requiring additional disclosure of campaign-related fundraising and spending, requiring additional disclaimers regarding certain political advertising, and establishing an alternative campaign funding system for certain federal offices.

US SB2344

Related Freedom to Vote Act Voters’ Access to Water Act Right to Vote Act Automatic Voter Registration Act of 2023 Help America Run Act Government By the People Act of 2023 Restoring Integrity to America’s Elections Act Stop Super PAC–Candidate Coordination Act Spotlight Act Honest Ads Act DISCLOSE Act of 2023 Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act of 2023 Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act of 2023 Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2023 Democracy Restoration Act of 2023 Voter Registration Modernization Act of 2023 Voter Empowerment Act of 2023

US SB1

Related Freedom to Vote Act This bill addresses voter registration and voting access, election integrity and security, redistricting, and campaign finance. Specifically, the bill expands voter registration (e.g., automatic and same-day registration) and voting access (e.g., vote-by-mail and early voting). It also limits removing voters from voter rolls. Next, the bill establishes Election Day as a federal holiday. The bill declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence. The bill establishes certain federal criminal offenses related to voting. In particular, the bill establishes a new criminal offense for conduct (or attempted conduct) to corruptly hinder, interfere with, or prevent another person from registering to vote or helping someone register to vote. Additionally, the bill sets forth provisions related to election security, including by requiring states to conduct post-election audits for federal elections. The bill outlines criteria for congressional redistricting and generally prohibits mid-decade redistricting. The bill addresses campaign finance, including by expanding the prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals, requiring additional disclosure of campaign-related fundraising and spending, requiring additional disclaimers regarding certain political advertising, and establishing an alternative campaign funding system for certain federal offices.

Similar Bills

US HB7740

Fair Representation Act

US HB7910

FAIR MAPS Act Fair And Impartial Redistricting for Meaningful and Accountable Political Systems Act

US HB158

Citizen Legislature Anti-Corruption Reform of Elections Act or the CLEAN Elections ActThis bill establishes requirements for nonpartisan redistricting.States must conduct congressional redistricting using a plan developed by a nonpartisan independent redistricting commission, beginning with the 2020 census.A state may not use federal funds provided for election administration purposes unless it certifies to the Election Assistance Commission that it conducts redistricting for its state legislative districts using a plan developed by a nonpartisan independent redistricting commission.

US HR1573

Establishing the Select Committee on Electoral Reform.

US HR20

This resolution establishes the House Select Committee on Electoral Reform to examine current methods of electing Members of Congress, consider alternative methods of election, and report appropriate recommendations to Congress and the President.Specifically, the committee must (1) determine how alternative methods of election would affect the responsiveness, accountability, and functionality of Congress; (2) conduct hearings to take testimony and receive evidence from appropriate expert witnesses; and (3) examine federal barriers to state experimentation with alternative electoral systems. The committee must consider alternatives to current methods that include adopting multi-member congressional districts with proportional representation; adjusting the total number of Members of the House of Representatives; adopting alternative methods of voting (e.g., ranked-choice voting); and holding open and nonpartisan primaries.The committee shall be made up of 14 Members of Congress appointed by the Speaker of the House, 7 of whom shall be appointed in consultation with the minority leader. The committee's co-chairs shall be designated by the Speaker and minority leader, respectively. The resolution provides that the committee must hold its first meeting within 30 days after all of its members have been appointed.The committee shall issue its final report to Congress and the President within one year after the committee's first meeting.

US HB7095

Redistricting Transparency and Accountability Act of 2024

OR SJR21

Proposing an amendment to the Oregon Constitution relating to redistricting.

OR SJR9

Proposing amendment to Oregon Constitution relating to redistricting.