Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes an 11-member redistricting commission.

Highlights:

• Establishes an 11-member redistricting commission for the purposes of reapportionment and redistricting the Commonwealth’s congressional, senatorial, representative and any other districts that are authorized under the Commonwealth’s constitution (Sec. 17).  

• Establishes judicial districts that will elect the judges of the Supreme Court, the Superior Court and the Commonwealth Court (Sec. 17).

• Requires 4 members of the commission be the majority and minority leaders of the House and Senate, or deputies appointed by each of them, and a selected chairperson (Sec. 17).

• Requires that the Majority and Minority leaders of the House each recommend two individuals from the list of qualified candidates that will be approved by a ⅔ majority of the House  (Sec. 17).

• Requires that the Majority and Minority leaders of the Senate each recommend two individuals from the list of qualified candidates that will be approved by a ⅔ majority of the Senate  (Sec. 17).

• Requires each judicial district to be consistent with the requirements for reapportionment and redistricting of congressional districts (Sec. 17).

• Requires the final reapportionment and redistricting plan to be approved by at least 7 affirmative votes that must include at least 2 votes of members registered from each of the two largest political parties in the Commonwealth based on registration and two votes of members not registered with either political party (Sec. 17).

• Authorizes an individual to file an appeal with the Supreme Court within 30 days after the redistricting decision if the individual believes the plan is contrary to the law (Sec. 17).  

Full Bill Text