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HJRCA 17

CONAMEND-JUDICIAL DISTRICTING

104th Regular Session Introduced by Ryan Spain

Summary of HJRCA 17: CONAMEND-JUDICIAL DISTRICTING OverviewHJRCA 17 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would change the process for drawing judicial district boundaries in

Referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HJRCA 17

Summary of HJRCA 17: CONAMEND-JUDICIAL DISTRICTING

Overview

HJRCA 17 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would change the process for drawing judicial district boundaries in the state. If approved by the legislature and voters, the amendment would transfer the responsibility for redistricting the state's judicial districts from the legislature to an independent redistricting commission.

Key Provisions

  • Establishes a 9-member Independent Judicial Redistricting Commission to oversee the redrawing of judicial district boundaries after each decennial census.
  • Requires the commission to adopt redistricting plans that are compact, contiguous, and respect existing political boundaries where possible.
  • Mandates the commission to hold public hearings and solicit public input during the redistricting process.
  • Prohibits the commission from considering partisan data or favoring any political party when drawing district maps.
  • Allows the state Supreme Court to review and approve or reject the commission's final redistricting plan.

Potential Impact

  • If enacted, the amendment would aim to depoliticize the judicial redistricting process and ensure fairer, more impartial district boundaries.
  • Proponents argue this would help maintain the independence and impartiality of the state's judiciary by removing partisan gerrymandering.
  • Critics argue the amendment could reduce legislative oversight and lead to less accountability in the redistricting process.
  • The amendment would need to be approved by a 3/5ths majority in both legislative chambers and then by a majority of voters in a statewide referendum to take effect.

Procedural Timeline

  • HJRCA 17 was introduced in the state legislature on May 28, 2025 and has been referred to the Rules Committee for consideration.
  • If approved by the legislature, the proposed constitutional amendment would then be placed on the next general election ballot for voter approval.
  • If approved by voters, the new independent redistricting commission would be responsible for redrawing judicial district boundaries following the 2030 census.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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