WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SF 696

Constitutional amendment changing the composition apportionment of legislative districts

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Green and 4 co-sponsors

Summary of SF 696: Constitutional Amendment on Legislative District Apportionment Bill OverviewSF 696 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would change the composition and a

Author added Westrom
#constitutionalamendments #legislature #redistrictingandreapportionment
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SF 696

Summary of SF 696: Constitutional Amendment on Legislative District Apportionment

Bill Overview

SF 696 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would change the composition and apportionment of legislative districts in the state. The bill was introduced on January 27, 2025 and has a companion bill, HF 478.

Key Provisions

The main provisions of SF 696 include:

  1. Changing District Composition: The bill would amend the state constitution to require legislative districts to be composed of contiguous territory and to have reasonably equal population. This would replace the current system of districts based on total population.

  2. Modifying Apportionment Process: Under the proposed amendment, the state legislature would be responsible for redrawing district boundaries after each decennial census, subject to certain criteria and limitations. This is a shift from the current independent redistricting commission model.

  3. Establishing District Size Limits: SF 696 would set a maximum and minimum number of residents per legislative district, requiring districts to fall within a specified population range.

  4. Prohibiting Gerrymandering: The bill includes language prohibiting the manipulation of district boundaries for partisan or racial gerrymandering purposes. Districts would need to be drawn in a "fair and neutral" manner.

Potential Impact

If adopted, this constitutional amendment could have significant impacts on the state's political landscape and representation:

  • It would give the legislature more control over the redistricting process, potentially increasing the role of partisan politics.
  • The new district composition and population equality requirements could lead to redrawn boundaries and shifts in legislative seat allocations across the state.
  • The anti-gerrymandering provisions aim to make the redistricting process more fair and impartial, though the effectiveness of these measures may be debated.

Next Steps

SF 696 has been introduced and is currently moving through the legislative process. As a constitutional amendment, it would require a 3/5 majority vote in both the state House and Senate, as well as approval by voters in a statewide referendum, before taking effect.

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

Sign in to ask a question.