H.R. 4889: To prohibit States from carrying out more than one Congressional redistricting after a decennial census and apportionment.

This bill aims to regulate how States can manage the redistricting of Congressional districts after each decennial (10-year) census. Here are the key points:

Constitutional Basis

The bill states that Congress has the authority to set rules for congressional elections and redistricting based on the U.S. Constitution. Specifically, it cites:

• Article I, Section 4, which gives Congress power over the "time, place, and manner" of elections for House Representatives.
• Section 5 of the Fourteenth Amendment, which allows Congress to enact laws to ensure fair apportionment of Representatives among the States.

Limitations on Redistricting

The main provision of the bill is that it prohibits States from redistricting more than once after each decennial census during a ten-year period. States can only undertake additional redistricting if a court mandates it to ensure compliance with the Constitution or the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Specifically, the redistricting can only occur after:

• The apportionment of Representatives based on the census.

Impact on State and Local Elections

The bill clarifies that its provisions will not affect how States conduct elections for state or local offices. This means that any decisions regarding districting for these elections remain unaffected by this federal law.

Effective Date

The provisions of this bill would only apply to congressional redistricting occurring after the November 2024 election, establishing a clear timeline for when these rules would take effect.

Relevant Companies

None found.