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H.R. 5449: Redistricting Reform Act of 2025

The Redistricting Reform Act of 2025 aims to overhaul the way congressional redistricting is conducted across the United States. The main elements of the bill are summarized below:

Independent Redistricting Commissions

The bill mandates that all states must use independent commissions for congressional redistricting. This is intended to prevent gerrymandering—the practice of drawing district boundaries to favor one political party over another. By utilizing independent commissions, the process is designed to be more accountable and impartial.

Prohibition of Mid-Decade Redistricting

To further ensure fairness, mid-decade redistricting, which allows states to change district boundaries outside of the usual decennial process, is prohibited. This establishes a more stable and predictable electoral landscape.

Eligibility and Selection of Commission Members

The act specifies that commission members must be selected from a diverse pool of candidates. A selection pool of 36 individuals will be created, incorporating representatives from majority, minority, and independent backgrounds. This approach promotes demographic representation and aims to reflect the community's diversity.

Transparency and Public Participation

The bill emphasizes transparency in the redistricting process by requiring public participation. Throughout the process, the commission will collect public comments and input, allowing citizens to be actively involved in shaping the electoral districts.

Oversight and Accountability

The redistricting process will be overseen by a Select Committee on Redistricting, which will ensure that the commission adheres to its procedures and the standards set forth in the bill.

Judicial Authority and Legal Provisions

The act grants courts the authority to address any unmentioned claims related to discriminatory intent in redistricting efforts and to enforce the provisions of the Voting Rights Act. This allows for judicial intervention if there are allegations of discrimination in the redistricting process. Additionally, prevailing parties in legal challenges may be able to recover attorney fees, providing an incentive to pursue legitimate claims.

Supplemental Rights

The rights established under this act are supplementary to existing laws, meaning they will add to, but not interfere with, current state election processes. The implementation of this act is set to take effect following the 2030 census, giving states a timeline to prepare for these changes.