H.R. 5837: Restoring Electoral Stability to Enhance Trust (RESET) Act of 2025

The Restoring Electoral Stability to Enhance Trust (RESET) Act of 2025 proposes changes to how states handle Congressional redistricting following a decennial census. Here are the main points of the bill:

Purpose and Authority

The bill aims to clarify and limit the ability of states to redraw the boundaries of Congressional districts after a new count of the population (apportionment) has been done:

• It asserts the authority of Congress to dictate terms regarding Congressional districting based on the U.S. Constitution. Specifically, Article I, Section 4, and Section 5 of the Fourteenth Amendment provide Congress the right to legislate the processes of elections and apportionment.

Limits on Redistricting

The bill establishes specific restrictions on when states can redraw their Congressional districts:

• States that have completed redistricting after a decennial census may not undertake another redistricting until after the next apportionment occurs. This means they would have to wait until the next census before making further changes to Congressional districts.
• Exceptions to this prohibition include:
  • If a court orders a re-districting to align with constitutional requirements or to enforce the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
  • If a court conducts redistricting to comply with the Constitution or the Voting Rights Act, state legislatures or state-appointed redistricting commissions may then have the chance to carry out a different redistricting plan.
  • If a statewide referendum is held to mandate redistricting to ensure compliance with the Constitution or the Voting Rights Act.

Impact on State and Local Elections

The bill specifies that it does not affect how states conduct elections for state or local offices. The procedures used to establish districts for these elections remain unchanged.

Effective Date

The provisions regarding Congressional redistricting apply to any redistricting occurring after the 2020 Census, while the conditions for statewide referenda related to redistricting take effect for elections after November 3, 2026.

Relevant Companies

None found