Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota House Bill HF5404

Introduced
4/18/24  

Caption

Bipartisan Redistricting Commission established, principles to be used in adopting legislative and congressional districts established, and constitutional amendment proposed.

Impact

The proposed amendment addresses the long-standing concerns over partisan gerrymandering by requiring that the commission's redistricting plans be crafted through bipartisan cooperation. Legislative districts must maintain equal population ranges, be contiguous, and could not divide counties or municipalities unnecessarily. Furthermore, these principles reflect a commitment to preserving communities of interest, preventing the dilution of minority voting strength, and ensuring a more equitable representation in both state and federal legislatures.

Summary

House File 5404 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish a Bipartisan Redistricting Commission in Minnesota, focusing on the adoption of boundaries for legislative and congressional districts following the decennial census. The commission, which is to be formed by December 31, 2031, will consist of members appointed by both the majority and minority leaders of both legislative chambers. This structure aims to facilitate a more balanced and fair approach to redistricting, reducing partisan influence in the process. The commission's plans will take effect for elections held two years after the census.

Contention

Noteworthy points of contention surrounding HF5404 revolve around its potential to alter the political landscape in Minnesota. Critics may argue that establishing a commission does not fully eliminate partisan influence since appointees may still reflect party interests. There are also concerns regarding the commission's operational independence, funding, and its ultimate effect on minority representation. Advocates believe the bill is a significant step towards fair representation, while opponents may insist that local nuances and community needs could be overlooked in a standardizing approach.

Companion Bills

MN SF5450

Similar To Constitutional amendment proposal to establish a Bipartisan Redistricting Commission and establish principles to be used in adopting legislative and congressional districts

Previously Filed As

MN HF550

Bipartisan Redistricting Commission established, principles to be used in adopting legislative and congressional districts established, and constitutional amendment proposed.

MN SF824

Constitutional Amendment establishing a Bipartisan Redistricting Commission

MN HF3270

Independent Redistricting Commission established, Redistricting Commission Applicant Review Panel established, principles to be used in adopting legislative and congressional districts established, former legislative members lobbying activity prohibited, legislative session conduct and convening requirements amended, and constitutional amendment proposed.

MN HJR36

Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the Texas Redistricting Commission to redistrict Texas congressional districts and revising procedures for redistricting.

MN SJR11

Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the Texas Redistricting Commission to redistrict the Texas Legislature and Texas congressional districts and revising procedures for redistricting.

MN HJR135

Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the Texas Redistricting Commission to redistrict the Texas Legislature and Texas congressional districts and revising procedures for redistricting.

MN SF2026

Districting principles provision for congressional and legislative districts

MN SF3513

Constitutional Amendment establishing an Independent Redistricting Commission

MN HJR26

Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the Texas Redistricting Commission to redistrict the Texas Legislature, Texas congressional districts, and State Board of Education districts and revising procedures for redistricting.

MN HJR205

Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the Independent Citizen Redistricting Commission to redistrict the Texas Legislature, Texas congressional districts, and State Board of Education districts and revising procedures for redistricting.

Similar Bills

DE HB184

An Act To Amend Title 29 Of The Delaware Code Relating To The Redistricting Of The General Assembly.

WV HB2764

Creating the Independent Redistricting Commission of the Joint Committee on Government and Finance

WV HB5252

Creating the Independent Redistricting Commission of the Joint Committee on Government and Finance

NM SM7

REDISTRICTING TASK FORCE

IL SJRCA0008

CONAMEND-INDEP REDIST

AZ SCR1031

legislative districts; population; census; citizenship

AZ SCR1022

Legislative districts; population; census; citizenship

AZ SCR1023

independent redistricting commission; membership