New Hampshire 2022 Regular Session

New Hampshire Senate Bill SB253

Introduced
12/14/21  
Refer
12/14/21  

Caption

Apportioning state senate districts.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will result in a significant reconfiguration of state senate districts in New Hampshire. The newly defined districts are designed to maintain equitable representation by aligning political boundaries more closely with demographic shifts revealed by the census. This change is crucial as it affects not only future elections but also the legislative power distribution within the state. Moreover, current officeholders' constituencies and terms would remain unchanged, maintaining continuity during the transition to the new district setups for upcoming elections.

Summary

Senate Bill 253 aims to establish new state senate districts based on the latest federal decennial census. The purpose of this legislation is to ensure that the electoral districts accurately reflect the population as recorded in the census, thus ensuring fair representation for constituents in the state senate. The bill outlines the division of the state into 24 districts, with each district designated to elect one senator, thereby facilitating the electoral process in alignment with population shifts and changes identified in the census data.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB253 appears neutral but underscored by the importance of fair representation. Supporters emphasize the necessity of periodic updates to electoral districts following the census to ensure that each community is appropriately represented. There may be some apprehension regarding the possible implications of changes to political boundaries on incumbents and local governance, but these concerns mainly revolve around logistical adaptations rather than overt opposition to the concept of redistricting itself.

Contention

A notable point of contention related to the bill lies in the execution of the apportionment process and how changes in districts might impact incumbents and their electoral strategies. While the legislation aims to enhance equitable representation, discussions may arise regarding potential political advantages or disadvantages created by the new district boundaries. Additionally, any opposition may center around the timing of the enactment and the appropriateness of changes in response to demographic trends, especially if they could influence upcoming election outcomes.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH SB587

creating criteria for redistricting of congressional districts, state senate districts, state house of representatives districts, and executive councilor districts.

NH HB656

relative to the authority of local school districts to accept federal grants.

NH HB656

Relative to the authority of local school districts to accept federal grants.

NH HB467

Defining "social districts" and enabling municipalities to create social districts.

NH HB1300

(Second New Title) establishing a school district local tax cap question for the state general election of 2026 and related limitations on central office administrative expenses in school districts.

NH HB05681

An Act Apportioning The State's Electoral College Votes For President And Vice President Of The United States.

NH HB1125

enabling school districts to adopt partisan school district elections.

NH HB1234

identifying certain school district offices as incompatible for purposes of school district elections.

NH HB246

Directing the state conservation committee to implement the conservation district climate resilience grant program and making an appropriation therefor.

NH HB246

directing the state conservation committee to implement the conservation district climate resilience grant program and making an appropriation therefor.

Similar Bills

IA HJR2006

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa relating to legislative redistricting.

WV HJR7

To amend the West Virginia Constitution to require single member districts for all West Virginia State Senators

OH SR15

Relative to the election of Jane M. Timken to fill the vacancy in the membership of the Senate for the 29th Senatorial District.

DE SB14

An Act Proposing An Amendment To Article Ii Of The Delaware Constitution Relating To Redistricting.

KS SCR1618

Proposing amendments to article 10 of the constitution of the state of Kansas to establish requirements for reapportioning congressional, state senatorial, state representative and board of education districts and prohibit the reapportionment thereof except when required by the constitution of the state of Kansas or when ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction.

PA SB1011

A Joint Resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, further providing for legislative districts.

WV HB5639

To address when district and gender designated seats cannot be filled during elections or when vacancies occur

PA HB1010

A Joint Resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, further providing for legislative districts.