Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Redistricting Process topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Representative Newberry presents redistricting reform bill; Common Cause urges independent commission
Summary
Representative Newberry introduced a redistricting bill modeled on New Mexico's process and urged action well before the 2030 cycle. Common Cause Rhode Island testified that independent commissions that remove mapmaking from the legislature produce better outcomes and recommended constitutional change rather than keeping final authority with the
Representative Newberry presented House Bill 5521, a proposal that borrows from New Mexico’s redistricting approach and seeks to reduce political influence over map drawing. Newberry said he is open to changing bill language and suggested a longer study process to produce bipartisan compromises well in advance of the next redistricting cycle.
John Marion of Common Cause Rhode Island testified in opposition to the bill as written, arguing the proposal still leaves too much power with the General Assembly. Marion and Common Cause said the states that have made meaningful reforms have placed map-drawing authority in independent commissions rather than leaving final approval with the legislature. Marion cited the role of consultants in producing maps and recommended stronger constraints on consultant selection and ex parte communication if the legislature retains the final role.
Newberry said a study commission would be one path forward and that this term, before leadership and politics lock in toward 2030, is the time to pursue changes.
