Appropriations Committee advances ACA 8 and companion bill to fund special election on mid‑decade redistricting

The Assembly Appropriations Committee on Tuesday advanced Assembly Constitutional Amendment 8 (ACA 8) and a companion financing bill, Senate Bill 280, sending both measures out of committee on roll call for further Assembly consideration.

ACA 8 would allow a one‑time, mid‑decade use of an alternative set of congressional district maps (described in the proposal as AB604 maps) only if other states undertake partisan mid‑decade redistricting that the measure says would illegally dilute representation. SB 280 would appropriate funding that the Secretary of State and county registrars would need to run a special statewide election on Nov. 4 so voters could approve or reject the amendment.

Why it matters: Proponents say the measures are a limited, conditional response to what they described as a coordinated effort by other states to redraw congressional districts in ways that would affect federal representation and harm California voters. Opponents called the proposal a roll‑back of independent redistricting and criticized the choice to hold an expensive, stand‑alone election while the state faces budget pressures.

Presenters and supporters told the committee the package is narrowly tailored and respects voter control. "This constitutional amendment along with the 2 companion bills are [a] measured and thoughtful response to the power grab that is happening out of Washington DC," said Isaac Bridal, the bill presenter, adding that the maps would be used only if other states enact partisan mid‑decade maps and only through the 2030 congressional term. Jody Hicks, CEO and president of Planned Parenthood Affiliates…