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Senate committee hears testimony for SJR 1 to create independent redistricting commission
Summary
Lawmakers and experts told the Senate State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee that SJR 1 would create a commission to draw legislative districts using codified criteria intended to limit partisan gerrymandering; supporters said the amendment increases transparency and expertise, while members asked about selection politics and speech restrictions.
Little Rock — The Senate State Agencies & Governmental Affairs Committee heard testimony for SJR 1, a proposed constitutional amendment that would create an independent districting commission to draw Arkansas— legislative districts.
Senator Brian King, who introduced the joint resolution, said the plan would move the power to draw state House and Senate maps away from the governor, attorney general and secretary of state and require the commission to follow neutral, traditional districting criteria. "This is the heart of the proposal," King said, drawing attention to the measure—s limits on what factors the commission may consider.
Josh Silverstein, a University of Arkansas at Little Rock law professor testifying in his individual capacity, told the committee:…
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