Bipartisan push for independent redistricting commission draws broad public support
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Summary
HB 14‑87 would create an advisory independent redistricting commission with public input and selection rules modeled on other states. Witnesses from League of Women Voters, Open Democracy and local residents urged adoption, citing fairness and legal defensibility.
CONCORD — Lawmakers and public‑interest groups urged the House Election Law Committee Wednesday to support HB 14‑87, a proposal to create an advisory independent redistricting commission for the legislature.
Representative Connie Lane introduced the bill as a response to widespread voter dissatisfaction with partisan map‑drawing. "We need to listen to our constituents," she told the committee, describing a commission modeled on processes used in Colorado and other states that would include an odd number of members, independent appointees and transparent selection steps.
Supporters—including David Trumble, Linda Bundy of Where New Hampshire, the League of Women Voters and Open Democracy—told the committee the bill would strengthen public confidence and reduce the risk of litigation or last‑minute map fights. Trumble told lawmakers the proposed selection process, public forums and criteria for communities of interest are designed to produce maps that better reflect equal representation.
Opponents were not prominent in the public testimony the committee heard; several witnesses stressed the measure is advisory and preserves the legislature’s constitutional role to adopt final maps.
The bill would establish criteria (such as respecting communities of interest), a judicially assisted applicant screening process and a public record requirement for proposed maps. Supporters said the approach reduces partisan incentives while maintaining final legislative authority.
The committee did not vote on the bill Wednesday and accepted written testimony from several organizations. Representative Lane said she will take questions and work with colleagues to refine details.
The hearing drew a solid online response in favor of the bill, and committee members noted the state’s 2020 redistricting experience highlighted the risk of delay and court involvement when the legislature cannot settle maps quickly.
