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Commissioners seek clarifications to independent-redistricting bill, favor amendment
Summary
Arapahoe County staff briefed the board on HB26‑1038, which would require three counties to adopt appointed independent redistricting commissions; commissioners said they support an amend position to preserve board input on map deficiencies and clarify commission membership and competitiveness metrics.
Staff summarized HB26‑1038, a proposal to require appointed independent redistricting commissions in three counties, remove the advisory‑committee option and add a numeric competitiveness measure for commissioner districts.
Commissioners said the bill's intent — to prevent commissioners from drawing their own districts — is understandable, but asked for clarifications so boards retain the ability to flag nonconforming draft maps and request revisions. Commissioner Jessica Campbell noted the bill does include language about staff facilitation but asked staff to secure amendments that preserve the board's practical ability to send notes on deficiencies. Staff also raised questions about the competitiveness formula and suggested a one‑page worked example to aid local understanding.
After discussion the board signaled support for an 'amend' position and asked staff to work with the sponsor to draft language that preserves the board's ability to request map revisions and clarifies membership rules and competitiveness calculations.
What happens next: Staff will draft amendment recommendations and return with suggested language and a short example of the competitiveness calculation.
