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Senate advances SB 121, adopts amendments to mirror 2022 map and shift election timing to 2026–2027
Summary
Chairman Morris's bill (SB 121), using a map similar to the 2022 plan, received two amendment sets adopted 4–3 that include geographic tweaks and language changing election timing so qualifying and conduct provisions apply for 2026 and 2027 elections.
The committee next considered Senate Bill 121, presented by Chairman (Sen.) Morris as largely identical to the 2022 congressional map that had previously been the subject of litigation. Morris said the 2022 map had been "extensively vetted" through hearings and that the current proposal reflects similar cores and communities of interest.
Senator Miller offered amendment set 3,580 (author's amendments). Several senators questioned whether the amendment changed voting-age population or party registration figures; proponents said the amendment principally adjusted geography (moving St. Landry and parts of Pointe Coupee into District 6 and creating two distinct coastal districts) while leaving much of the racial VAP balance similar to the 2022 configuration.
After debate, the committee approved amendment set 3,580 on a 4–3 roll call and returned to the bill. Senator Miller then offered amendment set 3,582, which alters timing language so the provisions that govern qualifying and conduct for U.S. House elections would apply for 2026 (some sections changed 2028→2026) and moves other references (for example 2029→2027 in parts of the text). While some members called the amendment identical to one previously allowed on another bill, others said the maps are different and objected on that basis.
The committee adopted amendment set 3,582 on a 4–3 vote. Senator Morris defended the approach, saying he did "not really look at race, but I did look at party affiliation and the way these districts traditionally vote" and that the map "protects incumbents" in some districts. Vice-chair members and proponents repeatedly cited compactness, contiguity and communities of interest as guiding principles. Critics reiterated that the proposals do not create proportional opportunities for minority voters across all districts and warned of legal challenge risk.
After adopting the amendments, members returned to questions about the legal basis and timing for redraws. Senator DuPlessis asked where federal orders required an immediate redraw; members traded views about language in the Supreme Court and district court decisions and agreed to pause briefly to resolve technical issues.
The committee left the bill on the floor with the adopted amendments and continued procedural business.
