Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

I plan to introduce a Joint Resolution to amend the Pennsylvania State Constitution to reform our Redistricting Process in the Commonwealth. The premise would effectively model a break-through, bipartisan compromise recently put forward in our neighboring state of Ohio. The objective would be to require a three-fifths vote of passage in each legislative body on proposed reapportioned maps for Congressional Districts. In the event that the General Assembly would be unable to meet the required three-fifths support, an eleven-member bipartisan Redistricting Commission would be tasked with developing and approving new maps.

This Redistricting Commission shall be solely comprised of independent citizens. Individuals that apply to serve would go through a process for appointment that includes a series of random selections by lot.

Based on statewide voter registration numbers, this independent citizens’ Commission will consist of:

The Commission would be required to develop a plan for state legislative districts, and Congressional Districts if the General Assembly was unable to gain support on a three-fifths vote. After a series of public hearings across the state, the Commission will either approve or disapprove of the plans. In order for a plan to be approved, it must receive seven votes, with at least one vote coming from each of the Commission’s subgroups.