Legislation Quick Search
03/28/2024 09:35 AM
Pennsylvania State Senate
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=S&SPick=20190&cosponId=26729
Share:
Home / Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

Subscribe to PaLegis Notifications
NEW!

Subscribe to receive notifications of new Co-Sponsorship Memos circulated

By Member | By Date | Keyword Search


Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2019 - 2020 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: December 4, 2018 03:29 PM
From: Senator Lisa M. Boscola
To: All Senate members
Subject: Congressional Redistricting Reform and Establishing an Independent Citizens Commission for Redistricting
 
I plan to reintroduce 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 which had been put forth 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:

  • 4 individuals registered with the largest political party in the state;
  • 4 individuals registered with the second-largest political party in the state; and
  • 3 individuals with affiliations that are not of either of the two largest parties.


The Commission would be required to develop a plan for state legislative districts, and Congressional Districts only 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.

​I invite you to join me in co-sponsoring this bill. Previous co-sponsors to SB 1060 were: Blake, Leach and Yudichak.