North Carolina redistricting reform advocates say uncertainty with pending map litigation and the balance of power at the legislature make them more optimistic their ideas will be debated and voted on this year.
House Democrats and Republicans filed Wednesday legislation similar to bills filed in previous years to create a "nonpartisan" redistricting commission. The panel would propose to the General Assembly new legislative and congressional maps following each decennial census.
Courts have declared maps drawn by Republican lawmakers as illegal racial gerrymanders. And the U.S. Supreme Court next month will hear arguments whether the current congressional lines have excessive partisan bias.
Bill co-sponsor Rep. Chuck McGrady says he's hopeful fellow Republican leaders will be interested because the closely-divided legislature makes it unclear which party would otherwise control redistricting in 2021.
300x250 Ad
300x250 Ad