CA AB801

Increases the Independent Redistricting Commission for San Diego County from 5 members to 14 members, with no alternates, and revises the selection process to require county elections official review and random drawings combined with commissioner appointments.

Establishes specific qualifications for commissioners including 5-year continuous voter registration with same political party, voting in at least one of the last three statewide elections, and restrictions on prior political involvement within the preceding 10 years.

Requires the commission to conduct at least 7 public hearings before drawing maps and at least 2 additional public hearings after draft maps are created, with agendas posted 7 days in advance and live translation provided upon request.

Mandates redistricting criteria in priority order: constitutional compliance with equal population, federal Voting Rights Act compliance, geographic contiguity, respect for community of interest, and geographic compactness, while prohibiting consideration of incumbent or candidate residences.

Imposes a 5-year ban on commissioners holding elective office and 3-year ban on holding appointive office, serving as paid staff or consultants to elected bodies, or registering as lobbyists.