HB 20-1073 Summary

• Creates independent county commissioner redistricting commissions consisting of 7 members (2 from largest political party, 2 from second-largest, and 3 unaffiliated) to redraw districts in counties where not all commissioners are elected county-wide.

• Commissions must apply prioritized criteria including federal voting rights compliance, population equality (no more than 5% deviation), preservation of communities of interest and political subdivisions, and maximizing competitive districts.

• Prohibits maps drawn to protect incumbent politicians or political parties, and prohibits maps that deny or abridge voting rights based on race, ethnicity, or language minority group membership.

• Establishes a transparent public process with multiple hearings throughout the county, public comment submission, and lobbying disclosure requirements (72-hour reporting to Secretary of State).

• Requires final approval by a panel of three district court judges by December 29 of the redistricting year, with judicial review limited to whether the commission abused its discretion in applying criteria.