HB21-1047 Summary

• Applies fair redistricting standards to county commissioner districts in Colorado counties with populations over 70,000 that elect commissioners by district, matching standards previously adopted for state and congressional districts through Amendments Y and Z.

• Requires counties to establish a county commissioner district redistricting commission (which may be independent) with nonpartisan staff to draw districts following strict criteria: population equality within 5% deviation, compliance with Voting Rights Act, preservation of communities of interest, compactness, and maximization of competitive districts.

• Mandates robust public participation including at least three public hearings in different parts of the county, website submission of plans and comments, 72-hour waiting periods before voting on plans, and publication of all written comments and the commission's rationale.

• Prohibits districts drawn to protect incumbents or political parties, or that dilute the voting power of racial or language minority groups; establishes September 30 deadline following each decennial census for plan adoption.

• Requires counties to use redistricting population data prepared by state legislative staff and allows county commissioners to remain in office even if redistricting removes their residence from their district, through the end of their term.