SB20 Summary

• Creates an independent Redistricting Commission with 11 members (10 appointed by legislative leaders, 1 non-voting Chair elected by the 10 members) to reapportion State Senate and House districts following each federal decennial census beginning in 2010.

• Establishes strict eligibility requirements for Commission members: must be state residents and qualified voters, cannot hold elective office, cannot be registered lobbyists, cannot have held elected office within 2 years of appointment, and cannot run for General Assembly in the election following redistricting.

• Requires Commission to prepare preliminary redistricting plans by May 30th, hold four public hearings (one in each county and one in Wilmington), and submit final plans to the General Assembly by June 15th for approval by majority vote in both Houses and the Governor.

• If the General Assembly and Governor fail to enact a redistricting plan by September 30th, the Chancellor and a Superior Court Judge appointed by the President Judge shall create a final judicial redistricting plan by November 1st that is binding and not subject to change or appeal.

• Mandates all Commission meetings be open to the public, subject to Freedom of Information Act, with a dedicated website displaying member names, meeting schedules, agendas, regulations, and preliminary and revised district maps.