FL S1252

Creates an independent commission on legislative and congressional redistricting within the legislative branch to conduct the state's decennial redistricting process, including preparing and adopting redistricting plans and conducting public hearings.

Establishes a 12-member commission comprised of private citizens with equal partisan representation (4 Republicans, 4 Democrats, 4 unaffiliated/other party), selected through a lottery process from candidates screened by the Auditor General and the four legislative leaders.

Requires commission members to have been registered Florida voters for 5 years and voted in the last two statewide general elections; prohibits those with political donations, government employment or service, lobbying experience, campaign employment, or political party positions within the preceding 5 years.

Mandates final redistricting plans receive approval from at least 8 commission members including 3 Republicans, 3 Democrats, and 2 unaffiliated/other party members; prohibits use of partisan data including incumbent addresses during the redistricting process.

Takes effect only upon voter approval of a substantially similar joint resolution at the November 2016 general election; exempts the commission from Administrative Procedure Act rulemaking requirements.