Senate Bill 136 Summary

• Establishes a nine-member redistricting commission appointed by legislative leaders (2 members each by January 15 of redistricting year) to create and recommend plans for state legislative and congressional districts.

• Requires the commission to conduct public hearings in northern, central, and southern Indiana by July 31, submit recommendations to the general assembly by September 1, and adopt a congressional district plan that becomes effective unless the legislature enacts a different plan.

• Sets redistricting standards including 100 house districts, 50 senate districts, population deviation limits of 1%, contiguous and compact districts, and consideration of political subdivision boundaries, racial/language minority impacts, and community interests.

• Mandates the general assembly convene and enact redistricting bills for legislative districts before October 1 of the redistricting year, with bills based on commission recommendations considered without amendment except technical changes.

• Applies to district establishments required after June 30, 2014, repeals prior congressional redistricting law, and makes continuous appropriations from the state general fund for commission and legislative services agency expenses.