SB 278 Summary

• Establishes a 9-member redistricting commission with 4 members appointed by legislative leaders, 4 selected from a candidate pool nominated by university presidents and the chief justice, and 1 chair elected by the commission to recommend plans for redrawing general assembly and congressional districts.

• Requires the commission to hold at least one public hearing in each Indiana congressional district plus Marion County by June 30 of a redistricting year, with hearings recorded and streamed online, and to submit recommendations to the general assembly by August 1.

• Mandates the general assembly convene and enact redistricting bills for house districts (100), senate districts (50), and congressional districts before October 1 of a redistricting year, with bills voted on without amendment except technical changes.

• Establishes redistricting standards including population deviation limits of 2% from ideal district population, contiguous districts, compactness, precinct boundary preservation, and minimization of political subdivision divisions, with allowances for federal Voting Rights Act compliance.

• Disqualifies individuals from serving on the commission if they have held elected office, been a candidate, worked as government employees, or been involved in political party activities within 6 years before appointment.