MI HB5908

Legislative Service Bureau must prepare congressional and legislative redistricting plans by May 15, 2011 and every 10 years thereafter following federal decennial census, with plans voted on by both chambers within specified timelines.

If initial plan rejected, Legislative Service Bureau prepares second plan within 14 days; if second plan rejected, prepares third plan which legislature may amend, with all plans subject to approval by July 31 deadline.

Redistricting guidelines prioritize contiguity, population equality (95-105% of ideal district size for state legislative; precise equality for congressional), county/township/city boundary preservation, and compactness, while prohibiting partisan gerrymandering and use of voting history data.

Michigan Supreme Court has original jurisdiction to review redistricting plans for compliance with guidelines; political parties, legislative leaders, or electors may petition court to prepare alternative plan if legislature misses deadline.

Legislative Service Bureau must make redistricting plans, maps, standards summary, and population data publicly available through website; repeals 1999 PA 221 provisions.