MN SF3813

Proposes constitutional amendment to transfer redistricting power from the legislature to an independent commission composed of five retired judges of appellate or district courts.

Commission members are appointed by the senate majority and minority leaders, house speaker, and house minority leader, each selecting one retired judge; if any appointing authority fails to meet the deadline, the chief justice appoints a replacement by March 8.

Commission must adopt new congressional and legislative district boundaries by December 31 of the year following a federal decennial census, with plans taking effect at the next state general election and remaining in effect until the next redistricting cycle.

Commission is required to hold at least three public hearings in different geographical regions of the state and adopt a schedule allowing interested persons to submit proposed plans and respond to competing proposals.

Amendment must be submitted to voters at the 2018 general election with a ballot question asking whether to remove legislators' redistricting authority and instead establish the independent judge commission.