HF1855 Summary

• Proposes constitutional amendment to transfer redistricting power from the Minnesota Legislature to an independent redistricting commission for congressional and legislative districts following each decennial census.

• Commission consists of 5 retired judges (appointed by January 15 of years ending in one by legislative leaders, with the 5th chosen by the other four judges) and 12 public members appointed by law, with at least 12 members including one judge required to adopt plans.

• Commission must hold at least one public hearing in each congressional district, publish preliminary drafts and accept public comments for one week, and file redistricting plans with the secretary of state by September 1 of years ending in one.

• Legislature may amend commission-adopted plans only by two-thirds vote of both houses within 30 days of the first session after adoption; if commission fails to adopt a plan by deadline, the state supreme court shall adopt a replacement by February 1 of years ending in two.

• Establishes 11 redistricting principles including protection of voting rights, compact districts, preservation of communities of interest, prohibition on partisan gerrymandering or incumbent protection, and encouragement of electoral competition; amendment must be submitted to voters at the 2020 general election.