NC S722

Establishes the Hamilton C. Horton, Jr. Independent Redistricting Commission with 11 members (4 from largest party, 4 from second largest party, 3 unaffiliated) to replace General Assembly authority over legislative and congressional redistricting.

Commission members must be registered voters with 3+ years continuous party affiliation, cannot have held elected office or been lobbyists in prior 5 years, and cannot hold public office for 3 years after service.

Commission must adopt redistricting plans by October 1 following decennial census, prioritizing compactness, equal representation, and minimizing split counties/municipalities while prohibiting consideration of voter political affiliation, past election data, or incumbent locations.

Selection process uses screening panel of 10 election officials to create pool of 55 candidates, with legislative leaders able to strike nominees and State Board of Elections conducting random drawing to select final 11 commissioners.

Constitutional amendment requires voter approval at 2014 statewide primary election before taking effect.