NC H674

Establishes an Independent Redistricting Commission of seven retired judges appointed by the Chief Justice, Governor, Senate President Pro Tempore, and House Speaker to handle redistricting for state legislative and congressional districts beginning with the 2020 census.

Removes the General Assembly's authority to adopt legislative and congressional district plans, transferring this power exclusively to the Independent Redistricting Commission, which must adopt plans by October 1 following each decennial census.

Requires the Commission to adopt plans based on goals including compactness, equal representation (one person, one vote), and minimizing split counties and municipalities, while prohibiting consideration of voter political affiliation, past election data, incumbent locations, and non-Census demographic data.

Bars Commission members from holding elective state office for four years after their service ends and requires a minimum 45-day public comment period before final plan adoption.

Submits the constitutional amendments to voters on November 8, 2017, and establishes the Commission's administrative headquarters at the University of North Carolina School of Government with independent contracted staff.