NC H426

Proposes constitutional amendments to remove General Assembly from drawing electoral districts for state legislature and Congress, instead establishing an independent redistricting process to be enacted by law.

Creates the North Carolina Citizens Redistricting Commission with 15 members: 8 appointed by legislative leaders (2 each from Senate and House leadership) and 7 randomly selected from a diverse pool vetted by the State Auditor and Human Relations Commission.

Establishes eligibility requirements for commissioners including 3-year voter registration, ban on political donations over $2,000, prohibition on serving in public office for 10 years prior or 3 years after service, and restrictions on political party affiliations and employment.

Sets redistricting criteria prioritizing equal population representation, constitutional compliance, population deviation limits (5% for legislative districts, 0.1% for congressional), contiguity, and prohibits consideration of electoral results or incumbency except as required by federal law.

Constitutional amendments must be approved by voters in November 2022 election; if approved, Commission begins operations January 1, 2023, with deadline to adopt final plans by October 1 of the year following each decennial census.