Fair Maps Act (HB 437) - Summary

• Amends the North Carolina Constitution to establish an independent redistricting process for state legislative and congressional districts, removing the General Assembly from direct control of redistricting after each decennial census.

• Creates the North Carolina Citizens Redistricting Commission as a 15-member body appointed through a mixed process: 8 members appointed by legislative leaders (2 each by Senate President Pro Tempore, Senate minority leader, House Speaker, and House minority leader); 7 members randomly selected by the Human Relations Commission from a diverse applicant pool.

• Sets strict eligibility requirements for Commission members including 3-year voter registration requirement, $2,000 contribution limit to candidates, prohibition on holding public office for 3 years after service, and extensive restrictions on political affiliations, employment, and criminal history.

• Establishes comprehensive redistricting criteria prioritizing population equality, constitutional compliance, county preservation, contiguity, compactness, and electoral impartiality while prohibiting consideration of election results or incumbency except to comply with federal law.

• Requires constitutional amendment approval by voters in November 2022; if approved, the Commission would begin operations January 1, 2023, with final redistricting plans due by October 1 of each census year, and includes a special master process if the Commission cannot agree on plans.