NY S08521

Creates a nine-member independent Districting Commission to draw state Senate, Assembly, and Congressional districts, with members appointed by legislative leaders and a chair selected by supermajority vote subject to gubernatorial approval.

Reduces state Senate size from 62 to 61 members and maintains Assembly at 150 members, both elected for two-year terms.

Establishes specific criteria for districts including population equity requirements (2% variance for state districts), contiguity, racial/linguistic minority representation protections, and prioritized principles for preserving counties and communities of interest.

Requires districts to be established by March 31st of the second year following the federal decennial census, with judicial review authority for the Supreme Court to enforce compliance with constitutional and federal law requirements.

Extends current districts through the 2012 general election while the new Districting Commission implements the amended process for future redistricting cycles.