NY S06736

Creates an Independent Redistricting Commission with 10 members (2 each appointed by Senate Temporary President, Assembly Speaker, and Senate/Assembly Minority Leaders, plus 2 non-partisan members) to prepare redistricting plans for congressional, state Senate, and Assembly districts every ten years beginning in 2021.

Requires the Commission to submit redistricting plans and implementing legislation to the legislature by January 15 in years ending in "2" (starting 2022), with the legislature voting on plans without amendment within specified timeframes and supermajority voting requirements depending on whether legislative leaders are from the same or different political parties.

Establishes redistricting principles including compliance with federal Constitution and Voting Rights Act, equal population among districts, contiguous and compact districts, prohibition on partisan gerrymandering, and protection of racial and language minority voting rights; requires at least one public hearing in five major cities and seven counties.

Provides a second redistricting plan process if the legislature or Governor rejects the Commission's first plan, with a February 28 deadline, and allows legislative amendments to any second plan if the legislature fails to approve it.

Includes conditional provisions making the law's full effect dependent on voter ratification of a proposed constitutional amendment establishing the independent commission, with the Governor replacing legislative leader appointments if either house fails to approve the amendment.