Sub. S. J. R. No. 8 - Redistricting Commission Summary

• Creates a seven-member Ohio Redistricting Commission consisting of the governor, auditor of state, secretary of state, and four appointed members (one each from the house speaker, minority house leader, senate president, and minority senate leader) to redraw General Assembly districts.

• Requires four commission votes to adopt a district plan, including at least one member from each of the two largest political parties represented in the General Assembly.

• Mandates the commission release a proposed plan by September 15 of years ending in "1," conduct minimum three public hearings, and adopt a final plan between October 24-31 of that year.

• Establishes population equality standards requiring districts within 95-105% of the representation ratio, with provisions for compactness, contiguity, and avoiding political subdivision splits when feasible.

• Provides that if the commission fails to adopt a plan by October 31, the governor, auditor, and secretary of state may adopt one by December 1; voters then decide via ballot measure whether the commission should reconvene to redraw districts.

• Takes effect January 1, 2021 if approved by voters on November 3, 2015, repealing the existing Article XI redistricting provisions.