WV HB5252

Creates a 6-member Independent Redistricting Commission under the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to propose congressional and state legislative district maps following each federal census

Requires equal party representation on the commission, with members appointed by the Senate President, House Speaker, minority leaders, and state chairs of the two largest political parties by February 28 of each year ending in one

Prohibits commission members from being registered lobbyists, elected officials, or state party officers within 5 years of selection, and bars use of incumbent addresses, voter party affiliations, previous election results, or demographic data beyond population counts in drawing maps

Mandates districts be equal in population, geographically compact and contiguous, respect county and community boundaries, and prohibits drawing districts to favor any political party, incumbent, or candidate

Requires 30-day public comment period with hearings in each congressional district, followed by submission of final plan to the Legislature by April 1, with up to three plan submissions permitted if initial proposals fail to receive constitutional majority approval