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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Fourth Legislature, Second Regular Session
independent redistricting commission; population standards
Purpose
Subject to voter approval, constitutionally prohibits the population of the largest legislative district to exceed the population of the smallest legislative district by more than 5,000 persons.
Background
The Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) was formed by the passage of Proposition 106 by the people of Arizona in the 2000 General Election. Proposition 106 amended the Arizona Constitution to create a five-member commission to redraw Congressional and legislative district boundaries following the 2000 Census. The Arizona Constitution requires districts to comply with the U.S. Constitution and the Voting Rights Act. Congressional and legislative districts are required to have equal population to the extent practicable. The Arizona Constitution provides additional guidelines for what the IRC must consider when making the districts, to the extent such guidelines are practicable.
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Prohibits, when the IRC establishes state legislative districts, the population of the largest legislative district to exceed the population of the smallest legislative district by more than 5,000 persons.
2. Contains a legislative purpose section.
3. Makes technical changes.
4. Requires the Secretary of State to submit the proposition to the voters at the next general election.
5. Becomes effective if approved by the voters and on proclamation of the Governor.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 4, 2020
JA/gs