The bill, SB5, amends Section 17-14-70 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to facilitate the reapportionment and redistricting of the state's United States Congressional districts for the General Election in 2024 and subsequent elections until the next federal census. It introduces a new section, 17-14-70.1, which outlines legislative findings that emphasize adherence to traditional redistricting principles, such as compliance with federal law, population equality, contiguity, compactness, minimizing county line splits, and preserving communities of interest. The bill specifically identifies communities of interest, including the Black Belt, Gulf Coast, and Wiregrass regions, and mandates that these areas be kept together as much as possible during the redistricting process.

Key changes in the bill include the replacement of the previous congressional district map designation from "Pringle Congressional Plan 1" to "Livingston Congressional Plan 3-2023," and the removal of references to "Act 2021-555." The bill requires the Legislature to post the new map and boundary descriptions on its public website for transparency. The new congressional district boundaries will be effective for the 2024 General Election and will remain in effect until the next redistricting following the 2030 census. Additionally, the bill includes a severability clause to ensure that if any part is found invalid, the remaining provisions will still be enforceable. The act will take effect immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 17-14-70
Engrossed: 17-14-70
Enrolled: 17-14-70