The resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to modify the apportionment provisions in the Arkansas Constitution and establish the Arkansas Apportionment Commission. The amendment outlines the creation of a Board of Apportionment, consisting of the Governor, Secretary of State, and Attorney General, which will oversee the apportionment of the state's legislative districts. The Arkansas Apportionment Commission, appointed by the Board, will be responsible for dividing the state into districts for the House of Representatives and the Senate based on population data from the federal census. The commission will ensure that districts have equal populations and will consider various criteria, such as contiguity and avoiding the division of cities and counties, while remaining politically neutral.
Additionally, the amendment stipulates the qualifications and appointment process for commission members, who will serve ten-year terms and must meet specific educational and professional criteria. The commission will be required to submit its apportionment report to the Board of Apportionment, which can accept or reject the report. If rejected three times, the Supreme Court will take over the apportionment process. The amendment is set to take effect on January 1, 2025, and will be presented to voters for approval in the next general election.