The proposed resolution aims to amend the Arkansas Constitution by creating a "Citizens' Redistricting Commission" to replace the current Board of Apportionment. This new commission will consist of nine commissioners tasked with redistricting for the U.S. House and the Arkansas General Assembly, emphasizing transparency through public meetings and the publication of all commission activities. To ensure impartiality, commissioners must be registered voters with no recent political affiliations, and their selection will be overseen by a panel appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. The commission will operate until the next federal decennial census and will be funded for its activities.
Additionally, the resolution outlines the commission's responsibilities, including using fair census data and allowing public input on proposed maps. It mandates that districts adhere to population equality and specific criteria such as contiguity and respect for local boundaries, while also prohibiting partisan gerrymandering. The Supreme Court will have original jurisdiction to enforce compliance, and citizens will have the right to seek judicial review of the commission's actions. The amendment is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, and will be presented to voters under the title "A Constitutional Amendment to Create the Citizens' Redistricting Commission."