Senate Bill No. by Senator Kleinpeter proposes a comprehensive redistricting of the Louisiana Senate by enacting a new section, R.S. 24:35, which delineates the composition and boundaries of the Senate districts. The bill establishes that the Senate will consist of thirty-nine members, each elected from designated senatorial districts, and provides a detailed list of precincts that comprise each district. This redistricting is based on the "2025 Precinct Shapefiles (1-16-2025)" reflecting changes from the 2020 federal census, ensuring that the districts are accurately defined and representative of the current population distribution.

The bill also includes a repeal of the previous law governing Senate district boundaries, R.S. 24:35.1, indicating a significant shift in the legislative framework. The new district boundaries will take effect for election purposes upon the governor's signature or after the lapse of time for gubernatorial action, specifically for the regular state legislative elections in 2027. However, the existing districts will remain in effect until January 10, 2028, at which point the new districts will be applicable for all other purposes. Importantly, the bill clarifies that the new law will not reduce the term of office for current officeholders, and any positions filled after January 10, 2028, will adhere to the new district descriptions.

Statutes affected:
SB132 Original: