This bill addresses the principles of redistricting for congressional and legislative districts in Minnesota. It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 2.91, subdivision 2, to ensure that redistricting plans encompass all state territory without omissions or duplications, while also requiring that districts comply with new sections 2.94 and 2.95. The bill emphasizes that redistricting plans must not favor or disfavor incumbents and must proportionally reflect statewide voter partisan preferences. It introduces specific criteria for drawing districts, including equal population distribution, minority representation, and the preservation of communities of interest.

The new provisions outline that congressional districts should be nearly equal in population, with legislative districts allowed a maximum deviation of three percent. Additionally, the bill mandates that districts minimize the division of identifiable communities and political subdivisions. It also establishes a framework for determining the statewide partisan preferences of voters, ensuring that the proportion of districts favoring a political party closely aligns with these preferences, with a permissible deviation of no more than three percentage points. Overall, the bill aims to create fair and equitable redistricting practices in Minnesota.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 2.91