This bill establishes new criteria for redistricting in New Hampshire by adding a new section, 14:14-d, to RSA 14. The criteria mandate that districts created by the New Hampshire Senate, House of Representatives, or any subcommittee must comply with both the United States Constitution and applicable federal laws, as well as the New Hampshire Constitution and state laws. Key requirements include that districts must have single boundaries without being bisected by other districts, respect the geographic integrity of cities and towns, be drawn in compact shapes, and consider the integrity of communities of interest. Notably, communities of interest are defined as areas with shared similarities, excluding political affiliations.
Additionally, the bill emphasizes that the redistricting plan must not favor or disfavor any political party, incumbent, or candidate, nor should it unduly favor or disfavor any racial or language group. The act will take effect immediately upon passage. The bill does not specify any deletions from current law, focusing solely on the introduction of these new criteria for redistricting.