This bill proposes the establishment of an Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission in West Virginia, which will be responsible for creating redistricting plans for state legislative districts. The commission will consist of 13 commissioners who must meet specific eligibility requirements, including being registered voters in the state and not holding any partisan political positions. The selection process for commissioners will be managed by the Secretary of State, who will oversee the application process, ensure public participation, and randomly select candidates from the applicant pool. The bill outlines the timeline for applications, selections, and the responsibilities of the commission, including holding public hearings and ensuring transparency in its operations.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that the commission must adhere to certain criteria when proposing and adopting redistricting plans, such as equal population distribution, compactness, and consideration of communities of interest. The commission will be required to conduct public hearings and provide opportunities for public comment on proposed plans. The Supreme Court of Appeals will have original jurisdiction over the commission, allowing it to review and direct actions related to the redistricting process. The bill also includes provisions for funding the commission's operations and ensuring compliance with constitutional requirements, with a self-executing clause that allows for implementation to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 4-1B-1