HB2070: Citizen Advisory Redistricting Board; created.

Chief Patron

Del. Bob Brink (D-48)

Bob Brink (D-48)
Arlington, VA
Served: 1998–

Progress

	Introduced
	Passed Committee
	Passed House
	Passed Senate
	Signed by Governor
	Became Law

Status

Bill is Dead

View Entire History

Summary

Redistricting process.  Creates a new Citizen Advisory Redistricting Board within the State Board of Elections to have responsibility to prepare and recommend state legislative and congressional redistricting plans for consideration and enactment by the General Assembly. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court designates a special master who is chair. The Governor appoints four members from recommendations (three each) of the majority and minority leaders in each house.  The remaining Board members are appointed by the Governor after considering recommendations of the state party committee chairs of parties with candidates receiving at least 25 percent of the vote in the last gubernatorial election; thus, the Governor initially would appoint six members. Adopts apportionment standards of federal and state law (currently, population equality, compactness, and contiguity). Allows local governing bodies to make recommendations when a proposed plan would divide a county, city, or town. This bill is patterned after the Vermont redistricting process adapted for Virginia's election schedule and district structure. The bills provides for continuation of the Joint Reapportionment Committee to facilitate development of proposed plans by the Citizen Advisory Redistricting Board and the General Assembly's enactment of plans under Article II, §6 of the Constitution.