Independent Redistricting Commission Act

To ensure fair, transparent, and nonpartisan redistricting through citizen-led commissions in all U.S. states.

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE

This Act shall be cited as the “Independent Redistricting Commission Act” or “Fair Maps Act.”

SECTION 2. PURPOSE & FINDINGS

2.1 Purpose

• To remove partisan bias from congressional redistricting.

• To restore public trust by placing redistricting in the hands of independent citizens.

• To ensure that districts are drawn transparently, inclusively, and in compliance with the Constitution and the Voting Rights Act.

2.2 Congressional Findings

• Partisan gerrymandering undermines democratic legitimacy and voter confidence.

• Independent commissions in states like California, Michigan, and Arizona have shown that citizen-led mapping is both feasible and more reflective of voter intent.

• Public engagement and transparency are critical to representative government.

SECTION 3. COMMISSION ESTABLISHMENT & STRUCTURE

3.1 Requirement

Each state shall establish an Independent Congressional Redistricting Commission (ICRC) responsible for drawing congressional district boundaries.

3.2 Commission Composition

• 15 Members, selected as follows:

  • 5 affiliated with the largest political party in the state

  • 5 affiliated with the second-largest political party

  • 5 unaffiliated or affiliated with a third party

3.3 Eligibility Criteria

• Members must be registered voters in the state for at least 5 years.

• Members must not, in the prior 6 years:

  • Hold elected office

  • Work for or contract with political parties, campaign committees, or elected officials

  • Serve as lobbyists or political consultants

• Diversity of gender, race, region, and socioeconomic background is required.

SECTION 4. COMMISSION SELECTION PROCESS

4.1 Application & Screening

• The Secretary of State shall administer a public application process.

• A nonpartisan Review Panel of retired judges and election officials shall vet candidates for impartiality and competence.

4.2 Random Selection

• From the eligible pool:

  • 60 applicants are randomly selected (20 from each category)

  • Each political caucus in the state legislature may strike up to 3 per category

  • 6 final commissioners (2 per category) are randomly drawn

  • These 6 select the remaining 9 by majority vote to complete the commission

SECTION 5. MANDATES & CRITERIA FOR MAP DRAWING

5.1 Core Criteria

The commission must draw districts that:

• Have equal population in compliance with the U.S. Constitution

• Comply with the Voting Rights Act to ensure minority representation

• Are contiguous and compact

• Respect communities of interest, including cultural, economic, and geographic ties

• Avoid favoring or disfavoring political parties or incumbents

• Use neutral data (no party registration or candidate info)

5.2 Public Engagement

• At least 10 public hearings in different regions

• At least 30-day public comment period on draft maps

• Full transparency of datasets, deliberations, and draft proposals

SECTION 6. APPROVAL & FINALIZATION

6.1 Approval Process

• A final map must be approved by:

  • At least 9 of 15 commissioners, including at least 3 from each political category

• If a consensus map is not approved by deadline, the process moves to a court-appointed special master under federal guidelines.

6.2 Legal Compliance

• Final maps must be submitted to the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) and made publicly accessible in machine-readable formats.

SECTION 7. ENFORCEMENT & FUNDING

7.1 Federal Oversight

• The EAC shall:

  • Provide technical support, software, and model guidance

  • Monitor compliance and handle complaints

  • Coordinate with DOJ on Voting Rights Act enforcement

7.2 Funding

• States shall receive federal grants to fund:

  • Commission staffing and training

  • Public hearings and outreach

  • Technology and mapping software

• Authorizes $500 million over 10 years for national implementation.

SECTION 8. PENALTIES FOR INTERFERENCE

• Any official or party found to have willfully attempted to manipulate the commission or undermine its neutrality shall be subject to:

  • Civil penalties up to $250,000

  • Disqualification from holding public office for 6 years

  • Referral to DOJ for additional prosecution, if applicable

SECTION 9. APPLICABILITY & TRANSITION

• Effective beginning January 1, 2027, for redistricting following the 2030 Census

• States with existing compliant independent commissions may retain their process with certification from EAC

SECTION 10. SEVERABILITY

If any provision of this Act is held invalid or unenforceable, the remainder shall remain in full force and effect.