All four legislative caucuses are on board this session with discussing redistricting reform. A summer study committee might be the next stop.
Both House Republicans and Democrats and the Senate minority caucus have supported creation of an independent redistricting commission in the past. Only Senate Republicans were holdouts, and Senate President Pro Tem David Long says that should change this year.
“It’s time for us to talk about it," Long said. "If it does require a constitutional amendment, I think the latest we could initiate an amendment would be 2017.”
Long says a study committee is likely needed to answer questions regarding how reform would best work. Senate Minority Leader Tim Lanane says a study committee is fine, as long as it’s followed by legislative action next year.
“Because you know, here we are, it’s 2015 and these concepts take a long time," Lanane said. "But I’m encouraged to hear that he’s open to the idea of discussing that.”
Lawmakers have filed legislation to initiate redistricting reform in both chambers.
