HJR 1001 by Representative A. Collins proposes a constitutional amendment to create a Citizens' Redistricting Commission responsible for redrawing the boundaries of districts for the U.S. House of Representatives and the Arkansas General Assembly after each federal decennial census. It would abolish the existing Board of Apportionment.

Key Provisions:

• Establishment of the Citizens' Redistricting Commission:
  • The commission would consist of nine commissioners, all registered voters in Arkansas.
  • Commissioners cannot be elected officials, appointed federal or state officials, registered lobbyists, political party officers, or employees of lobbyists, political parties, or political campaign committees within the past five years.
  • The commission would be responsible for redistricting in a transparent manner, with open meetings and public records.

• Selection Process for Commissioners:
  • The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court would appoint a panel of three retired judges to screen applicants.
  • The Secretary of State would advertise the opportunity to serve and develop an application form.
  • Applicants would be divided into three pools based on political party affiliation.
  • The panel would select 30 applicants from each pool, ensuring geographic and demographic representation.
  • The Governor and legislative leaders would have the right to eliminate up to two applicants from each pool.
  • The panel would randomly draw three applicants from each pool to serve on the commission.
  • The commission would ensure at least one commissioner resides in each congressional district.

• Redistricting Criteria:
  • Districts must be contiguous and as equal in population as practicable.
  • State legislative districts cannot vary in population by more than 3%.
  • Districts should not unduly favor or disfavor any political party.
  • The commission must prioritize the following criteria in descending order: contiguity, compliance with the Voting Rights Act, preservation of county and city boundaries, compactness, and competitiveness.

• Public Input and Transparency:
  • The commission must hold at least one public hearing in each congressional district.
  • The commission must publicly release three proposed maps for both state and congressional districts at least 30 days before the first hearing.
  • Revised maps must be released at least 30 days before a final vote.
  • All maps must be accompanied by a written report explaining the commission's reasoning.

• Implementation and Oversight:
  • The commission must submit its redistricting plan to the Secretary of State by November 1 following each census.
  • The Supreme Court has jurisdiction to compel the commission to perform its duties.
  • The amendment supersedes existing laws related to the Board of Apportionment.

Effective Date:

• The amendment would take effect on January 1, 2027, if approved by voters in the next general election.