CONAMEND-REDISTRICTING

Proposes to amend the Legislature Article of the Illinois Constitution. Provides that the boundaries of Legislative and Representative districts may be separate. Requires that both types of districts, in addition to being compact, contiguous, and substantially equal in population, must reflect minority voting strengths, promote competition, and consider political boundaries. Replaces the current method of redistricting of the Senate and House of Representatives with the following: an 8-member Independent Redistricting Commission, appointed by the Chief Justice and the most senior Justice of the Supreme Court who is not affiliated with the same political party as the Chief Justice, shall hold at least 15 public hearings throughout the State before adopting any redistricting plan; requires the Commission to adopt a report explaining the compliance of the proposed redistricting plan with the U.S. and Illinois Constitutions; and provides for the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and the most senior Justice of the Supreme Court who is not affiliated with the same political party as the Chief Justice to appoint a ninth member to the Commission, if the Commission fails to adopt and file a redistricting plan by the required date. Specifies the schedule for redistricting activities. Effective upon being declared adopted and applicable to redistricting beginning in 2021 and to the election of General Assembly members beginning in 2022.