SJR68: Joint Resolution Text

LRB-3475/2

SRM:kjf:jf

2011 - 2012 LEGISLATURE

2011 Senate JOINT RESOLUTION 68

February 28, 2012 - Introduced by Senators T. Cullen, Schultz, Carpenter, Jauch, Holperin, Risser, Taylor, Wirch, Shilling, King and C. Larson, cosponsored by Representatives Hulsey, Tranel, Bernard Schaber, Staskunas, Berceau, Turner, Hebl, Pocan, Jorgensen, Roys, Doyle, Pope-Roberts and C. Taylor. Referred to Committee on Judiciary, Utilities, Commerce, and Government Operations.

SJR68,1,3 To renumber and amend section 3 of article IV; and to create section 3 (1) of article IV and section 3 (3) of article IV of the constitution; relating to: an independent redistricting commission (first consideration).

Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau

This constitutional amendment, proposed to the 2011 legislature on first consideration, removes the responsibility to reapportion the legislature and redraw congressional districts from the legislature and assigns it to an independent redistricting commission to be created by law. The commission's plans must be submitted to the voters in a referendum. If the voters reject either plan, the supreme court must draw a legislative reapportionment plan and a congressional redistricting plan that will then become law. The independent redistricting commission would first be appointed for purposes of the 2021 redistricting.

A proposed constitutional amendment requires adoption by two successive legislatures, and ratification by the people, before it can become effective.

SJR68,1,4 Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That:

SJR68, s. 1 Section 1. Section 3 (1) of article IV of the constitution is created to read:

SJR68,1,7 [Article IV] Section 3 (1) The legislature shall provide by law for the establishment of an independent redistricting commission.

SJR68, s. 2 Section 2. Section 3 of article IV of the constitution is renumbered section 3 (2) of article IV and amended to read:

SJR68,2,7 [Article IV] Section 3 (2) At its first session after each enumeration made by the authority of the United States, the legislature Within six months of the state's receipt of federal census data, the commission shall prepare plans to apportion and district anew the members of the senate and assembly and to redraw the state's congressional districts, according to the number of inhabitants.

SJR68, s. 3 Section 3. Section 3 (3) of article IV of the constitution is created to read:

SJR68,2,12 [Article IV] Section 3 (3) The plans shall be submitted to the people at the next scheduled general election. If the people approve the plans they shall become law. If the people reject either or both plans, the supreme court shall draw a plan or plans to replace the rejected plan or plans which shall become law.

SJR68, s. 4 Section 4. Numbering of new provisions. If another constitutional amendment ratified by the people creates the number of any provision created in this joint resolution, the chief of the legislative reference bureau shall determine the sequencing and the numbering of the provisions whose numbers conflict and shall adjust any cross-references to those provisions.

SJR68,2,20 Be it further resolved, That this proposed amendment be referred to the legislature to be chosen at the next general election and that it be published for three months previous to the time of holding such election.

SJR68,2,21 (End)