LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A state lawmaker wants to create an independent commission that would propose legislative boundaries in Nebraska without factoring partisan politics into its decision.
Sen. Russ Karpisek of Wilber introduced legislation on Friday for a commission that would help the Legislature draw new boundaries as required in 2021. The commission would draft new legislative and congressional districts, among others.
The six commission members would not have access to addresses of public officeholders or political party affiliation of registered voters. The bill instructs the commission to approve boundaries that are "compact and contiguous," while protecting the borders of existing cities and counties when practical.
If lawmakers do not approve the maps the commission offers, the state Supreme Court would make the final selection from four plans.
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The bill is LB976.
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