S.Amdt. 4779

The amendment, titled the Redistricting Reform Act of 2026, aims to change how congressional redistricting is handled by the States. Its primary purpose is to move the process away from political influence and ensure it is conducted through independent State commissions.

Key changes and additions include:

• Independent Commissions: It requires States to use an independent redistricting commission to develop congressional maps. It sets strict rules for who can serve, disqualifying those with recent political ties or government service.
• Redistricting Criteria: It establishes a ranked priority list for drawing districts, focusing first on the Constitution and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and later on representing communities of interest.
• Ban on Partisan Favoritism: It prohibits drawing maps that intentionally or effectively favor or disfavor any political party.
• Ban on Mid-Decade Redistricting: States cannot redraw their districts again until after the next apportionment of Representatives, unless required by a court.
• Court Involvement: If a State fails to enact a plan by a specific deadline, a 3-judge court is given the exclusive authority to develop and publish the plan.
• Transparency and Funding: It mandates a transparent process with public hearings and websites. It also authorizes payments of $150,000 per Representative to help States fund these commissions.
• Enforcement: It provides the Attorney General and private citizens the right to bring civil actions to enforce the Act.