What does SHORT TITLE; FINDING OF CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY. of John Tanner and Jim Cooper Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act do?

This Act is formally titled the ``John Tanner and Jim Cooper Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act''. The Act finds that Congress has the authority to establish terms and conditions for Congressional redistricting. This authority is based on Article I, Section 4 of the Constitution, which grants Congress power over the time, place, and manner of elections for the House of Representatives. The Act also cites Section 5 of the Fourteenth Amendment, which allows Congress to enforce Section 2 of that amendment regarding apportionment of Representatives.

What does LIMIT ON CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING AFTER AN APPORTIONMENT. of John Tanner and Jim Cooper Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act do?

This section amends the Act of December 14, 1967, concerning congressional redistricting. States that have been redistricted after an apportionment under section 22(a) of the Act of June 18, 1929, are generally prohibited from redistricting again until the next apportionment. An exception to this prohibition exists if a court orders a state to redistrict to comply with the Constitution or the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

What does REQUIRING REDISTRICTING TO BE CONDUCTED THROUGH PLAN OF of John Tanner and Jim Cooper Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act do?

This section requires Congressional redistricting in states to be conducted according to a plan developed by an independent redistricting commission established in the state, as outlined in section 4. If the commission's plan is not enacted into law, redistricting must follow a plan selected by the state's highest court or developed by a United States district court, according to section 5. Commissions established prior to the enactment of this Act are considered to meet the requirements if they develop a redistricting plan. States retain the ability to use additional criteria and procedures for redistricting, provided they align with the requirements of this Act. Section 22(c) of the Act entitled ‘An Act to provide for the fifteenth and subsequent decennial censuses and to provide for an apportionment of Representatives in Congress’ is amended to reference the John Tanner and Jim Cooper Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act.

What does INDEPENDENT REDISTRICTING COMMISSION. of John Tanner and Jim Cooper Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act do?

This section establishes requirements for independent redistricting commissions in each state. Each state must appoint a commission composed of members from both the upper and lower houses of the state legislature, representing the two largest political parties. Commission members must be registered voters with no recent involvement in political campaigns or parties. The commission chair is appointed by a majority vote of the other members. The commission must develop a redistricting plan adhering to the 'one person, one vote' standard and other constitutional requirements. The plan must prioritize geographic continuity of political subdivisions and maintain compact districts. The commission is prohibited from considering voting history, political party affiliation, or the residence of incumbent representatives. The commission must solicit and consider public input through meetings and an internet site. The plan must be submitted to the state legislature for approval, with a special rule for states where the chief executive cannot act on the plan. The commission terminates after the first regularly scheduled federal election following the state apportionment notice.

What does SELECTION OF PLAN BY COURTS. of John Tanner and Jim Cooper Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act do?

If a state's independent redistricting commission fails to enact a plan by a specified date, the commission may submit plans to the state's highest court for selection. The state's highest court selecting a plan cannot modify it. If the state court fails to select a plan by a specified date, the state must notify the U.S. district court. The U.S. district court must then develop and publish a redistricting plan within 30 days. If a state fails to establish an independent redistricting commission by a specified date, the U.S. district court must develop and publish a redistricting plan. A state is considered to have failed to establish a commission if a chair has not been appointed by a specified date. District courts developing plans should adhere to the same terms and conditions as the commission under section 4(b). Courts required to select or develop a redistricting plan have access to the commission's information and records.

What does SPECIAL RULE FOR REDISTRICTING CONDUCTED UNDER ORDER OF FEDERAL of John Tanner and Jim Cooper Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act do?

This section establishes a special rule for redistricting conducted under order of a Federal court following an apportionment of Representatives. Sections 4 and 5 apply to this redistricting, but with modified deadlines. The deadline for establishing an independent redistricting commission is 30 days from the Federal court's final order. The deadline for the commission to submit plans to the legislature and for the commission's termination is 150 days from the Federal court's final order. The deadline for the highest court of the State to select and publish a plan is 180 days from the Federal court's final order. The deadline for a district court of the United States to select and publish a plan is 210 days from the Federal court's final order.

What does PAYMENTS TO STATES FOR CARRYING OUT REDISTRICTING. of John Tanner and Jim Cooper Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act do?

This section authorizes payments to states for carrying out congressional redistricting. Payments are made by the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) within 30 days of a state receiving a State apportionment notice. The payment amount is calculated by multiplying the number of Representatives a state is entitled to by $150,000. States must use these funds to establish and operate an independent redistricting commission, implement the redistricting plan, and carry out redistricting. Payments are not made to states with only one Representative. The EAC cannot make a payment until the state certifies the establishment of an independent redistricting commission and the appointment of a chair, as outlined in section 4. Necessary sums are authorized to be appropriated for these payments.

What does STATE APPORTIONMENT NOTICE DEFINED. of John Tanner and Jim Cooper Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act do?

This section defines 'State apportionment notice' within the context of this Act. The definition refers to a notice sent to a State by the Clerk of the House of Representatives. This notice pertains to the number of Representatives to which the State is entitled.

What does NO EFFECT ON ELECTIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL OFFICE. of John Tanner and Jim Cooper Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act do?

This section states that the Act does not affect how a State conducts elections for State or local office. The Act also does not affect the process by which a State establishes districts used in such elections.

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John Tanner and Jim Cooper Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act

Q: What does Preamble of John Tanner and Jim Cooper Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act do?

This bill aims to limit states to a single congressional redistricting following each decennial census and apportionment. It proposes requiring states to conduct congressional redistricting through independent commissions. The bill's stated purpose is to prohibit multiple redistricting actions and mandate the use of independent commissions.

Last updated: 9/17/2025 · Introduced: 9/17/2025

Author: Steve Cohen (D-TN)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill limits states to a single congressional redistricting after each census, preventing repeated redistricting efforts unless ordered by a court.
It mandates that congressional redistricting be conducted by independent commissions, composed of members from both political parties and subject to specific eligibility requirements.
If an independent commission fails to produce a redistricting plan, the state's highest court or a U.S. district court will select or develop a plan.
The bill provides financial assistance to states, up to $150,000 per congressional representative, to establish and operate independent redistricting commissions.
This legislation applies to congressional redistricting events following the 2030 census and does not affect state or local elections.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 4358(In Committee)Official page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title; finding of constitutional authority., and 9 more.

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