Senate OKs Wolk coauthored redistricting reform

Bill for independent redistricting process moves to Assembly

SACRAMENTO–Redistricting reform legislation coauthored by Assemblywoman Lois Wolk (D-Davis) passed from the state Senate today on a bipartisan 27-11 vote.

“I commend the Senate for approving this measure,” said Wolk, who has worked with Senator Alan Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) on redistricting legislation for the past three years. “Independent redistricting should produce more competitive elections and a more representative Legislature. We need that in California.”

Senate Constitutional Amendment 3 makes a number of changes to the redistricting process, most notably creating an independent citizens commission to redraw legislative and congressional districts. The bill also grants the California Supreme Court original and exclusive jurisdiction over all challenges to a redistricting plan adopted by the Commission.

The measure was introduced in response to concerns that recent redistricting by the Legislature has created non-competitive district drawn to favor the extremes in each party.

“Today we moved closer to a less polarized, more efficient, and more transparent legislature. I look forward to working to pass the bill in the Assembly, and send it to the Governor for his signature, and ultimately to the voters for their approval,” concluded Wolk.

SCA 3, which amends the state constitution, now moves the Assembly floor, where it must earn a two-thirds majority vote before being put to the voters for approval.