SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 68

(By Senators Trump, Weld, Beach, Maynard, Romano, Azinger, Rucker, Ojeda, Karnes, Cline, Jeffries, Smith, Swope, Baldwin, Clements, Woelfel, and Ferns )

[Originating in the Committee on the Judiciary;
Reported March 9, 2018]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study the potential creation of a nonpartisan commission tasked with planning and mapping state legislative election districts, to be enacted by the Legislature, following the United States Census in 2020.

Whereas, The right to vote and the fair representation of citizens by their elected officials is fundamental to West Virginia’s founding principles; and

Whereas, Election districts that reflect partisan interests undermine the basic tenets of healthy democracy, including fair representation and government accountability; and

Whereas, Redistricting procedures in this state should be reformed to ensure a system of representative politics; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is requested to study the potential creation of a nonpartisan commission tasked with planning and mapping state legislative election districts, to be enacted by the Legislature, following the United States Census in 2020; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2019, on its findings, conclusions, and other recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, prepare a report, and draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.