Title
Consider a position on three pieces of federal legislation that would remove or inhibit the ability of states to redistrict, nationwide, for midterm elections. (ADDED VIA ADDENDA)
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Consider adopting a position on three federal bills: H.R. 5449, S. 2885, and H.R. 4889.
SUMMARY:
Federal bills were introduced recently (September 18, 2025) by Senator Padilla (D-CA), Representative Lofgren (D-CA), and Representative Kiley (D-CA), which would inhibit the ability for midterm/mid-decade redistricting nationwide.
1. H.R. 5449 - To require congressional redistricting conducted by a State per a redistricting plan developed and enacted into law by an independent redistricting commission established by the State, and for other purposes. Introduced by Rep. Lofgren [D-CA].
(See attachment A for links to the federal bill and the press release)
2. S.2885 - A bill to require congressional redistricting conducted by a State in accordance with a redistricting plan developed and enacted into law by an independent redistricting commission established by the State, and for other purposes. Introduced by Sen. Padilla [D-CA]. (See attachment A for links to the federal bill and the press release)
3. H.R. 4889 - To prohibit States from carrying out more than one Congressional redistricting after a decennial census and apportionment. Introduced by Rep. Kiley [D-CA]. (See attachment A for links to the federal bill and the press release)
If either of these three bills pass, it would negate Texas’s, California’s, and other states’ ability to redistrict before the midterms, thus negating Proposition 50's ability to proceed.
DISCUSSION:
The California legislature passed measures to temporarily require new congressional district maps this legislative session. Proposition 50 authorizes the state to use a new congressional district map, which would be used to elect members of the U.S. House of Representatives from 2026 through 2030.
At the September 19, 2025, Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board voted to support Proposition 50 (4-0-1).
Notably, Proposition 50's purpose is to nullify redistricting in Texas, which is consistent with supporting the three federally proposed bills.
Due to the urgency clauses within the three federal bills and the timeline of the Legislative Committee, these bills have not been discussed at the Legislative Committee. They are being considered at the recommendation of the County Administrative Officer (CAO) for the full board. The chair of the Legislative Committee, Supervisor Church, approved this action. At the September 19, 2025, Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) meeting, for which Chair Lopez was in attendance, it was recommended by RCRC that counties consider supporting these three federal bills.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
On September 19, 2025, the Board of Supervisors voted to support Proposition 50 (4-0-1).
FINANCING:
This action has no financial impact on the General Fund.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
Recommendations in this report could potentially impact every area of the Board’s Strategic Goals.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals:
X Well-Being and Quality of Life
X Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
X Safe and Resilient Communities
X Diverse and Thriving Economy
If it does not fall under any of the above Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals (Other):
____ Administrative
Prepared by: Nicole Hollingsworth, Legislative Program Manager
Approved by: Nicholas E. Chiulos, Chief Assistant CAO, x5145
A - Links to federal bills and press releases