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...
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