John Tanner Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act

12/31/2022, 5:08 AM

Summary of Bill HR 4307

Bill 117 HR 4307, also known as the John Tanner Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act, aims to address the issue of gerrymandering in the United States. Gerrymandering is the practice of manipulating the boundaries of electoral districts in order to favor one political party over another.

The bill proposes to establish independent redistricting commissions in each state to draw congressional district boundaries. These commissions would be made up of individuals who are not affiliated with any political party and who are selected through a transparent and non-partisan process.

The goal of the John Tanner Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act is to ensure that congressional districts are drawn in a fair and impartial manner, without regard to political considerations. By removing the influence of political parties from the redistricting process, the bill aims to create more competitive elections and increase voter participation. Supporters of the bill argue that gerrymandering undermines the democratic process by allowing politicians to choose their voters, rather than the other way around. They believe that independent redistricting commissions will help to restore fairness and integrity to the electoral system. Opponents of the bill, however, argue that it could lead to unintended consequences and may not effectively address the issue of gerrymandering. They believe that the redistricting process should remain in the hands of elected officials, who are accountable to the voters. Overall, the John Tanner Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act is a bipartisan effort to reform the redistricting process and promote fairness in elections. It remains to be seen whether the bill will garner enough support to pass through Congress and become law.

Congressional Summary of HR 4307

John Tanner Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act

This bill establishes requirements regarding congressional redistricting, including that redistricting plans must be developed by an independent redistricting commission.

A state that has been redistricted after an apportionment of Representatives may not be redistricted again until after the next apportionment, unless the state is ordered by a court to conduct a subsequent redistricting in order to comply with the Constitution or enforce the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Each state must establish an independent redistricting commission to develop redistricting plans that meet specified criteria. If such a plan is not enacted into law, a state's highest court may select a plan developed by the state's commission. If the state court does not select a plan, a U.S. district court must develop a plan.

The Election Assistance Commission must make payments to states to carry out redistricting.

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Current Status of Bill HR 4307

Bill HR 4307 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since July 1, 2021. Bill HR 4307 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on July 1, 2021.  Bill HR 4307's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties. as of November 1, 2022

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 4307

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
0
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 4307

Primary Policy Focus

Congress

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 4307

To prohibit States from carrying out more than one Congressional redistricting after a decennial census and apportionment, to require States to conduct such redistricting through independent commissions, and for other purposes.John Tanner Fairness and Independence in Redistricting ActJohn Tanner Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act
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Comments

Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 4307

R
Steve Cohen
Tennessee(Democrat)

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