House Republicans file bill that would require release of redistricting plan to public, press before vote could be taken

Two House Republicans have filed a bill for the 2012 Legislative Session that if passed would require any proposed legislation dealing with redistricting for state and Congressional districts be released to the public and press five days before a vote could be taken in the General Assembly.  House Bill 460’s primary sponsors are Representative Jill York, R-Grayson, and Representative C.B. Embry, Jr., R-Morgantown.

“This year’s redistricting fiasco, which has dominated much of our session and wasted thousands of dollars in taxpayer money, is proof positive that we need real change in how we handle drawing new boundaries,” said Rep. York.  “It is time that we shine the light on this issue and make sure all Kentuckians have plenty of time to review any future redistricting proposals before we as a legislative body cast our ballots.”

“It is important that we as legislators do all we can to build trust among those who choose us to represent them,” added Rep. Embry.  “I’m proud to be a co-sponsor of House Bill 460 and hope that future redrawing of district boundaries is more open and inclusive to all interested parties.”

The proposal would cover any and all proposals regarding redistricting, including any committee amendment, committee substitute, floor amendment, conference committee report, or free conference committee report, and any bill containing redistricting plans and maps under the five day requirement spelled out in the bill.

House Bill 460, which was introduced in the Kentucky House of Representatives on February 24, can be viewed at the following link: http://www.lrc.ky.gov/record/12rs/HB460.htm.