JEFFERSON CITY — Senator Bob Dixon, R-Springfield, recently prefiled Senate Joint Resolution 39, a proposed constitutional amendment to increase transparency and clarity in legislative redistricting and close loopholes in the current process. It would also remove state judges from direct participation in the drawing of new legislative boundaries.

“The right of representation is an important issue. Every redistricting cycle exposes new flaws in the process and even greater uncertainty,” stated Sen. Dixon. “The people have a right to be confident that redistricting will operate effectively. This proposed amendment will remove unnecessary elements and promote clarity, accountability, and transparency.”

SJR 39 provides clear, consistent constitutional rules. In addition to removing appellate judges from the process and other changes, it would: 

• Make clear that the state’s Sunshine Law applies to redistricting commissions;
• Eliminate a loophole allowing commissioners to serve in the General Assembly;
• Strengthen conflict of interest provisions;
• Require written justification for the swapping of district numbers; and
• Provide a clear mechanism to fill vacancies on the commissions.

“Too often, redistricting by judges has become the default, not the emergency measure it was meant to be,” said Sen. Dixon. “Every 10 years, the best interests of the people require those judges to be on the bench, not drawing maps. Pulling them into this political thicket threatens to undermine public confidence in judicial independence and impartiality.”  

Since 1945, the Missouri Constitution has required bipartisan commissions to redraw the boundaries of the state Senate districts every 10 years, based on population shifts. In 1966, the same procedure was put in place for House districts. If either a Senate or House commission fails to adopt a plan, the responsibility falls to a commission of six appellate judges, appointed by the Missouri Supreme Court. In practice, past Supreme Courts have appointed a single commission to draw Senate and House districts, rather than two separate commissions. Since 1971, Senate commissions have failed to adopt plans four out of six times; House commissions, three out of five times. The last time this occured, the new Senate maps prepared by the judicial commission were thrown out as unconstitutional, making it necessary for a second bipartisan commission to be appointed.            

For more information on SJR 39 and other legislation sponsored by Sen. Dixon, visit www.senate.mo.gov/dixon and click on the Legislation tab.