DOVER, Del. (AP)- Delaware's state Senate has passed a bill to take direct control of the legislative redistricting process out of the hands of the General Assembly.
The bill approved Thursday calls for the creation of an 11-member commission to redraw the lines for Delaware's state Senate and House districts every 10 years. Ten members would be appointed by Republican and Democratic leaders in the House and Senate. They would then select a nonvoting chairman.
Elected officials could not serve on the commission, nor could anyone who worked as a registered lobbyist within a year prior to appointment or held elective office within two years of appointment.
Elsmere Democrat Patty Blevins, the chief Senate sponsor, said the commission would be subject to the Freedom of Information Act, ensuring transparency in the redistricting process.
