ALL NEWS

Future of gerrymandering reform bill is unknown, proponents say

Feb 21, 2020, 5:01 PM

utah capitol...

(Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Utah’s legislature may be looking to repeal the effects of gerrymandering reform in the state, according to proponent group Better Boundaries.

The reform bill, Proposition 4, was passed in the general election of November 2018 with a majority vote of 50.3% in favor and 49.7% against. However, proponents report it’s likely the bill is under threat of repeal.

“This is the literal definition of the fox guarding the henhouse,” said Jeff Wright, GOP co-chair of Better Boundaries. “If the Utah legislature eliminates the core principles of gerrymandering reform, they are missing the point. It’s critical we have an independent commission and a legislature that is required to follow the same ground rules as were decided statewide in 2018.”

What Prop. 4 means for gerrymandering reform

Prop. 4 created the Utah Independent Redistricting Commission, prohibiting both the commission and the Utah Legislature from engaging in partisan gerrymandering and incumbent protection.

The commission is comprised of seven members: a commission chair appointed by the governor, two Republican and two Democrat commissioners appointed by their respective parties, and two unaffiliated commissioners.

The commission states it would intend to “follow common-sense rules” to avoid gerrymandering, acting in a transparent manner. This transparency would be accomplished by allowing the public to submit drawn boundaries on maps for the commission to consider.

Proponent groups worried about possible repeal

However, the group Better Boundaries — which is a proponent of Prop. 4 — says GOP leadership is likely to reject the cores of the gerrymandering reform bill, repealing it altogether, according to a press release sent out Friday.

The group argues the proposition creates a process that keeps lawmakers accountable and strengthens democracy. Better Boundaries reports they met with lawmakers during the 2019 general session to convince them not to repeal the bill, according to the press release.

“After extended discussions over two sessions, it now appears the legislature is dead set on repeal, as they have been unwilling to accept any compromise that preserves Prop 4’s ban on partisan and incumbent-protection gerrymandering,” said Rebecca Chavez-Houck, Executive Director of Protect Better Boundaries, in a press release. “From our discussions with legislative leadership, they are insisting that the law must be changed so that the independent redistricting commission is permitted to recommend gerrymandered maps to the legislature.”

Lawmakers say amendment won’t repeal bill

The sponsor of the bill, Sen. Curtis Bramble, says the bill isn’t necessarily up for repeal. However, he said the proposition presented several provisions that are questionably constitutional.

“So, we began negotiating with Better Boundaries a little over a year ago to see if we can come to a common ground on maintaining a redistricting commission and eliminating those provisions that created constitutional concerns,” Bramble said during a public Utah Senate media meeting.

One of those concerns, Bramble said, was implementing language that doesn’t have set definitions — arguing it makes it difficult for lawmakers to defend their intentions behind supporting the bill.

“We didn’t want […] to require [the commission] to adhere to terms that don’t have a clear definition and are not quantifiable,” he said.

These terms include “gerrymandering” and “incumbent protection” — which Bramble says can’t be universally defined among lawmakers.

Under the amendments of the proposition, Bramble said the Utah Independent Redistricting Commission can choose its own standards for drawing boundaries because of its independence. However, those standards can’t be mandated in the state statute.

They said that while they aren’t set on repealing the reform bill, the option is still on the table. This is because someone could offer a substitute amendment that repeals the entire bill, which could be voted on if there isn’t a consensus, Bramble said.

“There is no repeal,” Bramble said. “We are modifying the statute for the Independent Redistricting Commission.”

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

All News

A 21-year-old man received "serious burns" after being shocked while working on fiber optic cables ...

Roy Burton

Man hospitalized with ‘serious burns’ after electric shock in Box Elder County

A 21-year-old man received "serious burns" after being shocked while working on fiber optic cables on telephone poles.

4 minutes ago

Salt Lake Police Department are investigating a crash between a motorcycle and SUV, that led to cri...

Emma Keddington

Critical injury crash reported between motorcycle and SUV Downtown

SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake Police Department is investigating a crash in Central City, involving a motorcyclist and an SUV,  causing critical injuries to the motorcyclist.  The crash, taking place in a neighborhood around 350 South and 200 East, was reported at around 5:25 p.m. Monday, March 18.  The-28-year old motorcyclist was taken to […]

1 hour ago

cricket ball, cricket in us...

Jeff Caplan

Jeff Caplan’s Minute of News: The rise of cricket in the US

It’s not enough that we’re obsessed with Kate Middleton, but now the US is apparently embracing another British sport, cricket.

2 hours ago

A Logan police cruiser is pictured outside the department on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019....

Jessica Lowell

Logan Police Department releases new arrest details

Logan Police Department said former officer Carlos Cubias has been part of a year long internal investigation after being accused of sexual abuse.

3 hours ago

tulips at tulip festival, spring in utah starts tomorrow...

Alexandrea Bonilla

Spring expected to be warmer this year in Utah and nationwide

Spring in Utah starts on March 19, with temperatures expected to be in the 60s for the Wasatch Front.

4 hours ago

tooele health department sign, the department is investigating counterfeit car seat cases...

Alex Cabrero, KSL TV

Four ways to figure out if you have a counterfeit car seat

The Tooele County Health Department says the registration card is one of the four most important things you can do to check for a counterfeit car seat.

5 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Future of gerrymandering reform bill is unknown, proponents say