# Plain Language Summary: Redistricting Transparency Act of 2021

Every ten years after the census, states redraw the boundaries of their congressional districts to account for population changes. This bill requires states to do that redistricting process in a much more open and public way. Instead of politicians or officials quietly drawing new district lines behind closed doors, states would have to let regular people know what's happening and give them chances to weigh in before final decisions are made.

Here's what the bill actually requires states to do: First, each state must create and maintain a public website dedicated to redistricting. This site needs to be updated constantly with meeting notices, census data, voting information, and maps. Anyone can submit comments on the website, and those comments have to be posted within 72 hours. Second, before officials even start drawing district lines, they must hold at least one public hearing where people can suggest what criteria should be used—things like whether districts should be compact, follow county lines, or protect minority voting rights. Third, once officials propose their final redistricting plan, they have to post it online and in newspapers, then hold another public hearing at least a week before officially adopting it. People get that week to submit feedback. Finally, after the plan is officially adopted, the state must publish the final version with detailed information about each district's population, race, and voter registration numbers.

The practical effect is that redistricting becomes a public process instead of a private one. Ordinary citizens, community groups, and advocacy organizations would have real opportunities to see proposals early and argue for changes before decisions are locked in. The bill doesn't prevent states from using their own procedures or making their own choices about district boundaries—it just requires transparency and public participation along the way. This applies only to congressional districts, not to state or local redistricting. The requirements kick in after the 2020 census, so they would first apply to redistricting that happens in 2021 and beyond.

Redistricting Transparency Act of 2021

Cooper, Jim

Redistricting Transparency Act of 2021 This bill requires state redistricting entities to publish information regarding redistricting plans, both before and after adoption of a redistricting plan. The required information includes (1) maps of the congressional districts; (2) the composition of the districts by race, language minority group, and political party; (3) an explanation of the entity's reasoning for adopting the plan; and (4) any dissenting statements of the entity's members. Further, each state redistricting entity must maintain a website that provides redistricting plan information, meeting notices, and census data. The website must also allow individuals to submit comments and information.