SB 204

Abstract

Redistricting; role of Supreme Court of Virginia. Directs the Supreme Court of Virginia to enact rules and proceduresfor implementing the constitutional requirement that the Court establishcongressional or state legislative districts in the event districts fail to be enacted. The rules and procedures enacted by the Courtare required to allow public participation in the Court's redistrictingdeliberations, to provide for the Division of Legislative Servicesto provide staff support and technical assistance to the Court, andto ensure districts established by the Court adhere to constitutional and statutory criteria. The bill directs the Court to appoint aspecial master to assist in the establishment of districts and authorizesthe Court to adjust the date of the primary election and various related deadlines as may be necessary to allow for the establishmentof districts. The bill has a contingent effective date of November15, 2020, provided that the voters approve the amendments to ArticleII of the Constitution of Virginia, amending Section 6 and adding Section 6-A, at the November 2020 general election.