Redistricting changes proposed

BOISE – When drawing new legislative and congressional districts in Idaho, it no longer would be illegal to create “oddly shaped” districts or to divide counties “to protect a particular party or a particular incumbent” under legislation introduced Monday.

SB1448, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem Bob Geddes, R-Soda Springs, proposes a series of changes in Idaho’s reapportionment system, in which an independent citizens commission draws new districts.

The bill also would make various changes in the membership of the reapportionment commission, which Geddes said would “provide a better balance throughout the state of Idaho” and “make the pool a little larger.”

The Senate State Affairs Committee agreed to introduce the bill, but Senate Minority Leader Clint Stennett, D-Ketchum, warned that he has serious concerns about several of its provisions.