Friday at the Montana Legislature, lawmakers hear a bill that would change how state legislative districts are drawn.Currently, there's a five-person board that creates new state districts every 10 years, depending largely on population. The board is made up of two Democrats and two Republicans, who must pick a fifth member. If they can’t agree on that person, the state Supreme Court picks them.
The bill’s Sponsor, Republican Representative Jeff Essmann, says House Bill 566 cuts the Supreme Court out of the picture.
"It gives an improper incentive for people to participate in Supreme Court races in order to affect the redistricting commissions."
Opponents have argued these four members would never be able to pick a fifth member, and a redistricting deadlock could occur, in which case, the federal government may have to step in.
The bill is a constitutional amendment and would require a ? vote from both houses in order to go on the ballot next November.