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AJC.com > Legislature > Georgia Beat > Archives > 2005 > February > 25 > Entry
Redrawn Congressional districts won’t be ‘bizarre shapes,’ says Senate
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Senate Democrats were today unable to amend a measure changing the state’s Congressional voting districts.
Sen. Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock), chairman of the reapportionment committee, introduced Senate Resolution 166, which would set guidelines for redrawing the state’s 13 Congressional districts.
The resolution passed by a vote of 36-16.
The bill reads that, “all districts shall be compact in form. Bizarre shapes shall be avoided.” It also mandates districts be composed of contiguous territory and that districts should divide as few counties and recognized political boundaries as possible.
Sen. Doug Stoner (D-Smyrna) offered an amendment, which would establish an independent commission to review redistricting plans. The commission would have to approve any map by three-fourths of the members. It failed 32-20. Stoner proposed a second amendment, which sought to stop any redistricting efforts prior to 2011. The measure also failed 32-20.
The Senate also voted 48-1 in favor of a bill introduced by Sen. Joseph Carter (R-Tifton) that would prohibit smoking on school buses and vans. The Senate approved an amendment that clarifies the bill does not apply to the personal vehicles of teachers and staff.
The Senate adjourned until 1 p.m. Wednesday.
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