INDIANA NEWS SERVICE - Indiana lawmakers advanced a House bill Monday which would let the state redraw district boundaries outside the usual 10-year census cycle.
The Senate committee vote marks the first stage in a charged debate over mid-cycle redistricting. About 80 Hoosiers testified before the panel against the idea while about 20 spoke in favor. The mood in the hearing room grew tense at times.
Carolyn Higginbotham, a resident of Marion County, warned mid-cycle redistricting would risk unfair political manipulation and erode public trust.
"We want our leaders to focus on the issues that really matter to us, issues like housing, education and health care," Higginbotham outlined. "I know you're feeling a lot of pressure to do the bidding of Washington. Some of you have received threats against you and your families."
Critics argued the change would reward the party in power and penalize communities of interest. The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration.
Supporters said the measure would help suburban areas where population grew quickly since 2020.
Michael Morris, a member of Lafayette Citizens in Action, spoke in support of the measure.
"It's time for Republicans to take a page from our friends' playbook, and even though we're only now catching up, do the same," Morris urged. "Senators, I urge you not to just merely be in office, but to be in power and to use that power to save our federal republic."
Supporters argued representation must match current reality, not outdated census data. If the bill becomes law, Indiana will join a small number of states open to mid-decade redrawing. Critics vowed court challenges. The stage is now set for a full Senate showdown.
Joe Ulery wrote this article.