DOVER, Delaware — The state Senate has approved a bill taking direct control of legislative redistricting away from the General Assembly.
The bill, which was approved 13-7 on Thursday and now goes to the House, calls for an 11-member appointed commission to redraw districts every 10 years.
Republican and Democratic leaders in the House and Senate would appoint 10 commission members, who would then select a chairman.
Elected officials could not serve on the commission, nor could anyone who worked as a lobbyist during the prior year or held elective office in the prior two years.
Senate leader Patty Blevins, the bill's chief sponsor, said the change would make redistricting a public process rather than one done in secret.
The Senate approved a similar bill last year, but it died in the House.
