A Senate Committee approves a constitutional amendment expanding the size of the State Supreme Court from seven justices to nine.
Bill author and Covington Senator Patrick McMath said the current makeup of State Supreme Court districts is not representative of the state’s population distribution.
“The largest district right now is about 75 percent larger in population than the smallest district,” said McMath.
The bill also calls for a redistricting of the State Supreme Court to be conducted after every census.
“Our current Supreme Court districts have been redistricted I think once in the last 80 years and this bill would fix that problem,” said McMath.
If approved by voters the new redistricting would have to receive a 2/3rds vote in the Legislature and the Governor’s approval to be implemented. The amendment would become effective in 2025.
Democratic Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau had some concerns, mainly that he’s heard complaints it could be used to pack the courts creating a 7-2 majority for one party. Fellow Democrat and New Orleans Senator Jimmy Harris, a co-author, gave his word that wouldn’t happen and said he’s had extensive discussions with McMath who assured him it would not happen.
“I think we have an opportunity to draw fair districts with this legislation to where the court is not packed either way,” said Harris.
The legislation heads to the Senate floor.
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