Representation Act

The bill mandates that states identify and document communities of interest (COIs) before undertaking congressional redistricting, and also requires them to accept, publish, and consider COIs submitted by residents. A core provision prohibits the division of documented COIs into multiple congressional districts. This prohibition has exceptions, including ensuring substantially equal populations , complying with the Voting Rights Act of 1965 , or preserving another community of interest. To ensure transparency, states must publicly justify any division of a COI, providing a detailed explanation if the division was made to prioritize another community. The bill also establishes causes of action, allowing individuals to sue in federal court if a documented COI is improperly divided or if a proposed COI is not adequately considered. The Election Assistance Commission is tasked with developing standards and tools for mapping these COIs, which are defined as geographically connected populations with shared cultural, historical, economic, or social characteristics.