The John Tanner and Jim Cooper Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act aims to reform Congressional redistricting processes across states. Its primary purpose is to prohibit states from carrying out more than one Congressional redistricting after a decennial census and apportionment, unless a court specifically requires subsequent redistricting to comply with the Constitution or the Voting Rights Act. Furthermore, the bill mandates that all Congressional redistricting be conducted through independent commissions, or by the highest state court or a federal district court if a commission's plan is not enacted. These independent redistricting commissions are to be composed of a chair appointed by other members and an equal number of members appointed by legislative leaders from the two largest political parties. Members must meet strict eligibility requirements, including being registered voters and having no recent history of holding public office or working for political parties, ensuring their independence. The commissions are required to operate transparently, holding public meetings and maintaining an internet site that provides data, allows public input, and enables individuals to design and submit their own redistricting plans. When developing redistricting plans, commissions must adhere to criteria such as the "one person, one vote" standard , compliance with the Voting Rights Act , geographic continuity of political subdivisions, and district compactness and contiguity. Crucially, they are prohibited from considering factors like the voting history or political party affiliation of a district's population, or the residence of incumbent Members, except as necessary for Voting Rights Act compliance or state-mandated competitive districts. Plans developed by commissions are submitted to state legislatures for approval without amendment, with provisions for court selection or development if a plan is not enacted. The bill also authorizes the Election Assistance Commission to provide payments to states to help establish and operate these independent redistricting commissions and implement their plans, with funding contingent on the state establishing a commission. This Act and its amendments will apply to Congressional redistricting occurring after the 2030 decennial census, and it explicitly states that it does not affect how states conduct elections for state or local offices.