119-HR-4889 Journalist Public Summary
119 · HR 4889 To prohibit States from carrying out more than one Congressional redistricting after a decennial census and apportionment.
H.R. 4889 would allow each state to draw its U.S. House map only once per decade after the census—unless a court orders a change—aiming to curb mid-decade “re-redistricting”; it was introduced on August 5, 2025, and a discharge petition to force a House vote was filed on May 12, 2026.
Public Summary — 119-HR-4889
Headline Summary: A one-map-per-decade rule for U.S. House districts, with exceptions only for court-ordered fixes.
What It Does: The bill bars states from redrawing their congressional districts more than once after each 10‑year census and apportionment. If a court says a map violates the Constitution or the Voting Rights Act, the state can redraw to comply. The change would apply to redistricting done after the November 2024 election. It does not touch how states draw lines for their own legislatures or local offices.
- Who’s For It: Introduced by Rep. Kevin Kiley (R‑CA). Supporters say a single redistricting per decade creates stability for voters and candidates and reduces political “do‑overs” that can happen mid‑cycle.
- Supporter arguments: Limits gamesmanship, sets a clear national standard, and leaves room for court‑ordered corrections when rights are violated.
- Who’s Against It: Opponents argue states—not Congress—should control how often maps are redrawn, and that federal limits could lock in flawed or outdated maps until the next census (except when courts intervene).
- Opponent arguments: Federal overreach into state election administration; existing court processes already police illegal maps without a new federal prohibition.
What’s Next: The bill was referred to the House Judiciary Committee on August 5, 2025. A discharge petition was filed on May 12, 2026, an effort to bring the bill to the House floor without committee approval. For that to work, a majority of House members must sign the petition; otherwise, the bill remains in committee.
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