The Utah House of Representatives passed a bill redrawing the state’s congressional maps Tuesday afternoon. The House approved House Bill 2004 with a vote of 50 to 22, sending it to the senate.The redistricting process, which happens once a decade, has attracted a lot of public criticism over how the new borders have been drawn, especially the fact that Salt Lake County was split into four parts. Utahns are also frustrated that lawmakers didn’t adopt any maps proposed by the Utah Independent Redistricting Commission.
Rep. Brian King (D-Salt Lake City), the minority leader, says he is disappointed the commission’s maps were not adopted. He says the House’s actions “ignored and disrespected the will of the people.”
On the other hand, Rep. Mike Schultz (R-Hooper), who was elected as House majority leader Tuesday morning, says he feels the committee did “a great job in keeping communities of interest together.”
During this special session, lawmakers still need to approve maps redrawing boundaries for state Senate, House and school board districts.
