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119-hr-10089119th Congress

Representation Act

Sponsored By: Representative Gallagher, James [R-CA-1]

Introduced

Summary

Requires states to identify and protect "communities of interest" when drawing congressional districts. This bill would make states map, document, and publicly consider local communities of interest and bar splitting them across districts except for narrow, specified reasons; it would also create private enforcement and direct the Election Assistance Commission to support COI mapping.

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  • States and redistricting officials would need to identify, document, and publicly consider communities of interest before drawing congressional districts and could not divide a COI across multiple districts unless a limited set of justifications applies.
  • Residents in named communities would see stronger protections aimed at keeping their community intact inside a single congressional district and more transparency about how lines are drawn.
  • Voters and advocacy groups would get a private right to sue to enforce the COI rules, giving them a direct way to challenge maps they say split communities.
  • The Election Assistance Commission would be tasked with providing technical support and resources for COI mapping to help states and the public.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Federal mapping tools for states

If enacted, the bill would direct the Election Assistance Commission to develop and make available standards and mapping tools for States to identify communities of interest. States and outside groups that help with mapping could use these standards and tools for congressional redistricting. The provision would take effect upon enactment.

Protecting local communities in redistricting

If enacted, State redistricting agencies would have to identify and document communities of interest before drawing congressional maps. Residents could submit proposed communities and the agency would have to publish each proposal and consider adding it. The bill would define "community of interest" and bar splitting a documented community across districts except to equalize population, follow the Voting Rights Act, or to preserve another whole community. If a documented community is split, the agency would have to publish a written justification when the plan is finalized. Residents of affected communities would be able to sue in federal court to challenge splits or a failure to consider proposals and to seek orders or explanations.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Gallagher, James [R-CA-1]

CA • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Kiley, Kevin [I-CA-3]

    CA • I

    Sponsored 8/20/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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