But there are differences in how that is applied for Congressional districts and for legislative districts, plus court decisions have established protections for minority-controlled districts. U.S. House Districts within each state must have populations exactly the same and protect voting rights of minorities. Secondary standards set by law pertain to contiguous areas, preservation of county lines, breaking municipal lines, compactness and other factors. Another public act gives exclusive jurisdiction to hear Congressional reapportionment cases to the state Supreme Court. A new 1999 law requires plans to be based on the actual count, rather than on U.S. Census Bureau sampling designed to correct for undercounts or overcounts.
Similar provisions are in place for county boards of commissioners and county charter commissions.
Earliest Date for Census Data Delivery. Federal Deadline for Delivery of Census Data. State deadline for Legislature to adopt plans for U.S. House, Legislature and Court of Appeals. Beginning date for lawsuits to be filed if Legislature fails to adopt plans. State deadline for Supreme Court to hold hearing on proposed U.S. House plans it will consider.