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In rare move, Pennsylvania Supreme Court orders live broadcast of redistricting hearing
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HARRISBURG -- The Pennsylvania Supreme Court announced it will hear arguments Sept. 13 on the state mapmakers' second attempt at a new set of legislative boundaries.
The hearings will be aired live on the Pennsylvania Cable Network for the second time in the history of the court.
January's hearing over an earlier redistricting proposal was the first time the court allowed PCN to broadcast its proceedings live. In a January press release, the court said the decision would have a significant effect on the Commonwealth and therefore should be accessible to the general public.
Legislative districts for the state House and Senate must be drawn once every decade to account for population shifts in the state. The boundaries are approved by a five-member, bipartisan commission.
The court overturned the first legislative redistricting proposal, citing excessive political divisions in House and Senate districts. It was the first time in the commission's history the court rebuked its maps.
A dozen challenges have been filed against the latest maps, including two filed by plaintiffs whose cases helped overturn the first plan.
The hearing is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. in the Philadelphia City Hall courtroom. Observers are admitted on a first-come, first-serve basis.
First Published August 6, 2012 4:15 pm
