On Tuesday, September 21, the Arkansas General Assembly began to hear proposals for future congressional district maps for Arkansas. This process is required following the latest census data and related population changes. A series of joint hearings of the House and Senate State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee will hear multiple proposals for future maps of congressional districts.
Much of the hearing focused on where to place counties with substantial row crop production. Some witnesses from southeast Arkansas urged the legislature to combine row crop counties into the First District, while some legislators questioned that thinking by noting value in having more members of congress with row crop production in their districts so as to have more representation in Washington.
A second hearing on the matter was held on September 23rd where additional proposed maps were considered. Additional proposed maps and hearings on various proposals are expected in the coming days with the next being Monday, September 27th. The General Assembly is expected to begin the legislative process of approving updated maps next Wednesday.
More below:
https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2021/sep/21/redistrict-bills-focus-on-farm-counties/
https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Calendars/Attachment?committee=500&agenda=4763&file=HB+1959+Maps.pdf
https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Calendars/Attachment?committee=500&agenda=4763&file=HB+1960+Maps.pdf
https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Calendars/Attachment?committee=500&agenda=4763&file=HB+1961+Maps.pdf
https://www.pressreader.com/usa/arkansas-democrat-gazette/20210923/281492164461424