Hogan proposes nonpartisan panel for redistricting

(AP) – Gov. Larry Hogan is proposing a constitutional amendment to take politics out of how congressional districts are drawn.

Hogan, a Republican, introduced a bill Tuesday to make the change. It would take a three-fifths vote by the House and Senate, and then a majority vote by Maryland voters.
    
Now, the shaping of Maryland’s legislative districts is largely in the hands of the governor, who submits a proposed map to the General Assembly, which votes on it. Critics say Maryland has some of the nation’s most gerrymandered congressional districts.
    
Hogan’s legislation follows up on recommendations made by a panel he convened. The independent commission would focus on drawing districts based on population, compactness and natural boundaries.
    
Opponents to changing the current process say reforms should be made nationally, not state-by-state.