SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The Oregon House has joined the Senate in approving a plan to redraw the state’s legislative districts.
Both chambers voted Friday to send the measure to Gov. John Kitzhaber, who has indicated he will sign it. Lawmakers hailed the plan as a historic bipartisan agreement because the Legislature hasn’t successfully redrawn legislative districts since 1981.
The compromise plan is based largely on the existing plan. It reflects the state’s shifting population by increasing clout in the Portland suburbs and in Bend at the expense of eastern Oregon and the coast.
The state is required to draw new boundaries every 10 years. The Legislature has been unable to reach a compromise on boundaries for new congressional districts, but the parties continue negotiations.
