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A proposal to create an independent commission to recommend how to draw state political boundaries after the next Census stalled in committee Tuesday and was recommended for study during the summer.

Rep. Rebecca Chavez-Houck, D-Salt Lake City, introduced HB313 to create a commission to build public trust that districts are fair and perhaps increase voter turnout. Among supporters were the League of Women Voters and Represent Me Utah.

"Voters should choose their representatives, and not the other way around," said Randy Miller, of the Utah League of Independent Voters.

Chavez-Houck's proposal calls for a nine-person commission with three judges, two voters registered as independents, plus two Republicans and two Democrats appointed by legislative leaders. It would hold hearings around the state.

Chavez-Houck said it would be advisory only, and legislators would retain final power to draw boundaries. She noted that Salt Lake County used a similar commission to draw its boundaries for the county council — and closely followed its recommendations.

Rep. Merrill Nelson, R-Grantsville, supported the idea.

"I see a pretty deep level of distrust in the redistricting process," he said. "Something like this would go a long way to restoring public confidence."

But Rep. Fred Cox, R-West Valley City, opposed it as unneeded. He said the Legislature was able to be so fair last time that he was placed in the same district as another incumbent, and he lost his 2012 election.

However, redrawing of congressional districts has been highly controversial — with former U.S. Rep. Jim Matheson charging that the Legislature tried to defeat him with new boundaries ­­­­­­­­­­­— in 2002 and 2012. In the latter election, he chose against seeking re-election in his dramatically changed home district, the 2nd District, and instead ran in the 4th District, which he narrowly won.

Rep. Patrice Arent, D-Millcreek, said the idea of an independent commission is controversial enough that time is needed to build understanding and support. She recommended that it be studied in committee during the coming year — a move that was approved unanimously by the House Government Operations Committee.