California voters changed the face of state politics by passing Proposition 11, the Voters First Act, declaring that California’s political districts will be redrawn by a neutral commission after the 2010 census, rather than by the legislature. Aware of the Center for State and Local Government Law’s expertise on the regulatory process, the State contracted with Hastings to draft the complex rules to implement the act’s redistricting scheme.

“The project fits perfectly with our mission, as both an important public service and an educational opportunity,” says Professor David Jung, director of the center. Under the direction of Associate Director Michael Salerno, a team of faculty and new graduates is researching other states’ standards, reviewing the legal issues involved in execution, attending public hearings, and drafting regulations for the State Auditor’s review.

“The project is also a unique opportunity for students in my current problems seminar,” says Jung. “They work side by side with the team and present their findings to the State Auditor’s Office at semester’s end.”

Ryan Hughes ’10 sums up the experience: “The fact that my work will influence implementation of Proposition 11 is gratifying. A class does not get any better than making a real-world impact, honing invaluable research skills, and learning a ton in the process.”