Democrats in the state Senate are offering a plan that would create an independent commission to redraw Maryland’s congressional districts if five other states in the region agree to do the same. The bill was voted out of committee just as Gov. Larry Hogan’s proposed redistricting reform bill died.

The legislation only takes effect if Pennsylvania, Virginia, New York, New Jersey and North Carolina pass similar bills. All of these states, like Maryland, have split-party control, with a governor from one party and one or both chambers of the legislature controlled by the opposite party.

On the Senate floor Tuesday, Montgomery County Sen. Craig Zucker described the bill as a compromise. He said it strikes a middle ground between Maryland fixing its districts solo and Congress taking action.

But Senate Minority Leader J.B. Jennings, who represents part of Baltimore County, questioned that logic.

“It’s our state. It’s our lines. Why do we care what another state does with theirs?” he said. “I  think this bill’s a joke. I’m being honest.”

The bill is sponsored by a majority in the Senate and has been backed by the leaders of both chambers.