HARRISBURG — A bill that would slash the Pennsylvania House of Representatives’ membership from 203 to 153 is on its way to the chamber floor following a committee vote today.

The House State Government Committee voted 18-6 to begin the first step of a very long process to amend the state constitution, which is required for such a change.

Committee members debated the bill sponsored by House Speaker Sam Smith, R-Jefferson, for 90 minutes. The idea’s expected benefits include more efficient lawmaking and lower taxpayer costs, but critics say it lessens the clout of rural residents, opens more doors to influence by campaign donors and reduces contact with constituents.

Amending the Pennsylvania Constitution requires passage by the Legislature in two consecutive two-year sessions before going to the state’s voters for final approval. If the bill is successful, the changes in House districts would not happen until after the 2020 census.

Currently, each of the House’s 203 members House each represents about 63,000 people; House district populations would expand to about 80,000 under the bill.