Texas House Bill HJR74

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the Texas Redistricting Commission to redistrict the Texas Legislature and Texas congressional districts and revising procedures for redistricting.

Impact

This amendment would significantly reshape how redistricting is conducted in Texas by centralizing the process under the newly established commission, thereby aiming to reduce political gerrymandering. By making the commission appointed and bipartisan, the initiative seeks to create a more transparent and fair redistricting process, which could bolster public trust in electoral boundaries. Furthermore, the proposed amendment mandates adherence to certain criteria when drawing district maps, including population equality and the protection of minority voting strength.

Summary

HJR74 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish the Texas Redistricting Commission, which would be responsible for redistricting the Texas Legislature and congressional districts. The amendment intends to formalize the procedures for how districts are drawn, ensuring that they adhere to both federal and state legal guidelines. The commission would consist of seven members, appointed by senior members of both houses with safeguards to maintain impartiality and representation from different political parties.

Contention

However, there are potential areas of contention surrounding HJR74. Critics may argue about the balance of power in the redistricting process, as some may feel that appointing members rather than electing them could lead to political bias and a lack of accountability. In addition, the defined criteria for drawing districts might not address all local needs, leading to accusations of inadequately representing specific communities. It's essential for stakeholders to engage actively in the public comment process outlined in the amendment to ensure diverse input in the redistricting dialogue.