Texas House Bill HJR83

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 1/19/23

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

If enacted, HJR83 would significantly change the procedures for redistricting in Texas. It would establish a formal commission whose processes would be codified in the state constitution, potentially making it more difficult for political interference to influence district arrangements. This could lead to districts that more accurately reflect the demographics and political preferences of the state’s population, thereby promoting electoral competitiveness and accountability.

Summary

HJR83 proposes a constitutional amendment aimed at establishing the Texas Redistricting Commission responsible for overseeing the redistricting of the Texas Legislature and congressional districts. The bill seeks to provide a more structured and transparent process for redistricting, allowing for a commission to evaluate and determine district lines rather than leaving these decisions solely in the hands of the legislative body. Proponents argue that this would enhance fairness in the electoral process and reduce partisan gerrymandering.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HJR83 appears to be generally supportive among those advocating for electoral reforms and fair representation. Supporters, including members from various advocacy groups, see the creation of a redistricting commission as a step toward greater integrity in the political system. However, some legislators may express concerns about ceding legislative power to an independent commission, fearing that it may complicate the political landscape and affect their influence over district configurations.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HJR83 include concerns about the potential for the newly established commission to be influenced by political motivations despite its intended independence. Opponents may argue that the commission could still exhibit bias based on its composition and selection process, thus failing to eliminate gerrymandering. Moreover, there could be apprehensions about the effectiveness of the commission in handling the intricacies of district mapping, which often involve legal and demographic complexities.