Texas Senate Bill SJR34

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the Texas Redistricting Commission to redistrict the United States House of Representatives and the Texas Legislature.

Impact

If passed, SJR34 will lead to significant changes in how legislative districts are delineated in Texas. Starting on January 1, 2030, the Texas Legislative Redistricting Board will be abolished, establishing a new commission with clear authority over the redistricting process. This shift is expected to reduce the influence of political motivations that can skew district boundaries for partisan gain and promote a more equitable representation of Texas populations. The proposal includes timelines for convening the commission and mandates a statewide reapportionment following future federal censuses.

Summary

SJR34 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish the Texas Redistricting Commission tasked with redistricting the United States House of Representatives and the Texas Legislature. This amendment aims to create a structured process for determining legislative districts within Texas, transferring this authority from the state legislature to the newly formed commission. The intent is to enhance fairness and transparency in the redistricting process, especially in light of concerns regarding partisan bias in current practices.

Contention

Debate surrounding SJR34 is likely to revolve around the balance of power between the Texas Legislature and the new Redistricting Commission. Proponents argue that this change is vital for creating an impartial redistricting process, while opponents may express concerns about potential delays or inefficiencies created by a commission as opposed to legislative autonomy. The discussions reflect a broader concern about maintaining fair representation and avoiding gerrymandering, which has plagued the current redistricting efforts historically.