Texas House Bill HJR53

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/17/09

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment to replace the attorney general on the legislative redistricting board with the commissioner of agriculture.

Impact

If enacted, this amendment would significantly alter the makeup and potentially the influence of the legislative redistricting board. By substituting the attorney general with the commissioner of agriculture, the bill reflects an intent to integrate agricultural considerations into the redistricting process. The bill recognizes the importance of agriculture in Texas, which may have implications for how districts are drawn in relation to rural versus urban interests.

Summary

HJR53 proposes a constitutional amendment that seeks to replace the attorney general on the legislative redistricting board with the commissioner of agriculture. This amendment would adjust the composition of the board responsible for the apportionment of the state based on the United States decennial census. Currently, the board consists of five members, including the attorney general, while the proposed change would shift that role to the agriculture commissioner, aligning the board more closely with agricultural policy representation.

Contention

Notably, the proposal may face contention regarding whether the agriculture commissioner has the qualifications or expertise necessary for effectively contributing to the legal and political complexities of the redistricting process. Critics may argue that the attorney general’s role in ensuring compliance with legal standards around representation and fairness in districts is crucial, potentially leading to concerns about the ability of the agriculture commissioner to fulfill these responsibilities adequately.