Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas Senate Bill SJR41

Filed
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Sent toSOS
 
Proposed Const. Amend.
 

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 modify the provisions of Section 28, Article III of the Texas Constitution, which outlines how legislative districts are drawn. The proposed change signifies a reconfiguration of responsibilities within the redistricting process, involving a shift of duties from a legal office to an agricultural office. The alteration may also influence the dynamics of political accountability and the representation of agricultural interests in the legislative process, potentially altering how districts are drawn moving forward.

Summary

SJR41 proposes a constitutional amendment aimed at altering the composition of the legislative redistricting board in Texas. Currently, the board includes the Attorney General, but the amendment suggests replacing this position with the Commissioner of Agriculture. This change emphasizes a shift in oversight for apportioning state legislative districts and reflects a potential re-evaluation of the roles within the legislative process following each decennial census.

Contention

While the bill aims to streamline the legislative redistricting process, it may face contention from various groups. Critics of the proposal may argue that replacing the Attorney General could diminish legal oversight during the redistricting process, raising concerns about the potential for partisan manipulation. Additionally, this amendment could be seen as sidestepping broader discussions on transparency and fairness in how legislative districts are established, given that the representation from agriculture might not align with the varying needs of diverse communities across Texas.

Companion Bills

TX HJR53

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

Previously Filed As

TX HJR50

Proposing a constitutional amendment allowing the legislature to establish a special district to be the seat of state government.

TX HJR69

Proposing a constitutional amendment to set the salaries of members of the legislature and the lieutenant governor based on the average public school teacher salary in this state.

TX SJR16

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

TX HJR48

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

TX HJR4

Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the Texas Independent Citizen Redistricting Commission to redistrict the Texas Legislature, Texas congressional districts, and State Board of Education districts and revising procedures for redistricting.

TX HJR83

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

TX SJR8

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

TX SB115

Relating to the Texas Redistricting Commission.

TX HB731

Relating to the reapportionment of state legislative, congressional, and judicial districts and the functions and duties of the independent redistricting commission.

TX HB693

Relating to the Texas Redistricting Commission.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.