Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1215

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the inclusion of an incarcerated person in the population data used for redistricting according to the person's last residence before incarceration.

Impact

The introduction of HB 1215 would significantly alter the landscape of redistricting in Texas by affecting how population data is reported and used. By ensuring that individuals who are incarcerated are counted at their last known residence rather than at their place of incarceration, the bill aims to provide a more accurate reflection of community populations. It is anticipated that this could lead to a redistribution of political power, particularly in areas with high incarceration rates, as it would potentially increase representation in districts where these individuals have historical ties.

Summary

House Bill 1215 focuses on the inclusion of incarcerated individuals in the population data utilized for redistricting in Texas. Specifically, the bill mandates that the last residence of an incarcerated person be included in the census data to ensure that their representation is accounted for when redrawing electoral districts. This move is intended to adjust population counts based on the historical addresses of those who are incarcerated and thereby influence how legislative districts are drawn in accordance with population density and demographics.

Conclusion

In summary, HB 1215 is a bill that seeks to create a fairer and more inclusive approach to population counts for redistricting purposes in Texas. By adjusting how incarcerated individuals are counted in the census, the legislation aims to rectify systemic issues in representation linked to incarceration. The discussions surrounding the bill reveal a larger conversation about the justice system, representation, and the rights of individuals within communities affected by these challenging dynamics.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 1215 stem from debates over justice and representation. Proponents argue that counting incarcerated individuals at their last residences allows for fairer representation of communities disproportionately impacted by incarceration. On the other hand, opponents may raise concerns regarding the implications this change may have on local representation and the political power dynamics in areas that are heavily penalized, possibly diluting individual voter influence in those districts.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB693

Relating to the Texas Redistricting Commission.

TX SB115

Relating to the Texas Redistricting Commission.

TX HB4559

Relating to the application of statutes that classify political subdivisions according to population.

TX HB21

Relating to the Texas Independent Citizen Redistricting Commission.

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 HB731

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

TX SB2332

Relating to the operations of hospital districts in counties with a population of at least 190,000 persons.

TX SB69

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Redistricting Commission.

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 HB2072

Relating to eligibility for a grant to reduce recidivism, arrest, and incarceration of individuals with mental illness.

Similar Bills

CA AB2988

Criminal procedure: disposition of evidence.

TX HB672

Relating to the inclusion of an incarcerated person in the population data used for redistricting according to the person's last residence before incarceration.

TX HB2855

Relating to the inclusion of an incarcerated person in the population data used for redistricting according to the person's last residence before incarceration.

TX HB2518

Relating to the inclusion of an incarcerated person in the population data used for redistricting according to the person's last residence before incarceration.

TX HB1448

Relating to the inclusion of an incarcerated person in the population data used for redistricting according to the person's last residence before incarceration.

TX HB684

Relating to the inclusion of an incarcerated person in the population data used for redistricting according to the person's last residence before incarceration.

TX HB329

Relating to the inclusion of an incarcerated person in the population data used for redistricting according to the person's last residence before incarceration.

TX HB46

Relating to the inclusion of an incarcerated person in the population data used for redistricting according to the person's last residence before incarceration.