Proposing a constitutional amendment limiting the time in which the legislature may enact or modify districts for the state legislature or the United States House of Representatives.
Impact
If approved, HJR135 would amend Article III of the Texas Constitution by adding Section 28A. This amendment would restrict the legislature from altering senatorial or representative districts at any time apart from the periods mandated by the census schedule. Consequently, the legislature would be unable to modify district lines immediately before an election, which would directly affect upcoming elections and the representation of constituents across Texas. Proponents argue that this change would promote transparency in the redistricting process and reduce the potential for gerrymandering.
Summary
HJR135 is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment aimed at regulating the timeframe in which the Texas Legislature can enact or modify districts for both the state legislature and the United States House of Representatives. Specifically, it seeks to limit legislative actions on redistricting to designated periods, aligning these actions primarily with the release of the federal decennial census data. This approach is intended to standardize the redistricting process and ensure that it occurs in a timely and orderly manner, thus enhancing the integrity of the electoral process.
Contention
The proposed amendment has generated discussion regarding its implications for electoral fairness and local governance. Some legislators and political groups support HJR135, emphasizing that it establishes clear guidelines for redistricting that minimize the opportunities for manipulation. Conversely, critics express concern that rigid timeframes may lead to practical difficulties, hindering the legislature's ability to respond effectively to urgent changes, such as judicial rulings that may necessitate immediate adjustments to district boundaries. The balance between maintaining order in the electoral process and accommodating necessary legislative flexibility is a significant point of contention surrounding this bill.
Duplicate
Proposing a constitutional amendment limiting the time in which the legislature may enact or modify districts for the state legislature or the United States House of Representatives.
Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the Texas Redistricting Commission to redistrict the United States House of Representatives and the Texas Legislature.
Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing an independent redistricting commission to establish districts for the election of the members of the United States House of Representatives elected from this state, the Texas Senate, and the Texas House of Representatives.
Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing an independent redistricting commission to establish districts for the election of the members of the United States House of Representatives elected from this state, the Texas Senate, and the Texas House of Representatives.
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.
Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the Texas Redistricting Commission to redistrict the Texas Legislature and Texas congressional districts and revising procedures for redistricting.
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.
Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the Texas Redistricting Commission to redistrict the Texas Legislature and Texas congressional districts and revising procedures for redistricting.
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.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to limit the time that a person may serve as a member of the Texas Legislature or as a statewide elected officer in the executive branch.
A resolution to direct the Clerk of the House of Representatives to only present to the Governor enrolled House bills finally passed by both houses of the One Hundred Third Legislature.