Texas House Bill HJR90

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

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

The amendment could significantly impact state law by establishing strict timelines for redistricting, which would reduce the chances of political maneuvering to influence electoral outcomes through gerrymandering. Opponents of legislative measures that allow for earlier or outside-the-norm redistricting would find their arguments bolstered by this constitutionally enshrined timeline. This proposed change seeks to enhance the integrity of the electoral process in Texas by ensuring that district modifications are made transparently and responsibly within the designated timeframes.

Summary

HJR90 is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment in Texas that aims to limit the time period in which the state legislature may enact or modify the legislative districts for both the Texas Legislature and the United States House of Representatives. The proposed amendment stipulates that such actions can only take place during specific periods: either during the calendar year when the federal decennial census is released or within a 120-day window following the release of the census. This provision seeks to create a more regularized and predictable schedule for redistricting efforts, ensuring that they align closely with the census data, which reflects population changes and demographic shifts.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HJR90 may include discussions regarding whether the amendment sufficiently protects against potential abuses of power in redistricting processes. Critics might argue that while the bill aims to standardize the timing of district modifications, it may not adequately address the underlying issues of partisan gerrymandering. Additionally, the resolution's potential impact on local governance and the ability of communities to advocate for their interests in district formation may be debated among legislators and stakeholders, raising questions about local versus state control in electoral matters.