Texas House Bill HB150

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/19/11
• Introduced: 3/8/11
• Voted on by House: 4/28/11
• Refer: 3/10/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/13/11
• Report Pass: 4/19/11
• Voted on by Senate: 5/21/11
• Engrossed: 4/28/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Enrolled: 5/23/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to the composition of the districts for the election of members of the Texas House of Representatives.

Impact

The impact of HB150 is significant as the revisions to the House districts would apply to upcoming primary and general elections. By modifying the districts, the bill is meant to enhance representation and ensure that constituencies are fairly divided based on population metrics from the most recent census. This is crucial not only for the members of the House but also for voters who will experience direct changes in their representatives due to the new boundaries. The bill also repeals previous acts related to district composition, ensuring a clean transition to the new map.

Summary

HB150 focuses on the composition of the election districts for the members of the Texas House of Representatives. This legislative act outlines specific geographic adjustments to the district boundaries, transferring portions of several districts as specified in the bill. The intent of HB150 is to ensure that the electoral map accurately reflects demographic changes and maintains fair representation across the state's counties. The bill asserts that these changes are based on federal guidelines and census data to better align with current population distributions.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around HB150 appears to support the need for redistricting based on updated demographic data. While the adjustments are necessary for maintaining fair electoral representation, there may be underlying concerns regarding how these changes could affect existing political balances and power distributions among various communities. Overall, legislators advocating for the bill emphasize the importance of adapting the electoral landscape to better reflect the state's evolving demographics.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB150 may arise from specific transfers of district portions, with potential affect on political representation. For example, changes concerning the portions of House Districts could rouse discussions among residents who may feel disenfranchised by alterations in their designated representation. Additionally, the implied need for swift approval to ensure implementation for the next elections may lead to opposition from stakeholders who favor more thorough review processes before such significant changes are enacted. This balance between efficiency in governance and ensuring fair and equitable representation lies at the core of the discussions surrounding the bill.