Texas House Bill HB329

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

• Filed: 12/21/12

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 legislation is set to have significant implications for state laws governing redistricting practices. By adjusting population counts to reflect the last known residence of incarcerated individuals, the bill seeks to ensure that districts more accurately represent the communities in which residents live, rather than where they are temporarily located while incarcerated. This may lead to a shift in political representation and funding allocations depending on demographic changes in particular areas.

Summary

House Bill 329 aims to amend government code related to the methodology for counting incarcerated persons in the context of population data used for redistricting. This bill proposes that instead of counting individuals in the facility where they are incarcerated, their population numbers will be based on their last known residence before incarceration. The intent is to provide a more accurate representation of demographics in various districts, which can influence political power and resource allocation.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB 329 appears supportive among advocates for criminal justice reform and equitable representation. Proponents assert that the bill is a necessary step toward enhancing the fairness of the electoral system. However, some lawmakers may view the bill as a challenge to traditional redistricting practices, leading to a mixed reception among legislators. The overarching sentiment is one of advancing social justice and rectifying historical inaccuracies in population representation.

Contention

Notable points of contention arise from concerns over the implications this might have on political representation and the administrative burden placed on the entities required to report the adjusted census data. Opponents may argue against the feasibility of implementing this change and question the potential impacts on districts most affected by high incarceration rates. Moreover, the confidentiality of the data collected from incarcerated individuals is a critical element, as there are concerns about privacy and data security during the reporting process.