Texas House Bill HB3721

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to an annual demographic study of each Texas House of Representatives and Texas Senate district.

Impact

If enacted, HB 3721 would lead to the systematic collection and analysis of demographic data that can serve multiple purposes, including identifying trends, addressing needs, and allocating resources more effectively. The timing stipulation of submitting these reports annually by September 1 ensures that legislative members receive up-to-date information to guide their initiatives and policymaking processes. Access to this demographic data could facilitate the development of more tailored programs and services that resonate with the demographic realities of each district.

Summary

House Bill 3721 proposes the establishment of an annual demographic study for each legislative district in Texas. The bill mandates that the state demographer conducts this study to collect essential demographic data, including average household income, educational attainment levels, population by ethnicity, annual lottery sales, homeownership rates, and the average age of residents within each state House and Senate district. The intention behind this legislation is to provide a clearer understanding of the diverse populations across Texas and to inform legislative decision-making with data-driven insights.

Contention

While there appeared to be no overt opposition in the available discussions around the bill, potential points of contention may arise regarding data privacy and the implications of having detailed demographic information publicly available. Critics may argue about the sensitivity of certain demographic details and the risks involved in publishing such data, including its potential misuse. Additionally, there may be discussions about the funding required to implement the annual studies and the necessity of such extensive reporting versus its actual utility.