Texas House Bill HJR118

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the Texas Redistricting Commission to redistrict the Texas Legislature and Texas congressional districts and revising procedures for redistricting.

Impact

If passed, HJR118 would significantly alter how redistricting is conducted in Texas, moving away from legislative power over district lines to a commission-based system designed to minimize partisan influence. The amendment establishes criteria for drawing district maps that prioritize population equality and compliance with federal laws, aiming to ensure fair representation. The process mandates public involvement and requires broad support from commission members to approve final maps, thus emphasizing transparency and collaborative governance.

Summary

HJR118 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish the Texas Redistricting Commission tasked with redistricting legislative and congressional districts in Texas. This commission aims to conduct an open and transparent process that allows full public consideration and comment on how district lines are drawn. The commission will consist of 14 members, structured to ensure a representative mix of political affiliations and demographic diversity, and they will operate with integrity and fairness in the redistricting process. Members will be required to demonstrate a history of vote participation in a consistent manner, promoting accountability and representation.

Contention

Notably, there are potential points of contention surrounding the implementation and effectiveness of the commission. Critics may argue about the independence of the commission amidst existing political structures and whether the outlined selection process for commission members successfully mitigates partisan bias. Further criticisms may focus on the feasibility and logistical aspects of ensuring public engagement in the redistricting process, particularly in terms of outreach to diverse communities. The criterion excluding candidates with recent political ties could also lead to debates about the qualifications necessary for effective commission governance.