Texas House Bill HJR32

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

• Filed: 11/15/16

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, HJR32 would significantly change how legislative and congressional districts are drawn in Texas. The proposed commission would consist of seven members appointed by state legislators, with a mix of partisan representatives to reduce biases. Key provisions include requirements for commission members to have no recent affiliation with political offices and establishing strict rules against partisan gerrymandering. This move could lead to more equitable representation across the state's diverse population, particularly benefiting communities that have historically been marginalized in the redistricting process.

Summary

HJR32 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish the Texas Redistricting Commission, which will take over the responsibilities of redistricting the Texas Legislature and congressional districts. This amendment aims to provide a structured, independent process for redistricting, which has often been a contentious political issue in Texas. By creating a commission, the bill seeks to mitigate partisan influences in the redistricting process, ensuring that the creation of electoral districts is carried out fairly and transparently.

Contention

While there is support for HJR32's intentions to reduce partisan bias, there are also notable concerns regarding the commission's structure and potential for political maneuvering. Critics may argue that having members appointed by existing politicians could still leave room for partisanship. This could provoke discussions about the need for further amendments to ensure complete independence and protection from political influences. The bill's overall success will likely hinge on public sentiment concerning fair representation and the integrity of the electoral process in Texas.