Texas House Bill HJR140

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the reapportionment of congressional districts and the creation, function, and duties of the Texas Congressional Redistricting Commission.

Impact

The passage of HJR140 could significantly alter the way congressional seats are apportioned in Texas. Previously, the state legislature had full authority over redistricting without oversight. The proposed commission, consisting of seven members—including high-ranking officials and appointed representatives from political parties—would introduce a level of bipartisanship aimed at addressing gerrymandering concerns. By necessitating a three-fifths majority to approve redistricting plans, the amendment could foster cooperation between political parties, ensuring that both sides are adequately represented in the decision-making process.

Summary

HJR140 is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment that aims to reform the process of congressional district reapportionment within Texas. The bill establishes the Texas Congressional Redistricting Commission, which is tasked with creating and adopting a redistricting plan in years ending in the numeral one. If the Texas Legislature fails to pass a redistricting bill by the set deadline, the commission steps in to create a plan instead. This process aims to ensure more fairness and accountability in the drawing of congressional districts while maintaining procedural safeguards such as public hearings.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HJR140 include concerns about the membership composition of the proposed commission, which might still reflect partisan biases. Critics assert that, although the commission aims to create a more equitable system, the appointed members could still advocate for partisan interests, thus defeating the purpose of fair representation. Furthermore, the contention lies in ensuring that the commission's work complies with not only state constitutional requirements but also federal regulations. This raises questions about whether such a body could avoid the pitfalls of previous attempts at non-partisan redistricting.