Texas House Bill HJR122

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment to require that the apportionment of members of the United States House of Representatives elected from this state be based on the most recent United States decennial census and preserve communities of interest to the extent practicable.

Impact

If passed, this constitutional amendment would provide a structured approach toward delineating congressional districts, which could potentially influence electoral representation in Texas. By ensuring that populations are counted according to the latest census data, it aims to uphold fair representation in Congress. The focus on communities of interest may also lead to more cohesive district formations, granting particular groups within these communities a stronger voice in the political process.

Summary

HJR122 is a proposed joint resolution aiming to amend the Texas Constitution regarding the apportionment of members of the United States House of Representatives. The resolution stipulates that this apportionment must be based on the most recent United States decennial census. Furthermore, it emphasizes the necessity to preserve 'communities of interest' to the extent practicable during the apportionment process. This articulation of communities of interest is intended to maintain areas characterized by common social, economic, racial, ethnic, cultural, industrial, commercial, and geographic traits.

Contention

The main points of contention surrounding HJR122 may arise from differing perspectives on districting practices. Proponents may argue that a focus on communities of interest will promote better representation for diverse constituencies, while critics might contend that this approach could complicate the redistricting process. There may also be concerns regarding how 'communities of interest' are defined and applied, particularly in areas with mixed or overlapping demographics. The resolution's implementation hinges on public support, as it will be subjected to a voter referendum, with the election scheduled for November 2, 2021.