Texas Senate Bill SJR28

Texas 2021 - 87th 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 enacted, SJR28 will have a profound impact on Texas law regarding electoral districting. This amendment seeks to create a framework that allows for an independent commission to handle the redistricting process, a change from the traditional power held by the legislature. It mandates specific criteria for district creation to ensure fairness, such as population equality, compliance with the Voting Rights Act, and respect for community integrity. The commission's independence is meant to diminish partisan influences on the redistricting process, theoretically leading to fairer representation.

Summary

SJR28 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish the Texas Redistricting Commission, which would be responsible for redistricting Texas's legislative and congressional districts following the decennial census. This bill aims to enact a more transparent, inclusive, and impartial redistricting process while ensuring that district maps comply with relevant legal frameworks. The establishment of this commission marks a significant change in the way Texas approaches redistricting, moving away from legislative control and aiming to promote public engagement.

Contention

The introduction of the Texas Redistricting Commission could lead to controversies regarding its independence and the method of appointing its members. Critics may argue that while the commission is designed to be impartial, there may still exist mechanisms that allow for political influence. Additionally, the ability of registered voters to petition against district maps adds another layer of potential legal battles, which could prolong the redistricting timeline. Hence, while the overarching intent is to enhance fairness in representation, the practical implications may still raise questions and opposition.