Texas 2021 - 87th 2nd C.S.

Texas Senate Bill SJR9

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the Texas Redistricting Commission to redistrict the United States House of Representatives and the Texas Legislature.

Impact

Upon enactment, this bill would modify Article III of the Texas Constitution to include a new section, Section 28a. This section grants the newly established Texas Redistricting Commission the sole legislative power to create and adjust electoral district boundaries, thereby abolishing the current Legislative Redistricting Board. This transition is designed to streamline the redistricting process, but it also raises questions about the balance of power between state legislatures and the newly formed commission, especially regarding accountability and representation in the redistricting process.

Summary

SJR9 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish the Texas Redistricting Commission, which will have the authority to manage the redistricting of the United States House of Representatives and the Texas Legislature. This bill aims to create a structured process for redistricting, ensuring that district boundaries are drawn fairly and transparently, in contrast to current practices that may be subject to partisan manipulation. By doing so, SJR9 is positioned to influence how Texas representations are distributed, potentially impacting electoral competition and legislative outcomes.

Contention

SJR9 has sparked discussions around its implications for local governance and state representation. Proponents argue that empowering a commission would mitigate gerrymandering by introducing a more impartial and systematic approach to redistricting. However, opponents express concerns regarding the commission's composition and operational independence, fear that political influence could still permeate the commission’s decisions, undermining the reform's intended goals. The proposal is also subject to scrutiny about when it would come into effect, as it stipulates significant changes not taking place until January 1, 2030.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SJR8

Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the Texas Redistricting Commission to redistrict the United States House of Representatives and the Texas Legislature.

TX SJR16

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

TX HJR83

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

TX HJR48

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

TX HJR4

Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the Texas Independent Citizen Redistricting Commission to redistrict the Texas Legislature, Texas congressional districts, and State Board of Education districts and revising procedures for redistricting.

TX HJR15

Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing an independent redistricting commission to establish districts for the election of the members of the United States House of Representatives elected from this state, the Texas Senate, and the Texas House of Representatives.

TX SJR12

Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing an independent redistricting commission to establish districts for the election of the members of the United States House of Representatives elected from this state, the Texas Senate, and the Texas House of Representatives.

TX SB115

Relating to the Texas Redistricting Commission.

TX HB693

Relating to the Texas Redistricting Commission.

TX HB731

Relating to the reapportionment of state legislative, congressional, and judicial districts and the functions and duties of the independent redistricting commission.

Similar Bills

DE HB184

An Act To Amend Title 29 Of The Delaware Code Relating To The Redistricting Of The General Assembly.

DE HB44

An Act To Amend Title 29 Of The Delaware Code Relating To The Redistricting Of The General Assembly.

WV HB2549

Creating the Independent Redistricting Commission of the Joint Committee on Government and Finance

CA AB2494

County of Kern Citizens Redistricting Commission.

WV HB4648

Creating the Independent Redistricting Commission of the Joint Committee on Government and Finance

WV HB2764

Creating the Independent Redistricting Commission of the Joint Committee on Government and Finance

WV HB2239

Creating the Independent Redistricting Commission of the Joint Committee on Government and Finance

AZ SCR1022

Legislative districts; population; census; citizenship