Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

Texas House Bill HB293

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Redistricting Commission to redistrict Texas congressional districts.

Impact

The bill outlines the procedures for selecting commission members who will oversee the redistricting process. It mandates that the commission's composition reflects Texas's diverse demographics, which is intended to mitigate partisan bias. By requiring the commission to hold public hearings and accept input before finalizing any maps, the bill takes significant steps toward increasing public involvement in the political process, enhancing the legitimacy of redistricting outcomes.

Summary

House Bill 293 proposes the establishment of the Texas Redistricting Commission, which is tasked with redistricting Texas congressional districts. The bill aims to provide a structured process governed by the commission to draw district maps, focusing on promoting transparency, public input, and adherence to voting rights standards. This initiative reflects an effort to reform the redistricting process in Texas, which critics argue has been characterized by partisan manipulation in the past.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 293 include concerns about the potential for conflicts of interest in the selection of commission members and the commission's ability to operate independent of political pressures. Some critics worry that the criteria for removing members or the appointment process may still leave room for political influence, which could undermine the bill's goal of impartiality. Nevertheless, supporters argue that establishing a dedicated commission is a vital reform to ensure fair representation and prevent gerrymandering.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

  • Chapter 24. District Courts
    • Section: 945
    • Section: 946
  • Chapter 2058. Recognition Of Federal Census
    • Section: 002

Companion Bills

TX HJR36

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

Previously Filed As

TX SB115

Relating to the Texas Redistricting Commission.

TX SB180

Relating to the Texas Redistricting Commission.

TX HB693

Relating to the Texas Redistricting Commission.

TX HB21

Relating to the Texas Independent Citizen Redistricting Commission.

TX HB5316

Relating to the Independent Citizen Redistricting Commission and the redistricting of the districts used to elect members of the United States House of Representatives, the Texas Legislature, and the State Board of Education.

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 SJR11

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 HJR205

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

Similar Bills

WV HB2549

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

WV HB2764

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

WV HB4648

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

TX HB731

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

TX HB3031

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

AZ SCR1022

Legislative districts; population; census; citizenship

AZ HCR2058

Legislative districts; population; census; citizenship