Texas House Bill HJR33

Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.

• Filed: 8/21/25

Caption

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

Impact

If passed, HJR33 is expected to significantly alter the landscape of redistricting within Texas. The Texas Redistricting Commission would have the authority to define congressional district boundaries, which is critical for electoral representation. The commission must apply specific criteria such as compliance with the U.S. Constitution, achieving population equality, and ensuring geographical contiguity. Additionally, there are provisions to conduct an open and public process, allowing for community input, which proponents argue will enhance transparency and public confidence in the electoral process.

Summary

HJR33 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish the Texas Redistricting Commission, aimed at redistricting Texas's congressional districts and revising the procedures involved in this process. This commission will take over the responsibility of drawing district lines from the state legislature following each decennial U.S. census, giving it the authority to ensure a more standardized and transparent approach to redistricting. The amendment also outlines the composition of the commission, requiring a diverse mix of members from majority, minority, and independent parties, ensuring representation across different political viewpoints.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HJR33 stem from concerns about the potential for gerrymandering and the influence of partisan politics. Some legislators argue that transferring redistricting authority to an independent commission could lead to more impartial districting, while critics worry about the commission's composition and processes, fearing that political interests could still seep into how district lines are drawn. The challenges of ensuring equitable representation and the administrative costs of setting up such a commission are also central to the debate around this proposed amendment.