Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SJR43

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Sent toSOS
 
Proposed Const. Amend.
 

Caption

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.

Impact

If enacted, SJR43 would amend Article III of the Texas Constitution to create a framework for an independent commission that would operate separately from the state legislature. The bill mandates that the commission follow specific criteria when designing districts, prioritizing equal population distribution, compliance with the Voting Rights Act, and the preservation of communities of interest. This change would potentially lead to more equitable representation in Texas legislature as the districts would be shaped less by political agendas and more by demographic and community factors.

Summary

SJR43 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish an independent redistricting commission responsible for drawing districts for the election of Texas representatives in Congress, the Texas Senate, and the Texas House of Representatives. This initiative aims to reduce partisan influence in the redistricting process, ensuring that district boundaries are drawn in a fair manner, compliant with federal laws and protective of minority groups' voting rights. The measure reflects growing concerns over gerrymandering and seeks a more transparent and accountable redistricting process.

Contention

The SJR43 amendment has yet to be fully discussed in legislative sessions, but it has the potential to generate debate among lawmakers and the public alike. Proponents argue that an independent commission can mitigate political gerrymandering, enhance voter confidence, and improve electoral outcomes. Detractors, however, may express concerns about the loss of legislative control over the redistricting process, arguing that elected officials should maintain the authority to draw their own districts to reflect the interests of their constituents.

Companion Bills

TX HJR123

Identical 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.

Previously Filed As

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 SJR8

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

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 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 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 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 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

TX HJR123

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 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 SJR2

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 SJR54

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 SJR8

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.

US HB7910

FAIR MAPS Act Fair And Impartial Redistricting for Meaningful and Accountable Political Systems Act

MN HF4593

Advisory citizens' redistricting commission established, redistricting principles and redistricting requirements established, constitutional amendment to establish an independent citizen's redistricting commission proposed, and money appropriated.