TX
Texas Senate Bill SJR43

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.

Latest SJR43 Activity

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.

Similar Bills

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 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 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.

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.

MN HF3270

Independent Redistricting Commission established, Redistricting Commission Applicant Review Panel established, principles to be used in adopting legislative and congressional districts established, former legislative members lobbying activity prohibited, legislative session conduct and convening requirements amended, and constitutional amendment proposed.

MN SF3070

Minnesota Constitution amendment proposal to establish an Independent Redistricting Commission

US HB157

Citizen Legislature Anti-Corruption Reform of Elections Act or the CLEAN Elections Act This bill establishes requirements for nonpartisan redistricting and open primary elections. States must (1) conduct congressional redistricting using a plan developed by a nonpartisan independent redistricting commission, beginning with the 2020 census; and (2) hold open primaries for federal elections. A state may not use federal funds provided for election administration purposes unless it certifies to the Election Assistance Commission that it (1) conducts redistricting for its state legislative districts using a plan developed by a nonpartisan independent redistricting commission, and (2) holds open primaries for elections for state and local office.