Bill > HJR205

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to establish an Independent Citizen Redistricting Commission (ICRC) to draw district boundaries for the Texas Legislature, U.S. Congressional districts, and State Board of Education districts. The 14-member commission would consist of five majority party members, five minority party members, and four independent members, selected through a process designed to ensure independence and diversity. The commission would be responsible for creating district maps following the U.S. Census, with strict criteria including compliance with the U.S. Constitution and Voting Rights Act, maintaining population equality, preserving community integrity, and ensuring geographic compactness. Critically, the commission is prohibited from considering incumbent residences or political affiliations when drawing districts. The maps must be approved by at least nine commission members, including representatives from each party group, and must be certified by September 15 following the census year. Commission members would be ineligible to hold political office for 5-10 years after their appointment to maintain independence. If the commission fails to approve maps, the Texas Supreme Court would appoint special masters to complete the redistricting. The amendment includes a phased implementation, with the new redistricting process set to take full effect in 2030, and would be submitted to voters for approval in a November 2025 election.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HJR205