Bill > HJR26

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment establishing the Texas Redistricting Commission (TRC), a 14-member independent body responsible for redrawing legislative, congressional, and State Board of Education district boundaries following each U.S. Census. The commission would be composed of five members from the majority party, five from the minority party, and four independent members, with strict eligibility requirements and a commitment to an open, transparent process. The commission must draw districts according to specific criteria, including compliance with the U.S. Constitution and Voting Rights Act, maintaining population equality, respecting geographic integrity of communities, and ensuring districts are contiguous and compact. Importantly, the commission is prohibited from considering the residence of incumbents or political candidates and cannot draw districts to favor or discriminate against any political party. The resolution specifies that if the commission fails to approve final maps by September 15 following a census year, the Texas Supreme Court would appoint special masters to complete the redistricting. Commission members would be ineligible to hold certain political offices for 5-10 years after their appointment, and the commission would have sole legal standing to defend its maps. The proposed amendment would take effect gradually, with full implementation set for January 1, 2031, and would expire on January 1, 2035.

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=891&Bill=HJR26