Bill > HB221

This bill establishes an Independent Citizen Redistricting Commission (ICRC) to handle the redistricting of congressional, state legislative, and State Board of Education districts in Texas. The commission will consist of 14 members: five majority party members, five minority party members, and four independent members, all selected through a complex, multi-step process designed to ensure independence and diversity. The selection process involves the state auditor, an applicant review panel, and legislative caucus leaders, with safeguards to prevent conflicts of interest. The commission is tasked with drawing district boundaries according to specific criteria, prioritizing constitutional compliance, population equality, voting rights protections, geographic contiguity, and community integrity. The commission must conduct an open and transparent process, holding public hearings and allowing extensive public input. Members are prohibited from holding political offices or becoming lobbyists for several years after their service. The bill specifies detailed procedures for commission operations, including meeting requirements, map approval processes, and legal challenge mechanisms. Importantly, the commission cannot consider political party affiliations, incumbent residences, or existing district boundaries when drawing new maps. The legislation is set to take effect in 2030, contingent on voter approval of a related constitutional amendment, and is intended to create a more impartial redistricting process compared to the current legislative-controlled system.

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=891&Bill=HB221