Bill > HB293

This bill establishes the Texas Redistricting Commission, a new independent body responsible for drawing congressional districts in Texas. The bill creates a detailed selection process for commission members, designed to ensure impartiality and diversity. Applicants must go through a rigorous screening process to eliminate those with potential conflicts of interest, such as recent political candidates, party officials, or lobbyists. The state auditor will initially select 60 applicants (20 each from majority, minority, and independent subpools), from which state party chairs can strike up to eight applicants per subpool. The first eight commission members will be randomly drawn, and those members will then select the remaining six members, ensuring representation from different political perspectives and requiring careful voting procedures. The commission is mandated to hold public hearings, provide transparent access to redistricting data, and create maps with opportunities for public comment. Commission members will receive a $300 per diem and can be removed for misconduct. The bill is contingent on voter approval of a related constitutional amendment and is set to take effect in 2030, with initial implementation steps beginning that year. The goal is to create a more neutral and transparent process for redrawing congressional districts compared to the current legislative approach.

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=891&Bill=HB293