WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SJR 43

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.

89th Legislature (2025)

Texas constitutional amendment creating independent commission to redraw U.S. House, state Senate, and House districts rather than letting legislature control redistricting.

Referred to Finance
#houseofrepresentatives(v0096) #houseofrepresentatives #us(v0774) #independentcitizenredistrictingcommission(v1218) #legislativeredistrictingboard(v0033) #legislature(i0520) #redistricting(i0645) #resolutions--constitutionalamendments(i0661) #senate #texas(v0227) #stateagencies #boards&commissions--newlyproposed(i0773)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SJR 43

Legislative bill overview

SJR 43 proposes a constitutional amendment to create an independent redistricting commission in Texas that would draw districts for the U.S. House, Texas Senate, and Texas House instead of the legislature doing so. The amendment would require voter approval to take effect.

Why is this important

Redistricting—the redrawing of electoral districts every 10 years—directly affects which party controls legislative chambers and shapes representation for a decade. Currently, the party controlling the Texas legislature draws these maps, which can result in gerrymandering that entrenches political power and dilutes voter choice. An independent commission could reduce partisan bias, though effectiveness depends entirely on its composition and rules.

Potential points of contention

  • Partisan debate: Democrats generally support independent redistricting commissions as a reform against Republican-drawn maps; Republicans may oppose ceding legislative control over a process they currently dominate
  • Commission composition: Who appoints commissioners, their qualifications, and whether the process itself can be gamed are critical unresolved details that determine whether independence is real or nominal
  • Constitutional amendment burden: Requires passage by a two-thirds supermajority in both chambers and voter approval, making passage challenging even with broader support

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.