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HJR 36

Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the Texas Redistricting Commission to redistrict Texas congressional districts and revising procedures for redistricting.

89th Legislature, 1st Called Session (2025) Introduced by Harold Dutton

Proposes Texas constitutional amendment creating independent redistricting commission for congressional districts instead of legislative control, potentially reducing partisan gerrymandering.

Filed
#auditor #state(v4364) #houseofrepresentatives #us(v0774) #legislativeredistrictingboard(v0033) #legislature(i0520) #redistrictingcommission #texas(v0201) #redistricting(i0645) #resolutions--constitutionalamendments(i0661) #secretaryofstate(v0042) #supremecourt(v0311) #statefinances--management&control(i0748)
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Bill Summary · HJR 36

Legislative bill overview

HJR 36 proposes a constitutional amendment that would create an independent Texas Redistricting Commission to handle congressional redistricting rather than leaving it to the legislature. The amendment would establish new procedures and criteria for how district lines are drawn following each decennial census.

Why is this important

Redistricting directly determines electoral competitiveness and representation—how districts are drawn can significantly advantage or disadvantage particular parties or demographic groups. Currently, the Texas legislature controls redistricting, which has led to contentious legal battles. An independent commission could reduce partisan gerrymandering, though effectiveness depends entirely on the commission's composition and rules.

Potential points of contention

  • Commission composition: Who appoints or selects commissioners is critical—legislature-appointed commissions may still reflect partisan interests, while truly independent selection requires careful design
  • Partisan impact asymmetry: Texas Republicans currently benefit from legislative redistricting; they may oppose losing this advantage, while Democrats may support reform but lack legislative power to pass it
  • Implementation details absent: The bill proposal doesn't specify commission size, appointment procedures, criteria for drawing districts, or conflict resolution mechanisms—these details will determine whether reform is meaningful
  • Constitutional amendment threshold: Requires two-thirds legislative approval, making passage difficult if either major party opposes it
  • Practical uncertainty: Independent commissions in other states have mixed track records; no guarantee this solves polarization or improves representation

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

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