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HJR 22

Proposing a constitutional amendment establishing the Texas Redistricting Commission to redistrict the United States House of Representatives and the Texas Legislature.

89th Legislature, 2nd Called Session (2025)

Texas proposes constitutional amendment creating independent redistricting commission to replace legislative control of House and state legislative district boundaries.

Filed
#houseofrepresentatives #us(v0774) #legislativeredistrictingboard(v0033) #legislature(i0520) #redistrictingcommission #texas(v0201) #redistricting(i0645) #resolutions--constitutionalamendments(i0661) #stateagencies #boards&commissions--newlyproposed(i0773)
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Bill Summary · HJR 22

Legislative bill overview

HJR 22 proposes a constitutional amendment that would create an independent Texas Redistricting Commission to handle redrawing district boundaries for both U.S. House seats representing Texas and the state legislature. This would remove redistricting authority from the Texas Legislature itself, shifting the power to an appointed commission instead.

Why is this important

Redistricting—the process of redrawing electoral districts every 10 years after the census—directly determines which voters are grouped together and significantly influences which party wins elections. Currently, the Texas Legislature controls this process, allowing the party in power to draw maps favoring their candidates. An independent commission could reduce partisan gerrymandering, though the commission's composition and rules would determine whether it truly operates independently or simply shifts political advantage.

Potential points of contention

  • Commission composition: Who appoints commissioners and by what process? If appointments remain political, independence could be illusory.
  • Partisan advantage: Current Republican-controlled legislature may resist losing redistricting power; Democrats may support it as the minority party, but that calculus could reverse.
  • Federal vs. state authority: Constitutional amendments require voter approval and potentially face legal questions about federal Voting Rights Act compliance and congressional oversight of House redistricting.
  • Implementation timeline: Passage and ratification could be lengthy, leaving uncertainty for upcoming election cycles.

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

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