WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 5316

Relating to the Independent Citizen Redistricting Commission and the redistricting of the districts used to elect members of the United States House of Representatives, the Texas Legislature, and the State Board of Education.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by James Talarico

HB 5316 creates an Independent Citizen Redistricting Commission to draw electoral district maps instead of the Texas Legislature, potentially reducing partisan gerrymandering in House, state legislative, and education board elections.

Referred to Redistricting
#attorneygeneral(v2811) #auditor #state(v4364) #courts--appellate(i0125) #education #stateboardof(v0086) #houseofrepresentatives(v0096) #houseofrepresentatives #us(v0774) #independentcitizenredistrictingcommission(v1218) #legislature(i0520) #openmeetings(i0546) #openrecords(i0548) #redistricting(i0645) #secretaryofstate(v0042) #senate #texas(v0227) #supremecourt(v0311) #stateagencies #boards&commissions--newlyproposed(i0773)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 5316

Legislative bill overview

HB 5316 would establish an Independent Citizen Redistricting Commission to handle the redrawing of electoral districts for the U.S. House, Texas Legislature, and State Board of Education, rather than leaving this process to the legislature itself. The bill aims to remove partisan control from redistricting decisions by creating a citizen-led commission with defined procedures and criteria.

Why is this important

Redistricting—the process of redrawing electoral boundaries every 10 years after the census—directly determines electoral competitiveness and political representation. Currently, the Texas Legislature controls this process, which allows the majority party to draw maps favoring their candidates. An independent commission could produce more competitive districts and reduce partisan gerrymandering, potentially shifting election outcomes and legislative composition.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional authority concerns: Texas's state constitution grants the legislature explicit redistricting power; transferring authority to a commission raises questions about whether this change requires a constitutional amendment rather than legislation
  • Commission composition and bias: Defining "independent" and "citizen" is contentious—critics may worry about hidden partisan influence in selection processes, while others question whether truly nonpartisan citizens exist
  • Implementation timeline: Redistricting occurs after each decennial census; creating a new commission structure mid-cycle or retroactively could face legal challenges and practical complications

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

Sign in to ask a question.