Proposed legislation would change the state constitution and create a redistricting commission, removing the elected members of the Texas Legislature and executive branch from the process.
Filed by State Rep. Ann Johnson (D-Houston), the proposed Texas Redistricting Commission (HB 162 and HJR 27) would have nine members, eight of whom would be evenly selected by the majority and minority parties. A ninth member would be appointed by the eight and serve to break ties.
The commission would have the “sole responsibility to create districts for the election of members of the United States House of Representatives, the Texas House of Representatives, and the Texas Senate.”
Currently, Section 28, Article III of the Texas Constitution gives the Texas Legislature the responsibility for redistricting state senate and house districts following the decennial census. The maps must then be approved by the governor.
For Johnson’s proposal to take effect, it must be supported by two-thirds of both legislative chambers and approved by voters.
Other states with similar redistricting committees include California, Washington, and Michigan.
The 90th Legislative Session begins January 12, 2027.
