H.B. No. 5316 establishes the Independent Citizen Redistricting Commission in Texas, which will oversee the redistricting of districts for the U.S. House of Representatives, the Texas Legislature, and the State Board of Education. The bill amends Title 5 of the Government Code by adding a new Subtitle C and Chapter 581, detailing the commission's structure, authority, and operational procedures. The commission will consist of 14 members, including five from the majority party, five from the minority party, and four independent members, selected through a transparent process to ensure diversity and independence from legislative influence. Key provisions include a requirement for an open redistricting process, specific qualifications for members, a quorum of nine for official actions, and oversight by the state auditor.

The bill also introduces new provisions for member selection, allowing caucus leaders to strike applicants and ensuring the commission reflects the state's diversity. It emphasizes compliance with constitutional and federal requirements, mandates public outreach, and requires the commission to approve a final map by a specified deadline. Additional stipulations include a 14-day period during which no other maps can be displayed for public comment, the requirement to review public input before finalizing maps, and the obligation to make audiovisual recordings of hearings available online. The Secretary of State will provide administrative support, and commission members will receive per diem compensation adjusted for inflation. The bill will apply to decennial censuses starting January 1, 2030, and will take effect on September 1, 2029, pending voter approval of a related constitutional amendment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 2058.002 (Government Code 2058)