House Bill No. 196 proposes significant amendments to the Texas Election Code and Government Code, focusing on the establishment and operation of the Texas Redistricting Commission. It amends Section 42.032 of the Election Code to require that county election precinct boundary changes be ordered by commissioners courts before October 1 of the redistricting year. The bill introduces a new subtitle and chapter in the Government Code dedicated to redistricting, which includes definitions, procedures for selecting commission members, and provisions to ensure diversity and impartiality in the commission's composition. Key provisions include the establishment of an applicant review panel for screening candidates, protections against retaliation for employees attending commission meetings, and detailed processes for selecting commission members from various demographic subpools.

Additionally, the bill outlines the commission's powers, duties, and operational procedures, mandating that it operates under the Open Meetings Act and the Public Information Act. It requires public access to redistricting data, open hearings for public input, and transparency in hiring processes, including the selection of legal counsel knowledgeable in the Voting Rights Act. The commission is also tasked with implementing an outreach program to encourage public participation. The bill includes provisions for administrative support, procurement authority, and member compensation, with adjustments to per diem based on the Consumer Price Index starting in 2040. It also ensures that the Texas Redistricting Commission will take over the reapportionment of judicial districts if the Judicial Districts Board fails to act by a specified deadline. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2030, pending voter approval of a related constitutional amendment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 42.032, Government Code 24.945, Government Code 24.946, Government Code 24.948 (Election Code 42, Government Code 24)