H.B. No. 196 proposes significant amendments to the Texas Election Code and Government Code, particularly focusing on the establishment and operation of the Texas Redistricting Commission. The bill 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, replacing the previous reference to Section 28 of the Texas Constitution with Section 28a. It also introduces a new Subtitle C in the Government Code dedicated to redistricting, which includes the creation of Chapter 581, detailing the commission's structure, member selection process, and operational guidelines.

The bill establishes the Texas Redistricting Commission to oversee the redistricting process for legislative, congressional, and State Board of Education districts. Key provisions include the requirement for the commission to fill vacancies promptly, ensure open meetings with public notice, and maintain transparency by posting redistricting information online. The commission is designated as a governmental body under Chapters 551 and 552, ensuring compliance with open meeting laws and public information access. Additionally, the bill outlines the commission's powers, duties, and hiring criteria, including the requirement for expertise in the Voting Rights Act. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2030, contingent upon 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 (Government Code 24, Election Code 42)