S.B. No. 23 proposes the establishment of the Texas Redistricting Commission, which will be responsible for creating electoral districts for the United States House of Representatives, the Texas House of Representatives, and the Texas Senate. The bill amends Title 5 of the Government Code to include provisions for redistricting, introducing a new Subtitle C and Chapter 581 that outlines the commission's definitions, powers, duties, membership eligibility, and operational procedures. The commission will consist of nine members, with eight appointed in a bipartisan manner by the legislature and one independent member selected by the appointed members. The bill also sets forth eligibility criteria for commission members, including age and voting history, and establishes rules for their conduct and terms of service.

The commission is tasked with adopting redistricting plans that comply with federal law, ensuring districts are contiguous, of nearly equal population, and compact. The bill mandates that the commission submit its adopted plans to the governor and relevant legislative officers, and it allows for challenges to the plans through the Texas Supreme Court. The act will take effect on January 1, 2030, contingent upon the approval of a proposed constitutional amendment by voters that would formally establish the commission and revise redistricting procedures. If the amendment is not approved, the act will have no effect.

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