H.B. No. 259 establishes the Independent Citizen Redistricting Commission in Texas, responsible for redistricting 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 to introduce 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 independence from legislative influence. The bill also outlines criteria for member appointments, public participation in the redistricting process, and mandates integrity and fairness in the commission's activities.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for the selection and appointment of commission members, allowing caucus leaders to strike applicants and requiring a diverse representation reflective of the state's demographics. The commission is tasked with ensuring compliance with constitutional and federal laws, conducting public outreach, and maintaining transparency through public hearings and map displays. It also grants the commission the authority to defend legal challenges to certified maps while allowing registered voters to petition against maps they believe violate legal provisions. The bill amends existing laws regarding per diem rates for commission members and requires administrative support from the Secretary of State, with the new provisions applying to census data from 2030 onward, contingent upon voter approval of a proposed constitutional amendment.

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