H.B. 3 78(3)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 3
By: Crabb
Redistricting
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

The 77th Legislature adjourned without enacting new congressional
districts after the 2000 federal census.  Ultimately, the U.S. District
Court for the Eastern District of Texas issued an order adopting
congressional districts (PLAN 01151C) for the 2002 elections.  The members
of the United States House of Representatives from the State of Texas for
the 108th Congress were elected under this plan. 

The regular, first called, and second called sessions of the 78th
Legislature adjourned without enacting new congressional districts.  On
September 9, 2003, Governor Rick Perry called a third special session of
the 78th Legislature for the purpose to consider legislation relating to
congressional redistricting.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or
institution. 

ANALYSIS

H.B. 3 proposes new congressional districts from which the members of the
United States House of Representatives from the State of Texas for the
109th Congress will be elected.  The boundaries of the districts, as well
as statistical reports and analysis, are available as PLAN 01268C for the
Texas Legislative Council's Redistricting Application (REDAPPL). 

This Act applies to the elections of the members of the United States
House of Representatives from the State of Texas beginning with the
primary and general elections in 2004 for members of the 109th Congress.
This Act does not affect the membership or districts of the United States
House of Representatives of the 108th Congress. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act
takes effect on the 91st day after the last day of the legislative
session.