Sen. Wentworth files bill to put redistricting in hands of a citizens' commission

AUSTIN -- On the first day to pre-file bills to be considered during the Special Session of the Texas Legislature that begins June 30, Senator Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio, filed legislation that would take the redistricting process out of the hands of the Legislature and delegate it to an independent bipartisan citizens' redistricting commission.

"Redistricting by its very nature is partisan and divisive," said Senator Wentworth. "Senate Bill 6 would take redistricting out of the hands of those whose political futures could be assured or threatened by the result. Because a redistricting commission would require amending the Texas Constitution, I also filed Senate Joint Resolution 2, which proposes the constitutional amendment."

Senator Wentworth first introduced legislation calling for a citizens' redistricting commission in 1993. He continued his efforts to get a redistricting-commission bill passed in 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001 and during the regular session in 2003.

"After the regular session when Democrats fled to Oklahoma to break a quorum because of congressional redistricting, after chairing the Senate Committee on Redistricting in 2001, and after seeing millions of taxpayers' dollars wasted defending lawsuits that inevitably occur after redistricting, I am more convinced than ever that Texans will be better served if the redrawing of legislative and congressional lines is placed in the hands of men and women whose political futures do not depend on the outcome," said Senator Wentworth.

Senate Bill 6 proposes a nine-member redistricting commission comprised of four Republicans, four Democrats and a nonvoting presiding officer selected by the commission members. Senate Republicans and Senate Democrats would select two commission members each, and House of Representatives Republicans and Democrats would do the same. Members may not have served in public office or in a party leadership post during the previous two years.

Although the idea has had considerable support from political and civic groups, in editorials and from some members of the Legislature, the legislation has failed to pass.

"Fair and equitable redistricting is a herculean task and one that I firmly believe should be in the hands of an independent commission of Texas citizens," said Senator Wentworth. "I was convinced of that in 1993, and after the problems that have ensued since we began the process in 2001, I remain committed to advocating this necessary reform."