SRC-JBJ S.J.R. 43 76(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.J.R. 43 76R1358 MLS-DBy: Ellis Jurisprudence 4/16/1999 As Filed DIGEST Currently, the courts of appeals in the state are assigned districts that were redrawn in 1963. The districts were based on population centers and case loads. Since then, both the population and number of case loads have shifted considerably. S.J.R. 43 requires the submission to the voters of a constitutional amendment to reapportion the districts of the courts of appeals. PURPOSE As proposed, S.J.R. 43 requires the submission to the voters of a constitutional amendment to reapportion the districts of the courts of appeals. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Article V, Texas Constitution, by adding Section 6a, to require the legislature to reapportion the courts of appeals districts into single-member or multimember districts. Requires the districts to be substantially equal in population, according to the U.S. decennial census. Requires the legislature to consider county lines, senatorial and representative districts, and commissioners precincts in the reapportionment process. Requires the Redistricting Board (board) to reapportion the districts if the legislature fails to perform the reapportionment. Sets forth duties of the board, including meeting and reapportionment adoption requirements. Provides that the reapportionment takes effect at the next succeeding statewide general election. Authorize the Supreme Court to compel the board into performing its duties by writ of mandamus or other extraordinary writs. Requires the legislature to provide certain funding, and the lieutenant governor and speaker of the house to receive certain travel reimbursements. SECTION 2. Requires the proposed constitutional amendment to be submitted to the voters at an election to be held on November 2, 1999. Sets forth required language for the ballot.