Public Hearings

Under federal regulations for the administration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, a state seeking preclearance of a redistricting plan from the U.S. Department of Justice is required to submit to the department materials that document the legislature's consideration of public sentiment in its redistricting decisions and that show that recognized racial and language minority groups had a reasonable opportunity to participate in the process.

In order to address these considerations and to gather information that will aid the Texas Legislature in making redistricting decisions, legislative committees generally hold public hearings in the months leading up to the redistricting session. While no official census population data are available until after the session begins, the hearings provide an opportunity for citizens to present relevant testimony concerning local preferences, communities of interest, local voting patterns, and other issues that the legislature may consider when redrawing district lines.

Public hearings are also held during the legislative session on redistricting bills under consideration.