What happens if the Texas legislature fails to redistrict itself?

If the Texas legislature fails to redistrict itself, the legislative redistricting board takes over the responsibility of drawing new district maps. This situation may arise if the legislature does not reach a consensus or is unable to agree on redistricting plans during the regular legislative session. The legislative redistricting board, which is composed of state officials including the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house, is tasked with this vital function to ensure that electoral districts are established in compliance with legal requirements and reflect population changes.

Given the significance of redistricting in the electoral process, having a specialized board take over helps avoid gridlock and ensures that appropriate boundaries are drawn for legislative representation, maintaining fair and effective governance. This mechanism is crucial during times when partisan disagreements might prevent the legislature from acting in a timely manner.