Texas Senate Bill SB4

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

• Filed: 8/4/25

Caption

Relating to the composition of the districts for the election of members of the United States House of Representatives from the State of Texas.

Summary

SB 4 is a congressional redistricting bill for Texas. It redraws the boundaries of all 38 U.S. House districts in the state by replacing the existing district map with a new set of district descriptions based on 2020 Census geography. The bill specifies each district using counties, census tracts, block groups, and blocks, and it states that the new map will govern elections for the U.S. House beginning with the 2026 primary and general elections for the 120th Congress. The bill also includes standard redistricting implementation provisions. It defines the geographic terms used in the map, directs courts to interpret any omitted geographic area consistently with legislative intent, repeals prior congressional districting enactments including Chapter 7 (S.B. 6), Acts of the 87th Legislature, 3rd Called Session, 2021, and provides that the new districts do not affect the current 119th Congress. The act takes effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in each chamber; otherwise, it takes effect on the 91st day after adjournment.

Impact

SB 4 would substantially amend Texas election law by replacing the state’s existing congressional district map with a new statewide map for electing members of the U.S. House of Representatives. It would supersede and repeal prior congressional redistricting laws, including the 2021 congressional map, and would control congressional elections beginning in 2026. The bill affects voters, candidates, election administrators, and courts by redefining district boundaries across the state using detailed census-based geography.

Sentiment

The available voting history suggests the bill advanced with support from a clear majority in the Senate, passing key procedural and engrossment votes 19-2 on August 12, 2025. There are no committee transcript excerpts provided, so there is no recorded discussion here to indicate detailed arguments for or against the bill. Overall, the recorded votes show strong majority support, but not unanimity, indicating some opposition remained.

Contention

The main point of contention is the redrawing of congressional districts themselves, which typically raises concerns about partisan advantage, representation, and compliance with redistricting principles such as equal population and community integrity. The narrow 19-2 votes show that while the bill had broad support among those voting, a small number of senators opposed it. Because no committee transcript is available, the specific objections are not documented in the provided materials.