Attention turns to redistricting maps

Attention in Austin has shifted to the proposed redistricting maps that are now available for Texas congressional seats, the Texas Senate, Texas House, and State Board of Education. The new boundary lines are controversial, with Democrats concerned that despite significant growth in Texas among people of color, the new maps would reduce the number of Black and Hispanic majority districts. The current special session is slated to end no later than Oct. 19, and additional sessions are likely if the four maps are not approved by then.

The only issue on the agenda for the third special session that is directly related to education is that of how transgender students will be allowed to participate in UIL athletic competitions. The Senate quickly passed SB 3, which would require students to participate based on their biological sex as recorded on their official birth certificate. That bill has not yet been scheduled for a hearing in the House Public Education Committee, which failed to advance the same legislation in the second special session. A similar bill filed in the House was referred to the House Select Committee on Constitutional Rights, where it would be more likely to pass if it is scheduled for a hearing.