Texas House committee plans only one hearing after a redistricting proposal was released

AUSTIN, Texas (KTRK) -- As Texas House Democrats weigh options, House Republicans plan to hold only one hearing after a plan was released that could change who represents Texans in Congress.

The House redistricting committee held a hearing on Friday in Austin. It took place two days after a proposal came out to change congressional districts.

For the first two hours, committee members made statements, questioned the chair, and the bill author.

"This is nothing more than a rigged map after a set of sham hearings," State Rep. Jon Rosenthal (D-Cypress) said. "The field hearings, I contend, were a complete sham."

Prior to the map being released, the House committee held several hearings, including stops in Arlington and Houston. With the map out, State Rep. Cody Vasult (R-Angleton) said the committee will only hold one meeting.

The map was introduced in a bill by State Rep. Todd Hunter (R-Corpus Christi). During the hearing, he said the maps were politically drawn and give an advantage to Republicans in at least four districts.

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He also said data shows minority communities will still be represented in large numbers in the altered districts.

"You all have done us a great job," State Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins (D-San Antonio) said. "A great job! You looked out for the Hispanics, you looked out for the Blacks, but we don't see it that way."

"This isn't Democrat or Republican, as you make it," Hunter explained. "These are five new seats that are Republican. Why can't all of everybody run? It doesn't say you can't win."

The proposal would change Houston-area districts. It completely moves the ninth district and splits the 29th district.

During a news conference on Friday, Democrats say they're weighing options. ABC13 asked them if they plan to leave the state.

They wouldn't answer the question, but say they hope the large number of people testifying at the hearing may sway what happens.

Lawmakers don't have a lot of time to get this done. There are less than three weeks in the special session.

Here's what could happen next with redistricting. The House committee is planning to vote on the map once the hearing is done. If it gets approval, it would move to the full House.

Vasut said that the vote could happen on Tuesday.

As for the Senate, the redistricting committee held a meeting on Tuesday, but hasn't scheduled another one since the proposed map was released.

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