Texas state senators voted to create a non-partisan civilian commission to redraw congressional districts.
The measure passed 16-13 and now goes to the House for consideration.
Currently lawmakers draw congressional districts every ten years, usually along partisan lines. Every new map since 1970 has ended up in federal court.
Sen. Jeff Wentworth's bill would have four members appointed by House Democrats and Republicans and four members appointed by a bipartisan Senate group. A ninth, non-voting member would chair the commission, which would draw the maps.
The only person to speak against the bill was Republican Sen. Craig Estes who argued the bill violates the Texas Constitution.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
