Abbott Signs Redistricting Bill; Lawsuit Challenges It

Gov. Greg Abbott signed legislation redrawing Texas’ congressional map on Friday. A lawsuit challenging the redrawn districts as being racially discriminatory was filed even before the bill became law.

The Texas Tribune reported that the redrawn map, which could give Republicans five additional congressional seats in 2026, has been challenged by two law firms filing on behalf of 13 Texas residents collectively called “the Gonzales plaintiffs.”

In addition, the NAACP, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund and Mexican American Legislative Caucus have joined LULAC in two additional suits against Abbott that call the maps unconstitutional and “intentionally discriminatory.”

Abbott’s office defended the maps. Andrew Mahaleris, the governor’s press secretary, said they allow “more Texans to vote for the candidate of their choice,” noting that Hispanic Texans are increasingly moving away from Democrats.

A 2021 suit filed by LULAC over the maps drawn after the 2020 census is still pending in court.

House Passes Bill Requiring Sirens in Some Flood-Prone Areas Flood sirens will be required in areas identified by the Texas Water Development Board under a Senate bill approved by the House last week. Under the measure, TWDB would have to identify areas that have a history of severe flooding. In those areas, either the county or city would be required to install and regularly test warning sirens, The Dallas Morning News reported.

SB3 allocates $50 million over the next two years to help cities and counties pay for the sirens, but they must submit a proposal to receive funding. The move comes after the July 4 Hill Country floods killed at least 137 people, including 27 campers and staff members at Camp Mystic along the Guadalupe River.

“We must rely on proven technology like outdoor warning systems,” said state Rep. Terry Wilson, R-Georgetown.

Certain Foreign Nationals Now Banned From Buying Land in Texas As of Sept. 1, people with ties to China, Iran, North Korea or Russia have been banned from buying most Texas property, including farmland, homes and commercial property, the Texas Standard reported. People in the state on student or work visas from those countries may buy a single home to live in but are barred from purchasing additional properties. Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, authored the bill and called it “the strongest protection national security bill of any state passed.”

If a person violates the law, they could face a state jail felony and fines.

Two Chinese nationals living in Texas filed suit in July, arguing the ban violates constitutional protections.

“It’s discriminating against Chinese people, it’s discriminating against immigrants,” said Justin Sadowsky, legal director at the Chinese American Legal Defense Alliance and attorney for the plaintiffs.

The suit was dismissed by a federal judge in August, but the plaintiffs have taken the case to the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.