Overview

• Acting after a Trump-requested special session, the Senate approved House Bill 4 on an 18-11 vote and sent it to Gov. Greg Abbott for an expected signature.
• The map is designed to shift as many as five U.S. House seats toward Republicans by redrawing districts in metro areas and along the border.
• Democrats and voting-rights groups say the lines dilute Black and Hispanic voting power and are preparing swift court challenges under the Voting Rights Act.
• Republicans used a rare procedural motion to block Sen. Carol Alvarado’s planned filibuster and force a final vote after weeks of walkouts and procedural fights.
• California advanced a counterplan projected to add up to five Democratic-leaning seats, which requires voter approval in a November 4 special election.