TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida legislative and congressional redistricting plans are up for votes in the House.
Party-line roll calls are expected Friday with majority Republicans for and Democrats against. They’ll then return to the Senate for final action. Democrats and other critics contend the maps violate a pair of new state constitutional amendments on redistricting. Republicans deny those claims, insisting the maps comply not only with the amendments but with the federal Voting Rights Act.
The Fair Districts amendments prohibit lawmakers from intentionally drawing districts that favor incumbents and political parties. They also protect minority voting rights and require lines to follow geographic and political boundaries whenever feasible.
The congressional map will go to Gov. Rick Scott once it’s passed. The legislative plan would go to the Florida Supreme Court for review.
Source: Associated Press
