Florida lawmakers return to Capitol to redraw congressional maps

It's map-drawing time again for Florida legislators

Florida lawmakers are returning to the state Capitol for their third special session of the year.

The Florida Legislature on Monday will open a 19-day special session to redraw 40 state Senate districts.

This past summer the Senate acknowledged in court filings that it violated the state constitution by creating maps that benefit Republicans and incumbents.

Voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2010 requiring compact political districts that don't benefit parties or incumbents.

Republicans have a 26-14 majority in the state Senate.

Legislators held a special session in June to pass a new budget.

They returned in August to redraw congressional districts after the state Supreme Court ruled the congressional map violated the constitution.
 
So far, legislative staff have drawn up six different maps for legislators to consider during the special session.