Bill would give public say in redrawing congressional districts

DENVER — State lawmakers are already gearing up for another round of congressional redistricting in 2011.

A new proposal set for a hearing in the Senate on Monday would require that the public play a role in deciding where to draw the boundaries of the districts.

Lawmakers would hold hearings across the state to allow the public to submit redistricting maps and recommendations and set up an Internet-based program to accept plans.

Every 10 years Colorado lawmakers are supposed to draw up new congressional districts, based on the latest census numbers. The last three times, courts have ended up doing the work because lawmakers couldn't agree.

Colorado gained an additional congressional seat after the 2000 census.