House, Senate can’t resolve differences on Senate districts

Author: the associated press
Published: Updated:
MGN

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – The Florida Senate rejected a map to create new districts for itself and adjourned, leaving the Legislature with its second failed special session this year.

The chamber voted 23-16 Thursday against the map the House approved days earlier. Senators said the maps were flawed and would divide communities.

The vote means lawmakers will leave the capital with no agreement and courts will make the final decision on how the Senate’s 40 districts will be drawn.

“Now we fall into the hands of a court,” said Rep. Jose Oliva, the Hialeah Republican who chairs the House committee on redistricting.

Voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2010 requiring compact political districts that aren’t drawn to benefit parties or incumbents. But repeated efforts to draw new maps have failed since then.

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