Iowa Legislature convenes 2021 special session

Iowa lawmakers will return for a special session to vote on maps that redraw congressional and legislative districts.

The once-a-decade exercise rebalances the districts to coincide with population shifts, which in Iowa were generally away from rural areas to larger cities. The Legislature must consider maps released Sept. 16 by the nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency.

The LSA is responsible for following detailed guidelines to ensure population balance among the congressional and legislative districts and to prevent political influence in the initial drafting of changes.

The Senate gaveled in at 10:05 a.m. Tuesday before going into recess. The State Government Committee will meet at 11 a.m. to review the maps.

The House convened at 10:03 a.m.