First state redistricting public hearing Friday in Poplar Bluff

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- A Missouri Senate committee plans hearings around the state to gather suggestions about redrawing congressional districts.

Missouri will lose one of its nine U.S. House seats in the next general election because the 2010 census found the state's population growth did not keep up with some other states. District boundaries also must be adjusted for faster-growing areas within the state.

Republican Sen. Scott Rupp, of Wentzville, is chairman of the Senate Committee on Redistricting. He has scheduled the first of a series of public hearings for Friday at Three Rivers Community College in Poplar Bluff.

The House also has a committee dedicated to redistricting.

The redistricting plan must pass both chambers, just like any other piece of legislation, and then be agreed to by Gov. Jay Nixon.