Three more public meetings scheduled on Senate districts

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A bipartisan commission now responsible for drawing new state Senate districts has scheduled three public meetings.

The commission met Saturday at the state Capitol and said in a statement that it's holding additional public meetings today, Monday and Tuesday. There is a rush to draw new districts because candidates currently start filing for next year's elections Feb. 28.

Senators tried to create additional breathing room by approving legislation that would delay the start of candidate filing until March 27. The measure passed the Senate 34-0 and now moves to the House.

Additional public hearings will be held today in Jefferson City; Monday in Kansas City; and Tuesday in St. Louis.