Laclede and Pulaski Counties could be moved into the 8th Congressional District

Legislation that will establish new boundaries for Missouri’s eight congressional districts is one step closer to consideration on the House floor. The House Special Committee on Redistricting gave its stamp of approval to HB 2117 Wednesday morning during a public hearing in the State Capitol. Committee Chair Dan Shaul and Vice-Chair Hannah Kelly said the map approved by the committee was created with input from legislators representing their constituents, public testimony from citizens across the state of Missouri, and 2020 census data. The proposed new map of districts moves Pulaski and Laclede to join Phelps and Texas Counties into the 8th Congressional District. Camden, Miller, and Maries Counties would be in the 3rd Congressional District.
Kelly said the bipartisan process used in committee allowed members from both parties to have input on the new district boundaries. The committee met again Wednesday afternoon to give time to an alternate map proposed by House Minority Leader Crystal Quade. While the committee did not approve the map, Kelly said she was pleased with House Leadership’s commitment to due process. HB 2117 must now receive approval from the House Rules Committee before moving to the House floor for discussion. Shaul and Kelly anticipate the bill will be discussed on the floor on Tuesday, January 18th.