If the proposed Kentucky House of Representatives redistricting plan is approved, there would be drastic changes to legislative districts across the region.
During a news conference Thursday morning, Kentucky House Speaker David Osborne introduced the changes and said they are the direct result of population changes calculated by the 2020 Census.
Kentucky’s constitution requires the house to re-draw districts after every Census, which is done every ten years.
Osborne added this map does not divide a single local precinct in the state.
Osborne said they tried to avoid drawing lengthy districts, like the current District 21, which extends all the way from the Tennessee border into southern Hardin County.
If the proposal is passed and signed into law and current representatives hold their seats, District 4 Representative Lynn Bechler, would take over all of Hopkins County, while losing Caldwell, Crittenden, and Livingston counties and a small portion of Christian County.
In addition, District 8 Representative Walker Thomas, would take over Caldwell County and keep eastern Trigg County and western Christian County.
District 9 Representative Myron Dossett would lose a portion of Christian County, while District 5 Representative Mary Beth Imes would gain some of northern Trigg County that was formerly District 8.
District 16 Representative Jason Petrie, would lose Warren County while keeping Todd and Logan counties while gaining a portion of Christian County.
District 6 Representative Chris Freeland would keep all of Lyon and Marshall counties if the proposal passes.
Speaker Osborne said the proposed plan will be submitted officially next week.
Osborne said the Kentucky Senate is currently working on the Congressional maps.
In addition to this plan, Osborne said the House will vote to delay the filing deadline for candidates to January 25, currently the deadline is January 7.
