INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana lawmakers would have guidelines for redrawing state political district maps next year if a bill that cleared the Indiana Senate becomes law.

The GOP-led Senate voted 47-1 Thursday to advance the bill, which would stress the preservation of traditional neighborhoods.

Supporters say the guidelines could prevent gerrymandering — the drawing of district boundaries to one political party’s advantage. Others say the bill doesn’t go far enough because it wouldn’t explicitly prohibit political data from being used to create state legislative districts.

Also Thursday, the Senate voted 45-3 for a bill to create a study committee that could ultimately lead to an independent commission to draw new maps starting in 2021.

The Senate bills now move to the Democrat-led House for consideration.

Posted 1/29/2010