A push to draw more independent redistricting maps in Indianapolis is underway with a new commission working on this issue.

A grassroots commission is gathering public input on how Hoosier lawmakers draw legislative districts ahead of 2021 redistricting. Those in Indiana's 6th congressional district say counties are being too broken up to matter to representatives.

Hoosiers are split over whether Indiana lawmakers should draw their own districts -- as they currently do -- or an independent commission should be responsible for redistricting.

While redistricting reform advocates have long called for an independent commission to draw Indiana's district maps, Senate Democrats acknowledge it's too late for that.

Next year, Indiana's Constitution requires legislators to redraw maps for state and federal voting districts based on population data from the U.S. Census.

Senate Republicans rejected a bid Monday to create an independent commission to redraw Indiana's legislative district lines.

Some of the bill's language says legislators should try to keep intact cities, communities, and neighborhoods when drawing new maps.

House Elections Committee Chair Milo Smith said Wednesday he won't give the bill a hearing.

Senate Minority Leader Tim Lanane says more work on redistricting wouldn't be necessary if Republicans heeded a previous study committee's recommendation.

An amendment would have established an independent redistricting commission to largely take over the duties currently performed by lawmakers.