florida_district_map.jpgTALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) _ The Florida Legislature has filed a federal lawsuit in Washington, D.C., just in case the Justice Department rejects its redistricting plans.

 

House spokeswoman Katherine Betta said the case was filed Monday to reserve a place on the court calendar if needed.

Betta said that's to make sure it can be resolved before the June 8 candidate filing deadline for this year's elections.

The Justice Department first must review the legislative and congressional maps for compliance with the Voting Rights Act.

The Legislature will meet in special session Wednesday to begin revising the Senate map that was rejected last week by the Florida Supreme Court.

Legislative leaders are planning to complete that work next week and send the map back to the Supreme Court for further review.