Alabama’s legislative leadership will tackle Congressional and school board redistricting during the 2011 regular session, which lawmakers said would help avoid reconvening the Legislature for a costly special session to address the issue.

Legislators are set to launch a two-week series of public hearings across the state in May to hear voters’ input on how the Legislature should redraw district lines to reflect population changes from new 2010 Census data.

“We’re handling the people’s business in a more streamlined and efficient manner, and as a result, we’re able to save taxpayer money and address this issue without an expensive Special Session,” Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh, R-Anniston, said. “The redistricting process is essential to Alabamians having adequate representation. That’s why we’re hosting a series of public hearings across the state to gain input from the people and make sure we’re executing this process in the most fair and equitable manner.”

House Speaker Mike Hubbard (R-Auburn) said the two-week period isn’t time off for lawmakers, but a chance for them to work in their districts and get public input on redistricting.

“Lawmakers will be back in their districts getting input from constituents on the lines making up Congressional and state school board districts,” he said.

Congressional and school board districts will be the focus of this year’s effort in preparation for the 2012 election. Legislators will wait to redraw state legislative districts since they won’t be needed until the 2014 election.

Public hearings will be held across the state between May 9 and May 20.