The Courier Journal reports on transparency in Kentucky's redistricting process:

"'I know that I will not have a huge say in what the proposed map(s) will look like, but I really feel strongly that it should not be done quickly without public input,' [House Minority Floor Leader Joni Jenkins] said. 'When you're doing this piece of policy that affects everything for a long time … the public has the right to see it, and analyze it, and ask questions and make suggestions.'

"That's also a huge concern for the League of Women Voters of Kentucky.

"Dee Pregliasco, chair of the league's redistricting committee, said they advocated for legislation that would have set up an advisory commission to provide public input on Kentucky's redistricting process, but that idea languished in the legislature.

"She said the league drew its own maps based on 2020 census data and has been holding forums to gather other Kentuckians' suggestions. The organization will take their advice into account when it redoes those maps soon and then will send the updated proposals to state lawmakers.

"Pregliasco pointed to that as an example of how the legislature can make its redistricting process more open and transparent.

"[Sen. Damon]Thayer said the legislature has held a few open committee meetings about redistricting and taken public comment, including from the league. He also said the eventual redistricting proposals will have to go through the typical committee review process, so there will be further opportunity for public input.

"However, he emphasized the responsibility for making redistricting decisions falls under the sole purview of the legislature."