Gov. Kay Ivey on Tuesday called a special session of the Legislature to redraw Alabama’s congressional district map.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on June 8 that the current map, with one majority Black district out of seven, likely violates the Voting Rights Act. A three-judge federal court has given the state until July 21 to draw a new congressional map.

The governor announced the session will begin July 17. Ivey issued a statement saying that the redistricting would be the only topic of the special session.

“It is critical that Alabama be fairly and accurately represented in Washington,” Ivey said. “That is why I support the Alabama Legislature readdressing our congressional map in a special session beginning July 17. It is of the utmost importance that this special session only address the congressional map and nothing else. The task at hand is too urgent and too important.

“The Alabama Legislature has one chance to get this done before the July 21 court deadline. Our Legislature knows our state, our people and our districts better than the federal courts or activist groups do.”

It takes at least five days to pass legislation, so the July 17 start gives lawmakers the minimum number of days to approve a plan. The Legislature’s reapportionment committee will hold a hearing at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday on the proposed maps. All the committee’s meetings will be livestreamed here. On the select location tab, select Room 200.

Plaintiffs who have prevailed in lawsuits claiming the Voting Rights Act violation have proposed maps that would create a second majority Black district. See the maps.