PIERRE, S.D. (AP) – A panel of lawmakers working to redraw the boundaries of South Dakota's legislative districts is discussing how to create districts in areas with substantial populations of Native Americans.

Lawmakers say that once the committee draws lines for districts that include American Indian reservations, it can begin to create new districts in the rest of the state.

To win federal approval, the redistricting plan must protect the voting rights of Native Americans.

In public testimony Tuesday, residents of predominantly white communities near the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation asked that their areas not be added to the district that includes the reservation. They want to remain in a district with close ties to Rapid City.

A special legislative session will be held Oct. 24 to approve new district boundaries.