A three-judge panel has denied a request for a stay in two lawsuits asking that judges redraw legislative boundaries in Kentucky.
The motion for a stay was sought by Kentucky House Speaker Greg Stumbo, who says it's the General Assembly's job to set the boundaries.
Gov. Steve Beshear has called a special legislative session starting Aug. 19 to deal with the issue.
In writing for the three-judge panel, U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove acknowledges the Legislature has the primary responsibility to redraw the boundaries and says the court won't interfere. But he says the court has the secondary responsibility to redraw the maps should the legislature fail.
He says a stay would interfere with the court's duties.
The panel also set a trial in the case for Sept. 23.