Plaintiffs challenging a congressional redistricting plan have withdrawn subpoenas aimed at conducting depositions of key lawmakers and legislative staff members, according to court documents.

Attorneys for the plaintiffs filed a notice that they were withdrawing the subpoenas to former House Speaker Chris Sprowls, R-Palm Harbor; former Sen. Ray Rodrigues, R-Estero; former Sen. Aaron Bean, R-Fernandina Beach; Sen. Jennifer Bradley, R-Fleming Island; Rep. Tom Leek, R-Ormond Beach; Rep. Tyler Sirois, R-Merritt Island; and current and former staff members, including former House Chief of Staff Mat Bahl.

The House and Senate had fought the requested depositions, pointing to issues such as the legal concept of legislative privilege. But Leon County Circuit Judge J. Lee Marsh in October issued an order that allowed the depositions. That prompted the House and Senate to appeal to the First District Court of Appeal and ask that the dispute be fast-tracked to the Florida Supreme Court.

House and Senate attorneys filed a notice Thursday that said they were withdrawing the request to go quickly to the Supreme Court, though they indicated they will continue to pursue the case at the First District Court of Appeal.

The deposition requests came in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a congressional redistricting plan that Gov. Ron DeSantis pushed through the Legislature in April. The plan ultimately helped Republicans gain four congressional seats in the Nov. 8 elections. The lawsuit was filed by groups such as the League of Women Voters of Florida.

Copyright 2022 News Service of Florida. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.