SPRINGFIELD -- Republicans said Wednesday they hope actual changes come from recent meetings and forums about the politically dicey topic of drawing boundaries for lawmakers' districts.

Lawmakers from both parties have held several hearings across Illinois recently. Critics say when lawmakers' are left to draw their own boundaries, they can protect themselves by limiting opposition and including areas only favorable to one party.

A committee charged with reviewing past practices met Wednesday for what might be the final time this year. Republicans expressed hope - and some skepticism - change would come from the meetings.

The panel's lead Democrat, state Sen. Kwame Raoul of Chicago, said proposals could be reviewed in the spring.

"We'll consider them the same as we consider all proposals in all committees," Raoul said.

Republicans say the crux of any proposal should be provisions to keep lawmakers from drawing their own districts. That job could be farmed out to an independent committee, or even computer software.

"The politicians should not be allowed to draw the lines in which they later run," state Sen. Dale Righter, R-Mattoon, said.

Proposals about redistricting could be considered in lawmakers' regular spring session next year. But approving them could be tricky, because amending the state constitution takes more support than normal changes in law.

The actual redistricting process won't begin until 2011, once the census is done. Because of population trends, Illinois could lose a seat in Congress, making the boundary-drawing even more politically sensitive.