Rachel Lipman

The new map breaks up the Kansas City area district of Democrat Emanuel Cleaver into three.

That could give the GOP a chance to win seven of Missouri's eight seats, up from the six it currently holds.

The bill signing was close to the media.

The map already faces multiple legal challenges, and there is a possibility it never takes effect.

Opponents are already gathering signatures to force a statewide vote.

If they are successful, voters would have to approve the new districts.

For NPR News, I'm Rachel Lipman in St.

Louis.