SSB 3181

The supreme court may also suspend implementation of a new law if it produces an expedited ruling within three months of the law’s enactment. The bill provides that, if within one year of the date a supreme court decision is rendered that invalidates existing law or has the effect of creating new law, the general assembly may hold a public hearing and compel the attendance of justices to justify the decision. Based on the results of the hearing, a justice present at the hearing may change the justice’s vote or alter the justice’s individual contribution to a decision that invalidates existing law or has the effect of creating a new law if done before that decision takes effect. Lastly, the bill provides that a supreme court decision that invalidates existing law or has the effect of creating new law will not take effect if two-thirds of both the senate and the house of representatives approves of a resolution to overturn the decision within one year of the date the decision was published. The general assembly may also issue its own statement to a published supreme court decision that invalidates existing law or has the effect of creating new law if issued within one year of the date the decision was published, which must regard the constitutionality of the invalidated existing law or newly created law. The bill applies to decisions published by the supreme court on or after the effective date of the bill.