Permitting leaders of the general assembly to file amicus curiae briefs in appellate proceedings

Sponsored by the Senate Judiciary Committee

Topics:Courts & civil law State government

Same legislation: SSB 3099

Write your legislators about itWhat changed before it passed

Official bill page Lobbyist declarations One-pager to print

Where it is now

Done: IntroducedJanuary 23, 2024
Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 23, 2024
Done: Senate committeeJanuary 30, 2024
Done: Passes the SenateFebruary 19, 202447–0
Done: House committeeFebruary 29, 2024
Done: Passes the HouseMarch 18, 202485–11
Done: To the GovernorApril 18, 2024
Done: Signed into lawApril 19, 2024

Signed into law What’s a funnel?

What’s in it

AI summary Top leaders from both the Iowa Senate and the House of Representatives can now submit special legal documents to courts when a law's constitutionality is being challenged. These leaders do not need permission from the court or the other people involved in the case to file these documents. Each leader is allowed to sign only one of these documents for a single court proceeding.¹

Read the official explanation

This bill allows the majority leader of the senate, the minority leader of the senate, the speaker of the house of representatives, and minority leader of the house of representatives to file an amicus curiae brief in any appellate proceeding when the constitutionality of an Act of the legislature is called into question. Each leader may file a separate amicus curiae brief in the proceeding. The leader’s right to file an amicus curiae brief does not require the leave of the court or written consent of the parties. The bill permits a legislator to sign not more than one amicus curiae brief in an appellate proceeding or further review proceeding.

Full bill text · What changed before it passed²

House subcommittee

Named February 20, 2024. On February 22, 2024 it recommended passage. Vote Total: 2-1.

Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part

1 written public comment to its subcommittee: January 25, 2024 (1) · on the Legislature’s site

Iowa Code it changes

Creates§625A.19

How the Code works³

Lobbying

2 for · 1 against · 4 undecided · Who →

Family tree

Study bill

SSB 3099Renumbered

90th General Assembly

SF 2171Became lawfrom SSB 3099