Committee backs change allowing parties to ask three‑judge panel to decide constitutional questions

Senator Bridal told the House Rules Standing Committee on March 2 that the second substitute to Senate Joint Resolution 6 clarifies the limited scope originally intended and adds a procedural change: it removes language restricting requests to move constitutional questions to the three‑judge panel to only the attorney general, the governor or the legislature. "This simply strikes that and allows a party now to bring a question of constitution to the 3 judge panel," Bridal said.

Bridal said the original intent was a narrow clarification following last year’s medical malpractice-related legislation; the second substitute adds the provision on the three‑judge panel. The committee had no public comment and moved and favorably recommended the second substitute by unanimous voice votes.

The resolution proceeds with the committee’s recommendation.