Two proposed bills in Utah could potentially limit challenges to state laws in the courts. These bills, introduced by Representative Mark Strong and Senator Dan McCay, aim to prevent lawsuits against the state by creating stricter guidelines for filing legal challenges.
One of the bills, HB 147, would require individuals or organizations challenging state laws to provide specific details about how they have been personally impacted by the law. This is intended to prevent “frivolous” lawsuits that do not have a direct impact on those bringing the legal challenge. The bill would also mandate that anyone filing a lawsuit against the state must disclose any financial backing they have received for the legal challenge.
The second bill, SB 56, would prevent out-of-state entities from challenging Utah laws in court unless they can prove that a Utah resident has been directly impacted by the law. This bill aims to address concerns about outside groups or individuals influencing legal challenges in Utah.
Supporters of the bills argue that they are necessary to protect the state from costly and time-consuming legal battles. They believe that these bills will help ensure that only legitimate challenges to state laws are brought to court.
However, critics of the bills argue that they could have a chilling effect on individuals and organizations seeking to challenge potentially unconstitutional laws in Utah. They worry that the stricter guidelines could make it harder for marginalized groups or individuals without resources to bring valid legal challenges.
Both bills are currently being considered by the Utah Legislature, and it remains to be seen how they will be received by lawmakers and the public.
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