Senate President J. Stuart Adams and Speaker Mike Schultz release the following statement following agreement between the Legislature and the Judiciary on a series of proposed bills aimed at improving the outcomes and overall functioning of the judicial branch in Utah:
“Our system of government was designed to ensure that each branch operates independently, yet also relies on one another to function effectively. At times, this dynamic creates natural and necessary friction between branches. However, we firmly believe that healthy debate and reform do not undermine democracy– they strengthen it.
“Our aim is to preserve this legacy of excellence while improving transparency, efficiency and integrity within our courts. The proposed changes are procedural updates, not an attack on the Judiciary. The Utah Constitution entrusts the Legislature with a broad range of responsibilities in shaping the justice system—including creating courts, determining the number of justices, setting forth how a chief justice is chosen, setting up the nominating commissions for judges, confirming judges and setting retention elections, among others. These actions are not overreach; they are the Legislature fulfilling its constitutional duties.
“Through deliberate debate, thoughtful conversations and in a spirit of collaboration, the Legislature and the Judiciary have found a path forward that will make our government stronger and our state better. S.B. 203 Judicial Standing Amendments, S.B. 204 Right to Appeal Amendments, S.B. 296 Judicial Amendments, and S.J.R. 9 Joint Resolution Amending Rules of Civil Procedure on Injunctions will continue to be considered and debated by the Legislature, with a position of neutrality from the Judicial Council.
“H.B. 512 Judicial Retention Changes, H.B. 451 Judicial Election Amendments, and unnumbered bill file Judicial Officer Modifications, which would increase the number of justices, will not proceed through the legislative process at this time.
“The Legislature stands ready and willing to collaborate with the Judiciary in the coming months to jointly address our concerns, specifically around judicial productivity standards and Utah’s judicial retention system. We look forward to finding a path that produces the best outcomes for our government and, most importantly, for the people of Utah.”
Tags: Legislature Announces Agreement with Judiciary on Proposed Legislation