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LC 2644

Revise court review of statewide ballot disputes

2025 Regular Session

LC 2644 - Revise court review of statewide ballot disputes OverviewBill Number: LC 2644 Title: Revise court review of statewide ballot disputes Status: (LC) Draft Died in Process

(LC) Draft Died in Process
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Bill Summary · LC 2644

LC 2644 - Revise court review of statewide ballot disputes

Overview

Bill Number: LC 2644
Title: Revise court review of statewide ballot disputes
Status: (LC) Draft Died in Process
Introduced: December 10, 2024

Purpose and Intent

The purpose of this bill is to modify the process for judicial review of statewide ballot disputes in the state. The intent is to establish a more streamlined and efficient process for resolving challenges to ballot measures and initiatives that have qualified for the statewide ballot.

Key Provisions

  • Requires any legal challenges to the validity or certification of a statewide ballot measure to be filed directly with the state's Supreme Court, rather than lower-level district courts.
  • Mandates the Supreme Court to hold an expedited hearing on the challenge within 20 days of the filing.
  • Directs the Supreme Court to issue a final ruling on the challenge within 30 days of the hearing.
  • Prohibits lower courts from considering challenges to statewide ballot measures once the Supreme Court has issued its ruling.
  • Establishes a higher legal standard for overturning a certified ballot measure, requiring "clear and convincing evidence" of a violation rather than a "preponderance of evidence."

Affected Parties and Impacts

This bill would primarily impact the state's election officials, the judicial system, and any groups or individuals seeking to challenge the validity of a statewide ballot measure.

The changes would give the state Supreme Court sole jurisdiction over such challenges, potentially streamlining the review process. However, the higher legal standard for overturning a measure could make it more difficult for challengers to succeed.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

This bill is currently in the draft (LC) stage and has not yet been formally introduced in the state legislature. If introduced, it would need to go through the typical legislative process of committee hearings, floor votes, and potential reconciliation between the two chambers before reaching the governor's desk for signature or veto.

Given the time-sensitive nature of ballot measure challenges, the bill's provisions for expedited Supreme Court review could impact the timeline for resolving any disputes that arise during the 2024 election cycle or beyond.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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