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Senate Judiciary advances a package of judiciary bills; several pass on party-line margins
Summary
The Senate Judiciary Committee on a busy EA day advanced multiple judiciary bills (SB 15, SB 20, SB 39, SB 40, SB 44, SB 48) out of committee — most by 6–3 roll-call votes — while tabling SB 126. Several amendments were debated; SB 39 passed unanimously after a clarifying amendment.
The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced a slate of judiciary-related bills after executive action, moving several measures out of committee and tabling a landlord-tenant proposal.
The committee voted to report Senate Bill 15, 20, 39, 40, 44 and 48 out of committee during a session dominated by amendment debate and procedural questions. Most final do-pass votes were 6–3. Senator Ricky moved many of the do-pass motions; committee chair Usher presided.
Why it matters: The bills cover changes ranging from standards for judicial accountability to rules about retired judges and complaint confidentiality. Each move now sends the bills to the next stage of the legislative process and signals which measures have brief but sufficient support for floor consideration.
Key outcomes and votes: SB 39 passed unanimously after an amendment clarifying that attorney-fee awards apply “in cases challenging a state statute or administrative rule.” SB 15 passed after an amendment that reinserted "misdemeanors" into the text; that bill’s final committee vote was 6–3. SB 20, SB 40, SB 44 and SB 48 likewise passed out of committee on 6–3 tallies following debate; the committee tabled SB 126 by roll call (6–3).
What members said: Senator Smith repeatedly warned against using statute to reshape judicial processes and urged caution, saying of several transparency-focused bills that "changing the rules of play because we didn't like the outcome of a case is something I disagree with from a fairness standpoint." Supporters argued that bills respond to constituent concerns and aim to improve transparency or accountability; Senator Emmerich said of one measure that "the constitution provides that the public has a right to know and a right to participate."
Next steps: Each passed bill will be scheduled for further floor action as appropriate; tabling of SB 126 pauses its progress in committee. The committee paused briefly for administrative reasons during the session and held a separate hearing on SB 120 (selection and oversight of Article V convention delegates).
