House Overrides Governor’s Veto on Bill Letting Legislature Intervene in Lawsuits; Restores $700,000 to Fund Implementation

The Utah House of Representatives voted on April 18 to override the governor’s veto of Senate Bill 171, a measure that would give the legislature an unconditional right to intervene in lawsuits challenging state statutes, and separately restored a $700,000 line item in House Bill 3 to fund potential implementation.

Representative Nelson, the floor sponsor, told colleagues the bill ‘‘authorizes the legislature to specify who may have the right to intervene in a legal action’’ and said the measure is intended to ensure the legislature’s intent in passing laws can be presented directly in court. ‘‘If the attorney general were to refuse to defend the law,’’ Nelson said in opening remarks, ‘‘our hands are tied. We have no remedy. We have no voice.’’

Supporters argued the measure protects the…